Jim Tressel Surprised with Ohio State Football Ring of Honor Announcement in New Video

Former Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel got a surprise on Tuesday when he was announced as the newest inductee into the program's Ring of Honor.

The Buckeyes released a video in which current head coach Ryan Day informed Tressel he would get a spot in the Ring of Honor.

Tressel will be formally enshrined at a ceremony at Ohio Stadium during Ohio State's season opener against Ball State on Sept. 5.

Tressel issued a statement about the honor via the Buckeyes' official athletic website:

"Growing up in Ohio, Ohio Stadium was about as special a place as there could be for a Buckeye fan. Then, when you have the privilege of spending so many years on the field as a coach, you never really think about something like this. You just try to honor the tradition, respect the responsibility that comes with it, and do your very best each day. I grew up admiring Paul Brown and Woody Hayes, and they both meant so much to our family. To be recognized alongside these men is truly humbling. Thank you to Ellen and our entire family, our players, our coaches and support staff, TBDBITL, and the entire Buckeye Nation for the support over the years. I'm grateful to have been a small part of such a special tradition, and I will be forever grateful to Andy Geiger and President Brit Kirwan for giving us this extraordinary opportunity"

Tressell will join Paul Brown and Woody Hayes as the only head coaches in Ohio State's Ring of Honor. He will be the first inductee since 2014 when quarterback Troy Smith, who won the 2006 Heisman Trophy, was enshrined.

The 73-year-old Tressel coached at Ohio State for 13 seasons over two stints. His first stint with the program was from 1983 to '85 when he was an assistant on Earle Bruce's staff.

After a 15-season stint as head coach at Youngstown State from 1986 to 2000, Tressel returned to Columbus when he was hired as John Cooper's replacement.

Tressel led the Buckeyes to a 106-22 record in 10 seasons as head coach, though he is officially recognized as having a 94-22 mark after the Buckeyes vacated their 12 wins from the 2010 season due to NCAA violations.

Ohio State's 2002 national title was the program's first since 1970. Tressel resigned as Buckeyes head coach in May 2011.

Going by his 106-22 record, Tressel's .828 winning percentage ranks 11th all-time among FBS head coaches.