What are the gold pants awarded to Ohio State football players?

Ohio State is looking to turn the tide against Michigan in The Game on Nov. 29, ending a four-game losing skid in the rivalry that has prevented Ohio State players from receiving the coveted ... gold pants.

Though the 2025 installment of the rivalry has seeding implications for the Big Ten Championship game and the College Football Playoff, some feel the biggest prizes for Ohio State beating Michigan are bragging rights and a gold pants charm for players and coaches to show off.

Even in the 128th year of the rivalry, tradition remains centered around the big game, including Buckeye fans crossing out M's in Columbus the week of the game or referring to Michigan as "the team up north," as legendary coach Woody Hayes did.

The last time Buckeye players and coaches received gold pants for a winning performance in The Game was in 2019 in a 56-27 blowout victory led by quarterback Justin Fields and running back J.K. Dobbins.

Why do Ohio State football players receive gold pants for beating Michigan?

The gold pants tradition at Ohio State started in 1934 when first-year Buckeyes coach Francis Schmidt was asked by local media how Ohio State would be able to beat Michigan after losing in 1932 and 1933. While downplaying concerns, Schmidt said that Michigan players “put their pants on one leg at a time same as everybody else.”

Schmidt's mindset ultimately worked; he led the Buckeyes to a 34-0 victory over Michigan and won the first four annual rivalry games he coached, all of which were shutouts.

His quote sparked the "Gold Pants Club," which was started by a group of businessmen who awarded Ohio State players and coaches with a gold charm featuring engravings the player's initials, the date of the game and the final score. The tradition still stands today.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State gold pants explained, significance with Ohio State-Michigan