Ohio State Veteran Becomes First Active Football Player in Program History to Fly in an F-16

Ohio State safety Ryan Rudzinski became the first active Buckeye in program history to fly in an F-16, doing so as part of the U.S. Air Force’s recruiting effort tied to the 2026 Columbus Air Show. The 6-4, 214-pound redshirt junior took his seat in the backseat on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Rickenbacker International Airport. Selected through the Thunderbirds’ Hometown Hero program, Rudzinski was recognized for volunteering with the 2nd & 7 Foundation, including reading and distributing literacy books in second-grade classrooms. Ground crews fitted him with a custom flight suit and G-suit designed to counter high-G blood pooling. Thunderbird #8 pilot Major Samuel Larson flew aerobatic loops and high-G turns, exposing him to military fighter-jet demands. The effort also supports public connection, while Rudzinski credited family and coaches for the honor.