Jim Tressel, a former college football coach and Ohio’s soon-to-be lieutenant governor, said Thursday that he never envisioned accepting such a position — and that, despite heightened speculation, he has not thought about running for governor in 2026.

The decision I made was to sign the NCAA form that all of our players were doing appropriate things — and that wasn't the truth.”

Columbus, Ohio – Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel was confirmed Wednesday as Ohio’s next lieutenant governor. State senators and representatives affirmed Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s nomination of Tressel in separate floor votes Wednesday: 31-1 in the Senate, 68-27 in the House.