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Ohio State's mascot, Brutus Buckeye, is brought to life by a dedicated team of student athletes and coaches. The article provides an exclusive look at a year in the life of this iconic figure.
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Being Brutus: A year behind the scenes with Ohio State's iconic mascot
Ohio State is many things. A land grant university. A research engine. A college football powerhouse. An iconic brand. And all of it is represented by an anthropomorphic nut named Brutus Buckeye. While there is only one “official” Brutus, a team of student athletes, coaches and athletic trainers have worked to make the mascot come to life for the last 60 years.
From supporting all of the university's athletics programs to gunning for a national championship of their own, The Dispatch got an all-access look at a year in the life of Ohio State’s mascot team through the eyes of its four graduating seniors.
Brutus Buckeye head coach Ray Sharp leads a cheer with team members at the conclusion of practice on May 14, 2025.
Head coach Ray Sharp records video as a Brutus team member improvs with props during practice at the soccer practice field on July 9, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye interacts with kids and other mascots during an activity at UCA mascot camp in Wisconson Dells on July 31, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye serves as the official mascot for Ohio State University, representing the school's athletics programs and spirit.
Brutus Buckeye has been the official mascot for Ohio State University for the last 60 years.
A team of student athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers work together to embody Brutus Buckeye.
The article offers an all-access look at a year in the life of the mascot team through the experiences of its four graduating seniors.

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Brutus Buckeye team members and coaches attend UCA mascot camp in Wisconson Dells on July 31, 2025.
From left, Brutus Buckeye team members Caleb Kies, Jeff Moody, Tyler Wisman and Kurt Steelman stretch inside Ohio Stadium at the start of a pre-sunrise conditioning workout on Aug. 25, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye team members Kurt Steelman, left, and Caleb Kies run steps inside Ohio Stadium at the start of an early morning conditioning workout on Aug. 25, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye helps carry golf bags during the Drive FORE Scholarship 2025 golf outing at The Ohio State University Golf Club’s Scarlet Course on Aug. 25, 2025. Proceeds from the event go to fund spirit squad scholarships.
Brutus Buckeye nearly sinks a putt during the Drive FORE Scholarship 2025 golf outing at The Ohio State University Golf Club’s Scarlet Course on Aug. 25, 2025. Proceeds from the event go to fund spirit squad scholarships.
Ohio State mascot, Brutus, and University of Texas mascot, Hook 'Em, interact during a filming of the Joel Klatt Show on Ohio State's campus on Aug. 28, 2025. The Buckeyes' kick off the 2025 season against the Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30.
Brutus Buckeye holds up a sign on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the football game against Texas on Aug. 30, 2025.
Lee Corso puts on the Brutus helmet as he makes his final pick between Kirk Herbstreit and Pat McAfee prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye helps stuff meal packets with volunteers inside the RPAC on campus on Sept. 11, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye team member Tyler Wisman puts on his Brutus-themed socks prior to the football game against Ohio University on Sept. 13, 2025.
Mascot coach Ray Sharp gives the football game day rundown to Brutus Buckeye team members, from right, Caleb Kies, Tyler Wisman and Jeff Moody on Sept. 13, 2025.
Dressed in a suit, Brutus Buckeye leaves the team locker room to head to the football team walk from the Skull Session to Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye is introduced prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025.
Caleb Kies and mascot coach Ray Sharp arrive at Husky Stadium in Seattle for the football game against the University of Washington on Sept. 27, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye stops to take a photo with a group of students during the Ohio State Homecoming parade on Oct. 3, 2025.
Kurt Steelman adjusts his tie while getting dressed for Brutus' 60th birthday party for mascot alumni at the Ohio Union on Oct. 3, 2025.
Sally Lanyon hops in a photo booth with Brutus Buckeye at his 60th birthday fundraiser during the Ohio State University Homecoming festivites on campus on Oct. 3, 2025. Lanyon worked with Ray Bourhis to build a paper mache buckeye nut mascot at the Pi Beta Phi sorority house for the October 1965 Homecoming game at Ohio Stadium.
