Ted Smith, a former standout guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 1970s, passed away at 71 on Saturday.
Herman Funeral Homes & Crematory announced that Ted Smith passed away in Gibsonburg, Ohio, and his obituary has been posted online. The cause of death was not revealed.
After attending Gibsonburg High School, Smith joined the Ohio State Buckeyes’ football program in 1972, led by legendary head coach Woody Hayes. The Buckeyes finished 9-2 that year, thanks to the dynamic rushing duo of Archie Griffin and Champ Henson (20 touchdowns on the year), who each rushed for 772 yards.
Ted Smith’s Buckeyes reached the Rose Bowl, where they fell to 42-17 to USC. A year later, the Buckeyes went 10-0-1 and got sweet revenge by defeating the Trojans 42-21 in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State would reach the Rose Bowl again in 1974 and ’75, losing to USC and UCLA, respectively.
The efforts of Smith and the Buckeyes’ offensive line helped the aforementioned Archie Griffin win consecutive Heisman Trophies in 1974 and ’75 after rushing for 1,620 and 1,357 yards, respectively. In 1975, Smith earned First-team All-Big Ten and Consensus All-American honors.
Thanks to the elite offensive line in front of him, Griffin was able to take home the Big Ten Most Valuable Player Award in 1973 and ’74 as well.
Smith is survived by his wife, Deborah, four children, nine grandchildren and four siblings. The obituary states that there will be no funeral, and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
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Ted Smith Worked In Construction After College Football
After his college football career, Ted Smith entered a construction career and served as a paving superintendent for Shelly Co. Smith “passionately” cheered on the Buckeyes football team in his post-playing days.
Our prayers are with Mr. Smith’s family and friends during this difficult time.
