In a milestone moment years in the making, former Ohio State basketball standout William Buford has officially become an alumnus of the university. Buford, one of the most decorated players in Buckeye basketball history, recently completed his degree—closing the chapter on his academic journey while further cementing his legacy in Columbus.
Buford played for the Buckeyes from 2008 to 2012, where he established himself as a cornerstone of the program. Known for his smooth shooting and clutch performances, he finished his collegiate career with 1,990 points—placing him among the top scorers in school history. He helped lead Ohio State to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 2012.
Although he left campus over a decade ago to pursue a professional basketball career, Buford remained committed to earning his degree. The university confirmed that Buford completed his coursework and officially graduated this spring.
Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann praised Buford’s achievement, saying, “William was an incredible player for this program, but this accomplishment shows who he is as a person—resilient, dedicated, and driven. We’re all proud of him.”
Buford’s graduation comes as part of a growing trend among former athletes returning to complete their education, a testament to the lasting value of academic achievement beyond athletics.
In a statement shared on social media, Buford expressed his gratitude: “This was a goal I always wanted to finish. Thank you to Ohio State for helping me get here. Proud to finally call myself a graduate.”
While his name remains etched in the record books, William Buford’s latest accomplishment adds a new title to his legacy: Ohio State alumnus.