Surrounded by former student athletes who donned the mascot suit, Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye pops out of a birthday present box at midfield prior to the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Brutus was celebrating his 60th birthday during the game.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with Brutus Buckeye and the Illibuck Trophy following the 34-16 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini in the NCAA football game at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
Tyler Wisman arrives at French Fieldhouse for a conditioning workout at 6am on Oct. 23, 2025.
Strength coach Quadrian Banks leads an early-morning conditioning session with members of the cheer and mascot teams on Oct. 23, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye team member Jeff Moody lifts during a conditioning workout at St. John Arena on Oct. 23, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye ziplines into Ohio Stadium prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Caleb Kies neatly folds Brutus' waist towel while getting dressed for the men's basketball game against IU Indy at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus on Nov. 3, 2025. Ohio State won the season opener 118-102.
Brutus Buckeye interacts with people at the Athletic Club of Columbus prior to a wedding event on Nov. 21, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye attends a wedding as a surprise guest in downtown Columbus on Nov. 21, 2025.
Jeff Moody signs Brutus' name in the fogged window of Kurt Steelman's car after leaving a wedding event on Nov. 21, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye team members hug following the final home football game on Nov. 22, 2025.
An M in the endzone is crossed out in snow by Ohio State mascot Brutus during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Brutus Buckeye reacts to causing mischief on the Michigan Stadium sideline during the football game on Nov. 29, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye and the student section try to distract the free throw attempt by Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Markus Burton (3) during the men's NCAA basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus on Nov. 16, 2025. Ohio State won 64-63.
The Ohio State Buckeyes mascot, Brutus, waves a flag prior to the NCAA men's basketball game against the Illinois Fighting Illini in Columbus on Dec. 9, 2025. Ohio State lost 86-78.
Brutus Buckeye takes Christmas photos with families at Ohio Stadium on Dec. 12, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye team members brainstorm ideas for their nationals props during team practice on Dec. 8, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye team members Tyler Wisman, left, and Jeff Moody paint props for their nationals skit on Dec. 19, 2025.
Brutus Buckeye and head coach Ray Sharp seek feedback from spirit team members after they got a sneak peek of his national skit inside French Fielhouse on Jan. 7, 2026.
Mascot coach Ray Sharp works with Brutus Buckeye during a rehearsal for the spirit nationals inside the Schottenstein Center on Jan. 8, 2026.
Brutus performs during a run through of the nationals game day performance with dance and cheer teams inside the Schottenstein Center on Jan. 8, 2026.
The Brutus Buckeye team unloads their nationals props from a moving van outside their hotel in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 15, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye celebrates with head coach Ray Sharp as the Ohio State University spirit squad react to being named national champions in the the game day category for the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 16, 2026.
The Ohio State University cheerleaders toss Brutus Buckeye in the air while celebrating being named national champions in the the game day live category for the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 16, 2026.
Jeff Moody gets a hug from Tyler Wisman after Brutus Buckeye and the Ohio State University spirit squad were named national champions in the the game day category for the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 16, 2026.
On his way to being named national champion, Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye competes in the mascot division at the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 17, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye team members celebrate winning the national championship in the mascot division during the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 17, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye celebrates with the national championship trophy in the mascot division during the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 17, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye team member Kurt Steelman shows off his design for a national championship ring inside their locker room in St. John Arena on Feb. 3, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye team member Caleb Kies drives Brutus to an eventon campus on March 6, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye team member Caleb Kies works with protential Bruti during a costume session prior to try-outs on March 24, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye high fives Chantel Fucci at a Fisher College of Business event on March 30, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye team member Tyler Wisman receives back treatment from athletic trainer Kevin Lennon on March 30, 2026. Lennon suspects the added weight of Brutus' head has caused upper body stress over the past three years of Wisman being on the team.
Brutus Buckeye team member Tyler Wisman bowls at PINS in Dublin during a team bonding event on March 30, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye team members Kurt Steelman, left, and Jeff Moody hang out at PINS in Dublin during a team bonding event on March 30, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye takes photos with nursing school students on April 15, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye high fives Caleb Kies during a nursing school event on April 15, 2026. Kies is also a senior member of the team.
