While Labor Day is traditionally considered the kickoff of the political season, it won’t be until next year’s holiday that many voters pay close attention to Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race.

However, as candidates like Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton are already raising millions of dollars, and former Congressman Tim Ryan eyes a possible run, one potential candidate continues to keep people guessing: Jim Tressel.

21 News caught up with the former Ohio State football coach and YSU president Monday in Struthers, where he was launching a statewide fitness initiative.

When asked directly about his political ambitions, Tressel deflected.

“Well, we’re going to be in nine cities these three and a half days, so the only thing I want people talking about is the fitness challen

See Full Page