BREAKING: Ohio State Buckeyes football legend and 2025 Hall of Fame inductee, donates $3 Million to his alma mater, acknowledges, where his talent was discovered and the…see more…

BREAKING: Ohio State Buckeyes Football Legend and 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Donates $3 Million to Alma Mater, Honors Roots

In a heartwarming gesture of gratitude and legacy, Ohio State Buckeyes football icon and 2025 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Marcus “Tank” Reynolds, has made headlines by donating a staggering $3 million to his alma mater, Westerville Central High School. The donation, announced in a press conference earlier today, marks one of the largest contributions ever made by a former athlete to a high school institution in Ohio.

Reynolds, who rose to national prominence as a standout linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2011 to 2014, credited Westerville Central as the place where his talent was first discovered and nurtured. “This is where it all began,” Reynolds stated, standing on the same field where he once played under the Friday night lights. “Westerville gave me my foundation. The coaches, the community, and my teachers believed in me before anyone else did.”

The $3 million donation will fund a complete renovation of the school’s athletic facilities, including a new turf field, weight room, training center, and scholarships for underprivileged student-athletes. Reynolds emphasized that the donation is not just about football, but about “creating a space where young people—regardless of their background—can dream big and have the tools to chase those dreams.”

Reynolds’ journey from a humble upbringing in Columbus to football stardom has become an inspiration for countless young athletes across the country. After a stellar career at Ohio State, where he led the team to a national championship in 2014 and earned All-American honors, Reynolds went on to play eight seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2023. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame this year solidifies his place among the sport’s greats.

“This donation is a testament to Marcus’ character,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “He’s always been about more than just football. He’s about family, community, and giving back.”

With this landmark contribution, Marcus Reynolds not only cements his legacy as a football legend, but also as a role model and philanthropist, reminding us all that true greatness is measured not only by achievements on the field, but by the impact we leave behind.