Buckeye Reporter

Bowling Green State University Athletics will hold a panel discussion titled "The Significance of College Football in America" on August 28 at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union's Lenhart Grand Ballroom. The event is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., ahead of BGSU’s home opener against Lafayette at Doyt Perry Stadium, which will also be the first game under new head coach Eddie George.

Urban Meyer, who began his head coaching career at BGSU and led the Falcons to national recognition, will return as part of the panel. Meyer is set to be honored during the evening game as part of the National Football Foundation's Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute and will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December.

Other panelists include former Ohio State head coach John Cooper, who coached Eddie George during his Heisman Trophy-winning season; Lt. General Richard Clark, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff and former Air Force Academy Superintendent; and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, who has won five national championships in Ohio and served as president of Youngstown State University before becoming Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor in February 2025. Additional speakers may be announced later. Jerry Anderson, a local broadcaster, will moderate.

"College football has long been a force that unites people, campuses, and communities across the country," said BGSU Vice President for Athletics Strategy Derek van der Merwe. "To welcome back some of the most respected leaders in the sport—including those with deep roots here at Bowling Green—is an extraordinary moment for our University and our fans. This panel is not just a celebration of our history, but also a powerful conversation about the role college football continues to play in shaping our culture and inspiring future generations. We are honored to host this event as we kick off a new era of Falcon Football and celebrate Coach Urban Meyer for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame."

Mid-American Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher will attend both the panel discussion and Coach Meyer's career celebration during that evening’s game.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for BGSU students, Falcon Club donors, and corporate partners; these groups receive direct invitations with RSVP instructions and complimentary admission limited to 300 Falcon Club members or corporate partners who respond first. The general public can access any remaining seats starting at 1 p.m., with parking available for registered vehicles in designated lots near the Student Union.

The Falcons’ matchup against Lafayette begins at 6 p.m., marking their 107th football season opener and introducing Eddie George as head coach.

Tickets remain available through online purchase or by calling the BGSU Ticket Office at 877-BGSU TICKET (877-2478-8425).