June 17, 2025 – A claim has surfaced suggesting that former Ohio State running back Archie Griffin has pledged a monumental $500 million to elevate Ohio State Athletics. If accurate, this would rank among the largest private donations in collegiate sports history. However, as of now, there is no credible evidence—from Ohio State Athletics, Griffin, or reputable news outlets—to support this announcement.
Archie Griffin is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting Olympic sports at Ohio State. In 2002, he established the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for undergraduate students participating in Olympic sports at Ohio State University . Additionally, Griffin has been involved in various community initiatives through the Archie and Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund, which supports sports, educational, and travel programs for youth in central Ohio .
While Griffin’s generosity is well-documented, there is no record of him making or announcing a $500 million donation to Ohio State Athletics. Such a substantial contribution would likely be accompanied by official statements from Ohio State Athletics and major media outlets.
It’s possible that this claim is a result of misinformation or a misunderstanding. The $500 million figure may have been conflated with Ohio State Athletics’ broader fundraising goals or projects, which often involve large sums but are typically funded through a combination of sources, not from a single donor.
