Ohio State rolling out red turf at Horseshoe? Viral social media post dupes Buckeyes fans before 2026 season

The Ohio State Buckeyes have rich traditions as one of the most celebrated college football programs in all the land.

All of them have been preserved over the course of time and respected. That's why fans were thrown off when a viral social media post announced a non-traditional addition tied to OSU Football's turf at the horseshoe.

"Ohio State has announced that “The Horseshoe” will transition to red, “scarlet-colored” turf ahead of the 2026 football season," according to Shane Tuttle on X.

However, the fake post was still viewed by nearly a million people as of Thursday afternoon. Some of the comments prove why you can't believe everything on the internet as well.

In reality, Ohio State won't be rolling out the red turf for games next season. The idea hinged on the blue "Smurf turf" at Boise State isn't as popular in the Power Four. Eastern Washington (Red), Coastal Carolina (Teal), and Eastern Michigan (Gray) round out the four programs with alternative colored turf in major college football.

Don't expect Buckeyes officials to buy into the trend and have everyone seeing scarlet.

Ohio State opens the season at home against Ball State on Sept. 5.  

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