Let’s Ride As We Build in Legacy: Big Nut Jon Peters, AKA Mr. Ohio State Buckeyes, Donates Five Luxury Buses to the Buckeyes Program…
By Scarlet & Gray Nation News | June 10, 2025
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Columbus, Ohio — In a move that has electrified Buckeye Nation and touched hearts across the college football world, Jon Peters, famously known as “Big Nut” and widely regarded as Mr. Ohio State Buckeyes, has made one of the most legendary and generous contributions in the history of Ohio State athletics.
Peters, the beloved superfan whose red and gray-painted face and giant nut necklace have become as iconic as the Ohio State “O,” has officially donated five custom-made, state-of-the-art luxury buses to the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, all in the name of tradition, pride, and a legacy in motion.
> “This is about more than wheels,” Peters said during an emotional press conference at Ohio Stadium. “It’s about the soul of Ohio. It’s about our fans, our student-athletes, our past, and our future. Let’s ride — as we build in legacy.”
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Who Is Big Nut Jon Peters?
For anyone who’s attended an Ohio State football game in the last 20 years, Big Nut is impossible to miss. From the red and silver face paint to the bellowing voice of encouragement from the bleachers, Peters is not just a fan—he is a symbol of Buckeye loyalty.
But his contributions have long gone beyond the sidelines.
Jon Peters has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through his “Big Nut Scholarship Fund,” helping dozens of Ohio State students pay their way through school. He’s volunteered across the state, visited schools, and made it his personal mission to inspire the next generation of Buckeyes.
And now, with his five-bus donation, he’s taken that mission to a new level.
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What the Buses Mean for the Buckeyes
The five luxury buses, manufactured and customized in Ohio, are designed to elevate the game-day and travel experience for players, fans, and the entire athletic department.
Each bus was individually themed and blessed with Buckeye tradition, and Peters was personally involved in every aspect of the design. According to a university statement, the gift is valued at nearly $9 million, making it one of the largest private donations ever made by an individual fan.
Each bus has its own identity:
1. The Woody Wagon – A tribute to legendary coach Woody Hayes, decked with quotes, memorabilia, and historical highlights.
2. Brutus Cruiser – A playful, fan-focused bus with interactive games, Brutus Buckeye holograms, and selfie stations.
3. The Victory Express – Reserved for players, outfitted with massage chairs, personal charging ports, and film-review technology.
4. The 2002 Ride – Honoring the national championship team, with leather seats stitched with the names of key players.
5. The Scarlet Legacy Liner – A general-use bus for students, alumni events, and community outreach.
The interior of each vehicle is wrapped in scarlet and gray, and each features the Ohio State block “O” on the exterior with LED lighting that can change color based on the time of day or upcoming match.
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A Fan-Fueled Vision Turned Reality
In a private interview following the unveiling, Peters shared the inspiration behind the gift.
> “I’ve been blessed by this university and this community. When I thought about what I could do to make a difference, I thought about movement—literally. Buses don’t just carry people; they carry purpose. Whether it’s taking the team to battle or giving a young fan their first game-day ride, these buses will carry Buckeye pride far and wide.”
> “Legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you ride forward.”
Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith, who will retire later this year, called the gift a “crown jewel moment in Buckeye history.”
> “We’ve received many contributions over the years, but this one carries the heart and soul of the program. Jon Peters didn’t just give us transportation—he gave us a traveling legacy.”
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Players and Fans React
Buckeye players were among the first to tour the buses. Senior quarterback Malachi Nelson, beaming from ear to ear, remarked:
> “It’s like walking into a luxury hotel that just screams Ohio State. It gets you pumped before you even hit the field.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of fans, many in full Buckeye gear, lined the perimeter of Ohio Stadium to get their first glimpse of the buses. Children pressed their faces against the windows, and longtime season ticket holders wiped away tears as Peters gave a moving speech.
The university has also announced that each season, one of the buses will be used for “Fan Appreciation Rides”—exclusive travel experiences for dedicated fans who enter lotteries or earn tickets through Buckeye reward programs.
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More Than Football: A Bus for the People
While the buses are certainly a game-changer for the football program, Peters has made it clear that this gift is for all of Buckeye Nation.
He has arranged with the university that at least one bus be designated each year for student outreach, including:
Transportation for underprivileged children to attend campus visits
Field trips to STEM programs
College fairs across the state
Community service rides for student volunteers
> “The Buckeyes aren’t just a team, they’re a beacon,” Peters said. “If we can give more kids a glimpse of what it means to be a Buckeye, then we’re building something that lasts longer than any game.”
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A Legacy Sealed in Wheels
The Ohio State Marching Band—affectionately known as The Best Damn Band in the Land—closed the unveiling ceremony with a stirring rendition of “Carmen Ohio,” as the buses lined up in front of the stadium, glistening in the summer sun. At the finale, a banner unfurled above the fleet with Peters’ words:
> “Let’s ride as we build in legacy.”
Social media exploded with reactions. Hashtags like #BigNutLegacy, #BuckeyeBuses, and #RideWithJon trended nationwide.
Former Buckeye stars like Ezekiel Elliott, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields all posted messages of thanks, with Fields tweeting:
> “There’s only one Big Nut. Your heart is as big as your fandom. Thank you, Jon Peters.”
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Final Thoughts: A Ride Into the Future
Jon Peters may not wear pads or throw touchdowns, but in many ways, his impact on Ohio State rivals that of any player or coach. His donation of five luxury buses is more than an act of generosity—it’s a call to action, a traveling monument to unity, pride, and the enduring power of fanhood.
As the Buckeyes prepare for what promises to be another thrilling season, they do so with the knowledge that they have a fan, friend, and legacy-builder like Jon Peters behind them.
And as the wheels of those new buses begin to turn across the highways of Ohio and beyond, one thing is certain:
The Buckeyes aren’t just rolling into battle—they’re rolling into history.
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O-H!
I-O!
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