A potential Brutus Buckeye demonstrates a "Hulk Hogan," one of the mascot's signature moves, during try-outs for the team in front of seniors and coaches on April 25, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye seniors, from right, Tyler Wisman, Jeff Moody, Caleb Kies, along with coaches Ray Sharp and Tim Thiel take notes during Brutus try-outs on April 25, 2026.
Brutus Buckeye graduating seniors, from left, Tyler Wisman, Kurt Steelman, Jeff Moody and Caleb Kies show off the National Championship rings that they were surprised with receiving at a team gathering at the Wisman house in Westerville on May 7, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye head coach Ray Sharp leads a cheer with team members at the conclusion of practice on May 14, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye head coach Ray Sharp leads a cheer with team members at the conclusion of practice on May 14, 2025.
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Head coach Ray Sharp records video as a Brutus team member improvs with props during practice at the soccer practice field on July 9, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye interacts with kids and other mascots during an activity at UCA mascot camp in Wisconson Dells on July 31, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye team members and coaches attend UCA mascot camp in Wisconson Dells on July 31, 2025.
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From left, Brutus Buckeye team members Caleb Kies, Jeff Moody, Tyler Wisman and Kurt Steelman stretch inside Ohio Stadium at the start of a pre-sunrise conditioning workout on Aug. 25, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye team members Kurt Steelman, left, and Caleb Kies run steps inside Ohio Stadium at the start of an early morning conditioning workout on Aug. 25, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye helps carry golf bags during the Drive FORE Scholarship 2025 golf outing at The Ohio State University Golf Club’s Scarlet Course on Aug. 25, 2025. Proceeds from the event go to fund spirit squad scholarships.
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Brutus Buckeye nearly sinks a putt during the Drive FORE Scholarship 2025 golf outing at The Ohio State University Golf Club’s Scarlet Course on Aug. 25, 2025. Proceeds from the event go to fund spirit squad scholarships.
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Ohio State mascot, Brutus, and University of Texas mascot, Hook 'Em, interact during a filming of the Joel Klatt Show on Ohio State's campus on Aug. 28, 2025. The Buckeyes' kick off the 2025 season against the Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30.
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Brutus Buckeye holds up a sign on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the football game against Texas on Aug. 30, 2025.
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Lee Corso puts on the Brutus helmet as he makes his final pick between Kirk Herbstreit and Pat McAfee prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye helps stuff meal packets with volunteers inside the RPAC on campus on Sept. 11, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye team member Tyler Wisman puts on his Brutus-themed socks prior to the football game against Ohio University on Sept. 13, 2025.
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Mascot coach Ray Sharp gives the football game day rundown to Brutus Buckeye team members, from right, Caleb Kies, Tyler Wisman and Jeff Moody on Sept. 13, 2025.
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Dressed in a suit, Brutus Buckeye leaves the team locker room to head to the football team walk from the Skull Session to Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye is introduced prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025.
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Caleb Kies and mascot coach Ray Sharp arrive at Husky Stadium in Seattle for the football game against the University of Washington on Sept. 27, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye stops to take a photo with a group of students during the Ohio State Homecoming parade on Oct. 3, 2025.
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Kurt Steelman adjusts his tie while getting dressed for Brutus' 60th birthday party for mascot alumni at the Ohio Union on Oct. 3, 2025.
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Sally Lanyon hops in a photo booth with Brutus Buckeye at his 60th birthday fundraiser during the Ohio State University Homecoming festivites on campus on Oct. 3, 2025. Lanyon worked with Ray Bourhis to build a paper mache buckeye nut mascot at the Pi Beta Phi sorority house for the October 1965 Homecoming game at Ohio Stadium.
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Surrounded by former student athletes who donned the mascot suit, Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye pops out of a birthday present box at midfield prior to the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Brutus was celebrating his 60th birthday during the game.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with Brutus Buckeye and the Illibuck Trophy following the 34-16 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini in the NCAA football game at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
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Tyler Wisman arrives at French Fieldhouse for a conditioning workout at 6am on Oct. 23, 2025.
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Strength coach Quadrian Banks leads an early-morning conditioning session with members of the cheer and mascot teams on Oct. 23, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye team member Jeff Moody lifts during a conditioning workout at St. John Arena on Oct. 23, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye ziplines into Ohio Stadium prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
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Caleb Kies neatly folds Brutus' waist towel while getting dressed for the men's basketball game against IU Indy at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus on Nov. 3, 2025. Ohio State won the season opener 118-102.
