For Ohio State fans, it’s not just the trophies and highlight reels that matter—it’s the memories and the people behind the helmet. Just peek at Ryan Day’s IG feed, and the first thing you’ll see is a heartfelt post honoring former quarterback Dwayne Haskins. That’s the Buckeye way—built on emotions and brotherhood. But recently, the Buckeye family has faced a wave of heartbreak. In February, they lost former offensive lineman Ben Christman, just 21, to cardiomyopathy. Days later, the Buckeyes lost another former defender who played for the program during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Donovan Munger passed away too soon at 30, but fans remember him for being tough on the field and a fighter off it. Now, the loss of a true legend has hit the Buckeyes right in the feels.
Bob White, a true Ohio State legend, has added another painful chapter to this tough year for Buckeyes fans. On May 12, the Bucknuts page tweeted the news on X, later confirmed by 247Sports’ Steve Helwagen. “According to a report by The Columbus Dispatch, former #OhioState All-American and 1957 football national champion Bob White has passed away at age 86.” Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, Loren Robert White took his final breath on May 7 in Venice, Florida. Known for his powerful, straight-ahead running style, White was an essential part of Ohio State’s 1957 national title run.
White’s story really boils down to just being patient, tough as nails, and never backing down. Back in the 1950s, freshmen were ineligible to play, meaning White had to bide his time before he could make an impact. When his moment came in 1957, he seized it, splitting time at fullback with Galen Cisco.
In that championship season, he racked up 656 yards on 114 carries with a touchdown, stepping up when halfback Don Clark went down with an injury. White’s 17-13 win against Iowa in front of 82,935 fans at the old Ohio Stadium is still remembered as one of the great moments in Buckeye history. The following week, he ran for 163 yards on 30 carries to power Ohio State past Michigan 31-14 in front of 101,001 fans at Michigan Stadium—a rivalry performance for the ages.
Former #OhioState All-American and national champion Bob White passed away.https://t.co/dkAXHmxiTr pic.twitter.com/3UN0kgAFJp
— Bucknuts (@Bucknuts247) May 13, 2025
In his 27 career games for the Buckeyes, White carried the ball 403 times for 1,723 yards (4.3 yards per carry) with 13 touchdowns. He also snagged a 30-yard pass in 1959 before being selected in the ninth round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Although his pro career was brief—just six games with the Houston Oilers in 1960—White’s legacy as a bruising, dependable fullback was already cemented.
His 1960 Fleer rookie card captures his gridiron reputation perfectly: “A rugged, pile-driving fullback” who was stopped just once for negative yardage in his entire Ohio State career.
Fans pay tribute to the unstoppable force named Bob White
For those who watched him bulldoze defenses, Bob White will forever be a Buckeye legend. One fan kept it simple but heartfelt, commenting, “RIP Buckeye.” Another reflected on his impact, writing, “Sad news.”
The respect he commanded wasn’t just for his stats but for the grit and heart he brought to every snap. White’s journey didn’t end when his college days did. He later became a head coach at Wilmington High School in Ohio during the mid-1980s, continuing to inspire young players long after his playing days were over.
Another fan showed respect for his versatility by dropping folded hands emojis. “.” Bob White may no longer be with us, but nature’s namesake—the bobwhite quail—ensures his legacy still takes flight. Thus, a fan found hope in these dark times and commented, “A bird was named after Bob.”
White’s legacy as a player, coach, and mentor ensures his story won’t be forgotten. Though he never snagged a Heisman, finishing fourth in the 1958 balloting, he remains a beloved figure in Ohio State history. As one fan summed up perfectly, “He may be gone, but his spirit will forever be a part of Buckeye Nation.” Some losses echo louder than others, and for Buckeyes fans, Bob White’s loss will resonate for years to come.
The post “RIP”: College Football Community Mourns Loss of Ohio State Legend Who Led Them to National Championship appeared first on EssentiallySports.
