Breaking News: Ohio State Buckeyes Football President Secures $16.5M Netflix Deal for Groundbreaking Film — Not Just a Documentary, But a Full-Throttle Tribute to a Legendary Empire
Columbus, OH – May 16, 2025 — The legacy of Ohio State Buckeyes Football is about to hit the global stage like never before. In a massive entertainment development, the President of Ohio State Football Operations, Mark Jenkins, has secured a groundbreaking $16.5 million deal with Netflix for a cinematic project that promises to redefine sports storytelling.
But make no mistake — this isn’t just another documentary.
Titled “Scarlet Empire: The Rise, the Rivalries, the Reign,” the film is being billed as a full-throttle tribute to the Ohio State Football program — a dynasty that has defined generations, shattered records, and stood at the epicenter of one of the fiercest rivalries in all of sports. With production already underway, the project is set to blend high-octane cinematic drama, never-before-seen archival footage, and exclusive interviews with legends past and present to capture the raw, unfiltered soul of Buckeye football.
“This is more than a film. This is the story of a brotherhood, a battleground, and a national identity forged in scarlet and gray,” said Jenkins in a press conference today. “From Woody Hayes to Ryan Day, from Archie Griffin to C.J. Stroud, we’re putting everything on the line to show the world what it really means to be a Buckeye.”
Netflix, which has seen great success with sports documentaries like The Last Dance and Quarterback, is going all in on this project. According to insiders, “Scarlet Empire” will include six hour-long episodes in its initial release, with the potential for follow-up seasons. The production will highlight the team’s legendary rivalry with Michigan, their countless Big Ten triumphs, the emotional weight of the National Championships, and the cultural power of “The Horseshoe” — Ohio Stadium.
One of the most anticipated aspects? Unseen locker room footage, emotional moments with families, and in-depth storytelling from the players and coaches who lived it. The film also promises a deeply human look into what drives the athletes — from underdog walk-ons to five-star recruits — to carry the weight of a state’s pride every Saturday.
“It’s going to be gritty. It’s going to be real,” said executive producer Dana Marshall, known for her work on award-winning sports films. “People will see the sweat, the sacrifice, and the soul behind the Buckeye machine. This isn’t just about football — it’s about identity, legacy, and the power of belief.”
Fans can expect appearances from Ohio State greats including Troy Smith, Eddie George, Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, and Chris Olave, along with never-before-released footage of game-winning moments, pre-game speeches, and raw behind-the-scenes drama.
The series is expected to premiere on Netflix in early 2026, with a trailer dropping this fall during the highly anticipated Ohio State vs. Michigan game — a strategic move that already has Buckeye Nation buzzing.
As Mark Jenkins put it best: “What’s coming isn’t just a documentary. It’s war paint for the screen. It’s the sound of cleats echoing through history. And it’s going to hit harder than anything you’ve ever seen.”