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Brutus Buckeye interacts with people at the Athletic Club of Columbus prior to a wedding event on Nov. 21, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye attends a wedding as a surprise guest in downtown Columbus on Nov. 21, 2025.
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Jeff Moody signs Brutus' name in the fogged window of Kurt Steelman's car after leaving a wedding event on Nov. 21, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye team members hug following the final home football game on Nov. 22, 2025.
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An M in the endzone is crossed out in snow by Ohio State mascot Brutus during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
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Brutus Buckeye reacts to causing mischief on the Michigan Stadium sideline during the football game on Nov. 29, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye and the student section try to distract the free throw attempt by Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Markus Burton (3) during the men's NCAA basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus on Nov. 16, 2025. Ohio State won 64-63.
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The Ohio State Buckeyes mascot, Brutus, waves a flag prior to the NCAA men's basketball game against the Illinois Fighting Illini in Columbus on Dec. 9, 2025. Ohio State lost 86-78.
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Brutus Buckeye takes Christmas photos with families at Ohio Stadium on Dec. 12, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye team members brainstorm ideas for their nationals props during team practice on Dec. 8, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye team members Tyler Wisman, left, and Jeff Moody paint props for their nationals skit on Dec. 19, 2025.
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Brutus Buckeye and head coach Ray Sharp seek feedback from spirit team members after they got a sneak peek of his national skit inside French Fielhouse on Jan. 7, 2026.
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Mascot coach Ray Sharp works with Brutus Buckeye during a rehearsal for the spirit nationals inside the Schottenstein Center on Jan. 8, 2026.
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Brutus performs during a run through of the nationals game day performance with dance and cheer teams inside the Schottenstein Center on Jan. 8, 2026.
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The Brutus Buckeye team unloads their nationals props from a moving van outside their hotel in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 15, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye celebrates with head coach Ray Sharp as the Ohio State University spirit squad react to being named national champions in the the game day category for the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 16, 2026.
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The Ohio State University cheerleaders toss Brutus Buckeye in the air while celebrating being named national champions in the the game day live category for the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 16, 2026.
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Jeff Moody gets a hug from Tyler Wisman after Brutus Buckeye and the Ohio State University spirit squad were named national champions in the the game day category for the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 16, 2026.
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On his way to being named national champion, Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye competes in the mascot division at the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 17, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye team members celebrate winning the national championship in the mascot division during the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 17, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye celebrates with the national championship trophy in the mascot division during the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 17, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye team member Kurt Steelman shows off his design for a national championship ring inside their locker room in St. John Arena on Feb. 3, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye team member Caleb Kies drives Brutus to an eventon campus on March 6, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye team member Caleb Kies works with protential Bruti during a costume session prior to try-outs on March 24, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye high fives Chantel Fucci at a Fisher College of Business event on March 30, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye team member Tyler Wisman receives back treatment from athletic trainer Kevin Lennon on March 30, 2026. Lennon suspects the added weight of Brutus' head has caused upper body stress over the past three years of Wisman being on the team.
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Brutus Buckeye team member Tyler Wisman bowls at PINS in Dublin during a team bonding event on March 30, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye team members Kurt Steelman, left, and Jeff Moody hang out at PINS in Dublin during a team bonding event on March 30, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye takes photos with nursing school students on April 15, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye high fives Caleb Kies during a nursing school event on April 15, 2026. Kies is also a senior member of the team.
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A potential Brutus Buckeye demonstrates a "Hulk Hogan," one of the mascot's signature moves, during try-outs for the team in front of seniors and coaches on April 25, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye seniors, from right, Tyler Wisman, Jeff Moody, Caleb Kies, along with coaches Ray Sharp and Tim Thiel take notes during Brutus try-outs on April 25, 2026.
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Brutus Buckeye graduating seniors, from left, Tyler Wisman, Kurt Steelman, Jeff Moody and Caleb Kies show off the National Championship rings that they were surprised with receiving at a team gathering at the Wisman house in Westerville on May 7, 2026.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye, behind the scenes