Ohio State LB Cody Simon becomes the fifth recipient of the Block O Jersey as the Captain becomes the second non-Ohio native to represent the honor. 

Cody Simon is a fifth-year linebacker who has spent all four years as part of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. After just three tackles in his first season in 2020, Simon has contributed in every season since for the Silver Bullets defense.

His next three seasons feature tackle numbers of 54, 32, and 45. He has added four passes defended, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception in his time as a Buckeye. Simon has a solid amount of tackles for loss as well, with a knack for finding the football. With both starting linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers now gone, Simon will be stepping in and making an impact both on and off the field.

The linebacker position will have some familiar faces this season, although they have not been consistent starters like most other positions on the team. According to linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, Simon has stepped up to become the leader of the linebacking core. 

With great power comes great responsibility, and Simon has acknowledged how important his role on the team is. He is one of the older guys on the team and in the linebacker room, and will be leaned on both sideline to sideline and in the meeting room.

Shortly after receiving the Block O jersey, Simon highlighted being a leader means being at his best every day. It also means being an example of someone you can look up to, illustrating how he will lead the team physically and emotionally.

Simon is just the second of the five recipients of the Block O jersey not from Ohio, joining Kamryn Babb two seasons ago. The 6’2 linebacker from Jersey City, New Jersey has played in 44 games and started 15 times in 2021 and 2023. He was one of the bright spots in the Buckeyes’ last game against Missouri with a career-high 12 tackles.

The jersey was introduced to the team a handful of years ago when the NCAA announced players could wear the number zero. The jersey means more in Columbus, as it was created in memory of Bill Willis, who helped break the color barrier in professional football. His number 99 jersey is retired inside the Horseshoe, and the 0 jersey is given to players who embody the traits of toughness, accountability, and the highest character Willis had.

Simon also joins wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and defensive end Jack Sawyer as the team captains for the scarlet and gray for the new-look college football season.

It is easy to see why Cody Simon received the special honor ahead of the 2024 season, as he plays a huge role for the team in all phases. If Simon and the other captains keep the team focused throughout the season, the sky’s the limit for the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes.