Gary Danielson’s Final Season Highlights Ohio State vs. Washington Matchup

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gary Danielson, who is retiring from broadcasting after this season, will call the Ohio State football game against Washington this Saturday.

This matchup is special for Danielson, who recalls being recruited by legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes back in 1968. At an all-state banquet, Hayes told him, ‘I could come down there and win the national championship with the Buckeyes.’ Even at that time, he sensed Danielson wasn’t the right fit for his program.

Instead, Danielson chose Purdue, where he became a dual-threat quarterback and one of the Big Ten’s most accurate passers of the 20th century. He remembers suffering a loss against Washington in 1971, when he completed 61.7% of his passes, a record for the conference at the time.

Now, four decades later, he returns to Seattle as Ohio State prepares for a challenging away game at Husky Stadium. This will be the Buckeyes’ first collegiate road start for their new quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., who has shown he can make plays with both his arm and legs.

Danielson believes that the Buckeyes, like last year’s championship team led by veteran quarterback Will Howard, will play their best football when it matters most. He noted that Williams has time to gain experience with the new 12-team College Football Playoff format.

As a longtime broadcaster, Danielson has witnessed numerous standout players from various programs. He praised Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, calling him a game-changer who needs to be identified by opposing defenses on every play. He also compared Ohio State safety to NFL star Tyrann Mathieu, noting his versatility on the field.

“You can put him anywhere and he can attack any part of the offense,” Danielson said of the talented safety.

Danielson has developed a love for Ohio football, noting that he appreciates the high expectations Buckeye fans have for their team. He sees all of this as reminiscent of the levels of passion he experienced while playing in Cleveland for the Browns.

As he prepares for his final game as a broadcaster, Danielson’s legacy is clear to those at Ohio State. Coach Ryan Day recognized his contributions to college football, saying, ‘He’s made a huge impact. It’s bringing college football into people’s living rooms and restaurants.’

As Ohio State steps into this critical game, Danielson’s experience and insights serve as a reminder of the tradition and passion surrounding college football in Ohio.