Buckeyes
The Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is a tree, native to Ohio and particularly prevalent in the Ohio River Valley, whose small, shiny, dark brown nuts with a lighter tan patch resembles the eye of a deer. Folk wisdom has it that carrying one in a pocket brings good luck. "Buckeyes" has been the official Ohio State school nickname since 1950, but it had been in common use for many years before as the Buckeye is the state tree.

Scarlet and Gray
Ohio State’s official school colors since 1878, Scarlet and Gray were chosen by a group of three students in a lecture room in University Hall because “it was a pleasing combination...and had not been adopted by any other college,” noted selection committee member Alice Townshend Wing.

Buckeye Leaves
This tradition of placing Buckeye Leaves on the Ohio State helmets started in 1968 when Woody Hayes and longtime trainer Ernie Biggs changed the look of the Ohio State uniforms. The new look included names on the back of the jerseys and a wide "Buckeye stripe" on the sleeves of the jersey believed to be the first of its kind in the sport of football.

Buckeye Grove
Since 1934, a Buckeye tree has been planted in honor of each of Ohio State’s All-American. Trees are usually planted in a pregame ceremony at the spring game. With the renovation of Ohio Stadium in 2001, the Buckeye Grove is now located at the southwest corner of the stadium.

Gold Pants
A gold charm replica of a pair of football pants is given to players and coaches following wins over Michigan. The tradition started in 1934 when first-year coach Francis Schmidt told those wondering how OSU would fare with its nemesis from Ann Arbor: “They put their pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else.” Schmidt’s Buckeyes then went and defeated Michigan four-consecutive times, all by shutout.