Ohio State Leads Big Ten with 185 Distinguished Scholars, Including Two Football Standouts
Ohio State University continues to set the standard for academic excellence in the Big Ten Conference, with 185 student-athletes earning the prestigious Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award for the 2024-25 academic year. This achievement, announced on July 14, 2025, marks the fourth consecutive year that Ohio State has led the conference in total honorees, underscoring the university’s commitment to balancing athletic prowess with scholastic success. Among the recipients are two Ohio State football players, Carnell Tate and Lorenzo Styles Jr., whose academic achievements highlight the program’s emphasis on scholar-athlete development.[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2025/7/14/general-buckeyes-receive-b1g-distinguished-scholar-accolades)
#### A Legacy of Academic Excellence
The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award, established in 2008, recognizes student-athletes who have earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, been enrolled full-time for the entire previous academic year, and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.70, excluding summer grades. Ohio State’s 185 honorees for 2024-25 reflect a remarkable academic year, with 49 Buckeyes achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. This total surpasses the previous year’s 190 and ranks as the second-highest in school history, trailing only the 232 recognized in 2020-21. The university’s consistent leadership in this category—having led the Big Ten for four straight years—demonstrates a culture that prioritizes intellectual growth alongside athletic achievement.[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2025/7/14/general-buckeyes-receive-b1g-distinguished-scholar-accolades)[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/buckeyes-lead-way-with-190-b1g-distinguished-scholars/)
#### Football Stars Shine in the Classroom
Among the standout recipients are football players Carnell Tate and Lorenzo Styles Jr., whose inclusion on the list highlights the Ohio State football program’s dedication to academic rigor. Tate, a wide receiver, and Styles, a defensive back, have exemplified the scholar-athlete ideal, maintaining GPAs above 3.70 while contributing to the Buckeyes’ success on the field. The football team itself set a program record with 56 Academic All-Big Ten honorees in the fall of 2024, reflecting a team GPA that has hovered near or above 3.0 for multiple semesters. Tate and Styles join a legacy of Ohio State football players, such as Luke Farrell and Ben Schmiesing, who have previously earned this honor with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Their achievements underscore the program’s ability to foster discipline and excellence in both domains.[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2024/12/12/general-buckeyes-earn-academic-all-big-ten-honors)[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/five-football-players-are-big-ten-distinguished-scholars/)
#### Broad Representation Across Sports
Ohio State’s 185 Distinguished Scholars represent a wide array of sports, from rowing and gymnastics to fencing and track and field. The rowing team led with 23 honorees, while women’s gymnastics, ice hockey, and lacrosse each contributed double-digit recipients. Notably, 49 student-athletes, including women’s basketball player Taylor Thierry and wrestler Dylan D’Emilio, earned perfect 4.0 GPAs. This diversity showcases the university’s holistic approach to supporting student-athletes across all programs. The academic success is further evidenced by 515 Buckeyes earning Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2024-25, with 147 recognized in fall sports alone, setting a school record.[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2025/7/14/general-buckeyes-receive-b1g-distinguished-scholar-accolades)[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2024/12/12/general-buckeyes-earn-academic-all-big-ten-honors)
#### A Culture of Scholar-Athletes
Ohio State’s academic achievements extend beyond individual awards. In 2024-25, 95% of student-athlete graduates secured full-time employment, graduate school admission, or professional sports contracts by May. The university’s robust support system, including initiatives like the Scholar-Athlete Awards and postgraduate scholarships, fosters an environment where academic and athletic excellence thrive. The recognition of Tate and Styles, alongside 183 other Buckeyes, reinforces Ohio State’s reputation as a leader in producing well-rounded scholar-athletes.[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/buckeyes-lead-way-with-190-b1g-distinguished-scholars/)[](https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2025/5/4/general-student-athletes-to-receive-degrees-sunday)
#### Looking Forward
As Ohio State continues to excel in the classroom and on the field, the 2024-25 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors serve as a testament to the university’s enduring commitment to its student-athletes. With Tate and Styles leading the way, the Buckeyes are poised to maintain their dominance in both academics and athletics, setting a high standard for future generations.
