COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — With just two weeks to go until the 2024 Ohio State football season, the Buckeyes announced which player will be honored with the “Block O” jersey.

Fifth-year senior linebacker Cody Simon will become the fifth Buckeye recipient of the “Block O” jersey, a tradition that began in 2020 to honor former Buckeye defensive end Bill Willis, a Pro and College football hall of famer who broke the NFL’s color barrier with the Cleveland Browns. The No. 0 jersey is given to a player who embodies “toughness, accountability and the highest of character” — the traits that defined Bill Willis.

Simon, a New Jersey native, had over 140 tackles last season to help a Buckeyes defense become one of the best units in the country. Ohio State ended 2023 with the best pass defense in the country and finishing second in the nation in fewest points allowed per game. “I love this program so much,” said Simon. “I had goals when I got here and even though everything always hasn’t gone the way I’ve envisioned, I couldn’t have asked for better teammates.”

In the announcement, the Buckeyes cited Simon’s leadership over the years and pinpointed him as the “leader of the defense” with linebackers coach and former Buckeye James Laurinaitis pinpointing him as the leader of the group.

Simon joins four other Ohio State players to receive the No. 0 jersey: Jonathan Cooper, Thayer Munford, Kamryn Babb, and Xavier Johnson. The No. 2 ranked Buckeyes begin its season on Aug. 31 when they host the Akron Zips at 3:30 p.m. from Ohio Stadium.