COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jim Tressel's tenure as Youngstown State University's president is coming to an end. He announced his retirement last year, and it's effective Feb. 1. 

Many players that once played under Tressel said he had a hand in influencing their careers.

What You Need To Know

  • Jim Tressel is retiring as president of Youngstown State University, effective Feb. 1

  • Tressel coached YSU and OSU football from 1986-2010 

  • Former players and coaches say he is a man of integrity and encouraged them to think about their futures

“The sentiment across the board that stands out most about coach Tressel, is his priority on building men and building character versus winning championships,” said former Ohio State wide receiver Roy Hall. 

Hall played under Jim Tressel at Ohio State from 2003 to 2006. 

He said Tressel always challenged players to think about what's next, after college or after their NFL career comes to an end. 

“Who am I after football? And also, while I have that position and that platform, how am I leveraging that platform to help other people with my position?” said Hall. 

Hall's partner at the Driven Foundation, Antonio Smith, was a walk-on for Tressel in 2002, who worked his way up to become one of the best defensive backs in the country. 

He once told Tressel his goal one season was to be included in an NCAA football video game...years later, Tressel had one question for him. 

“He said, 'Tone, I remember the conversation we had as far as you trying to make the NCAA College Football game — did that ever happen?' He had this really unique gift of having an amazing memory. And I said, 'you know coach Tressel, absolutely I did. I did make that game,'” said Smith. 

Tressel coached four Football Championship Subdivision national champions while at Youngstown State. Akron Hoban head coach Tim Tyrrell played on three of those teams and has parlayed that experience into winning five state titles with the Knights.​

“He introduced me when I first moved up from Florida. He was there, unbeknownst to me. I did not know he was going to be there to introduce me. But he always seems to find time to get in front of groups of people to make fun of me a little bit. So, we just have always stayed close. Again, it was about the more personal relationships you have with kids and that's why I learned so much from him. When they know you care, they try a little harder,” said Tyrrell. 

Cie Grant played linebacker under Tressel for two seasons at Ohio State.

Although capturing a National Championship and his renditions of Carmen Ohio stand out as top memories at Ohio State, he said having Tressel as a mentor goes well beyond wins and losses..and his legacy will endure for generations. 

“You saw what he did at YSU as the president to where he could have a greater effect on both men and women of all races, from all backgrounds. For him to be retiring right now, you know he'll still have a great effect on people. That will never leave,” said Grant.