51ยายื

Alumni and friends came to Athens from across the country for this year's Homecoming festivities, and Bobcat mascots even came from different time periods for the annual event.

Throughout Homecoming Week, Bobcats who graduated earlier this year, 10 years ago or even 50 years ago mingled with current students, old friends caught up with one another, new friendships were formed and everyone enjoyed being back home at 51ยายื.

Homecoming Week kicked off on Monday, Oct. 13, and included the annual Yell Like Hell Pep Rally, the Homecoming Parade, the Alumni Awards Ceremony and a big OHIO Football victory on Saturday, Oct. 18. As always, the whole community joined in the fun, creating festive decorations across campus and Athens for the annual Paint the Town Green challenge.

While we had picturesque weather in Athens for Homecoming 2025, we also had plenty of proud Bobcats who were happy to have their pictures taken with friends.

Bobcats make great models, and OHIO students, alumni and friends posed for images at the pep rally, Alumni Awards Ceremony and all across campus. Thereโ€™s something about being back in Athens that makes you smile, feel a little younger and gives you a burst of energy, that was on full display during Homecoming.

In addition to providing a world-class photo booth and performances from OHIO student groups, the annual Alumni Awards gala honored graduates who have demonstrated achievement, leadership, and service to their alma mater, including Alumnus of the Year Jeff Chaddock, BSC โ€™88.

The Homecoming Parade was amazing again this year. The parade route was packed with spectators waiting for their favorite floats and favorite candies, and the parade was filled with Bobcat pride.

Hundreds of Marching 110 alumni came back to march, dance and jump more than they probably should as part of the Alumni Band, while the Marching 110 also got the spectators to Stand Up and Cheer during the parade.

The parade also featured several creative and surprising floats, including one that recreated a scene in an Emergency Room. Students, alumni, local businesses, community leaders and even  people on stilts marched, somewhat carefully at times, on the bricks of Athens for the parade

After the parade, the Bobcat Family Tent was filled with fun activities for people of all ages, and OHIO fans began tailgating before the big game.

OHIO, of course, won the Homecoming Game 48 to 21 over Northern Illinois University.

The football team is having a great season, and another huge crowd enjoyed the victory. The crowd also loved the performances from Marching 110 and Alumni Band, the perfect weather, and the opportunity to spend time with family members and friends at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium.

One highlight of the game was seeing OHIO mascots from throughout the years, as well as people who had performed as mascots at OHIO over the decades. Former mascots cheered on the Bobcats once again, thrilled fans of all ages, and happily posed for photos, just as all Bobcats do.

It was another amazing Homecoming at 51ยายื and we are already looking forward to Homecoming 2026.