Former OSU Director of Athletics Andy Geiger and 1968 National Championship quarterback Rex Kern worked together to come up with a way to connect the current Buckeyes with those who played before them.

It started with the 1994 Michigan game, when all former players who were in attendance for the game, formed a tunnel that the Buckeyes ran through to take the field for the game. Ohio State beat its rival that day by a 22-6 score, and in each home game against Michigan since, the tradition has been repeated. The tunnel of pride was also formed for the 1995 Notre Dame game, another big OSU win.