Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Sam Findley/Ball State Athletics
Griffin's Football Journey Brings Him Back to Ohio Stadium
September 01, 2026 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Some football journeys come full circle. For Ball State fifth year Dianté Griffin, that journey will bring him back to Ohio Stadium on Saturday, a place that has played a significant role in his life both on and off the field.
Griffin grew up surrounded by Ohio State football. His grandfather, Archie Griffin, is a two-time Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most iconic figures in Buckeye history. His father, Andre, also played running back at Ohio State, continuing a family tradition that eventually led Dianté to Columbus.
After spending four seasons as a Buckeye, Griffin now has the opportunity to return to Ohio Stadium wearing the Cardinal uniform.
"It's a surreal moment, full circle," Griffin said. "I never thought I'd be playing Ohio Stadium after my senior day against Rutgers last year. So, it's a good moment."
The significance of the weekend extends beyond football. Griffin graduated from Ohio State last May during a ceremony held inside Ohio Stadium, giving him another special connection to the venue he called home for four years.
"It means the world to me personally," Griffin stated. "All my family members, on my mother and my father's side, all graduated from Ohio State, and I just grew up being a Buckeye fan."
Griffin's path to becoming a Buckeye was anything but guaranteed. He joined OSU as a walk-on in 2022 and spent four seasons working to earn his place within one of college football's premier programs. Along the way, he learned lessons about perseverance, preparation and embracing every opportunity.
"I feel like I learned how to handle adversity very well," Griffin said. "I was a walk-on at Ohio State, but even being a walk-on, I earned my respect in the [Woody Hayes Athletic Center]."
That experience helped prepare Griffin for the next chapter of his career.
When the opportunity arose to continue playing through the transfer portal, Ball State quickly became a natural fit. Griffin was drawn to the consistency of the Cardinals' coaching staff and the vision for the program.
"I really just believed in the staff and the team and what they have going on," Griffin said. "I believe that we can do great things here."
During his time in Columbus, Griffin was part of Ohio State's 2024 national championship team. The experience showed him what it takes to compete at the highest level and the importance of preparation, consistency and staying connected as a team.
"During that time, you put so much into a moment to be part of a team and be part of success, and it felt like it all paid off" Griffin said.
Griffin has embraced his role as a leader within the Cardinal secondary, sharing his experiences with teammates and helping them understand what it takes to prepare for big moments.
His goal for his final season is simple: do what it takes to help Ball State succeed.
"My goals are always going to be the same," Griffin said. "Just help the team do whatever it takes to win."
As he prepares to take the field at Ohio Stadium once again, Griffin has a chance to continue building a legacy that is uniquely his own.
"My legacy is just chasing your dream and overcoming anything that people told you you couldn't do," Griffin said. "I feel like my legacy is just not listening to those people and proving them wrong."
Griffin grew up surrounded by Ohio State football. His grandfather, Archie Griffin, is a two-time Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most iconic figures in Buckeye history. His father, Andre, also played running back at Ohio State, continuing a family tradition that eventually led Dianté to Columbus.
After spending four seasons as a Buckeye, Griffin now has the opportunity to return to Ohio Stadium wearing the Cardinal uniform.
"It's a surreal moment, full circle," Griffin said. "I never thought I'd be playing Ohio Stadium after my senior day against Rutgers last year. So, it's a good moment."
The significance of the weekend extends beyond football. Griffin graduated from Ohio State last May during a ceremony held inside Ohio Stadium, giving him another special connection to the venue he called home for four years.
"It means the world to me personally," Griffin stated. "All my family members, on my mother and my father's side, all graduated from Ohio State, and I just grew up being a Buckeye fan."
Griffin's path to becoming a Buckeye was anything but guaranteed. He joined OSU as a walk-on in 2022 and spent four seasons working to earn his place within one of college football's premier programs. Along the way, he learned lessons about perseverance, preparation and embracing every opportunity.
"I feel like I learned how to handle adversity very well," Griffin said. "I was a walk-on at Ohio State, but even being a walk-on, I earned my respect in the [Woody Hayes Athletic Center]."
That experience helped prepare Griffin for the next chapter of his career.
When the opportunity arose to continue playing through the transfer portal, Ball State quickly became a natural fit. Griffin was drawn to the consistency of the Cardinals' coaching staff and the vision for the program.
"I really just believed in the staff and the team and what they have going on," Griffin said. "I believe that we can do great things here."
During his time in Columbus, Griffin was part of Ohio State's 2024 national championship team. The experience showed him what it takes to compete at the highest level and the importance of preparation, consistency and staying connected as a team.
"During that time, you put so much into a moment to be part of a team and be part of success, and it felt like it all paid off" Griffin said.
Griffin has embraced his role as a leader within the Cardinal secondary, sharing his experiences with teammates and helping them understand what it takes to prepare for big moments.
His goal for his final season is simple: do what it takes to help Ball State succeed.
"My goals are always going to be the same," Griffin said. "Just help the team do whatever it takes to win."
As he prepares to take the field at Ohio Stadium once again, Griffin has a chance to continue building a legacy that is uniquely his own.
"My legacy is just chasing your dream and overcoming anything that people told you you couldn't do," Griffin said. "I feel like my legacy is just not listening to those people and proving them wrong."
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