Thursday October 22nd, 2026
THE LANTERN
Issue 32, Year 145
The independent student voice of the Ohio State university since 1881.
Cychlorphine detected in Ohio. How can Ohio State students stay safe?
Reegan Davis Managing Campus Editor
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ederal authorities are warning Ohio college students about cychlorphine — a new, synthetic opioid that can be 10 times more potent than fentanyl — as the drug has the highest prevalence in Ohio, as well as Texas and Tennessee. Cychlorphine has been linked to at least 55 deaths nationally from 2025 to 2026, according to a press release from
Addiction Policy Forum, which is a national nonprofit organization that works to eliminate addiction, according to its website. The drug has been found on its own, as well as combined with fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and counterfeit pills made to resemble prescription medications, including Adderall. “We have a public health and safety problem here,” Janet Childerhose, research assistant professor in The Ohio State University College of Medi-
cine, said. “We’re not talking about it enough because we’re just tending to talk about addiction and substance use disorder.” According to a Franklin County Coroner press release, cychlorphine has not been identified in any Franklin County overdose deaths as of Oct. 5. Surveillance and toxicology testing determined the drug’s presence in Ohio, according to the Addiction Policy Forum press release. “The Office of National Drug Control Policy at the White House reported 106
drug-supply reports across 10 states in 2025, with detections in all four U.S. Census regions,” the press release stated.
OPIOID continues on page 3.
CREDIT: COURTESY OF MARK BOSTER/LOS ANGELES TIMES VIA TNS
A vial of naloxone — known by the brand name Narcan — and an injector kit of the drug that is used as an antidote to overdoses.
Thursday October 22nd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 2
CAMPUS
On page 4
On page 5
Off-Campus Vintage Market returns to Columbus
Fitness nutrition mistakes
The Timashev Technology Towers will bring business to Ohio State Grace Everett Lantern Reporter
nor and entrepreneur. Timashev gave credit to Ohio State, and said that it helped him develop his career in technology, which in turn motivated him to financially support the towers.
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hio State broke ground on the Timashev Technology Tower on Tuesday, marking a new phase for students’ education and investment opportunities for the university. The eight-story and 103,000-squarefoot building will bring students, research, startups, large companies and a center for software innovation all together, said University President Ravi Bellamkonda. “The building being set in the innovation districts is not a coincidence that Coloma, the energy company, is next door,” Bellamkonda said. “Google is opening its office next door. It’s not a coincidence that Pelotonia’s research building is next door.” The tower will be a part of Ohio State’s Innovation District, which is designed to connect the university’s research with business and economics, Ohio State Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Trevor Brown said. This project is intended to attract more company startups and businesses to Ohio State’s campus, giving students the opportunity for collaboration between university research and professional fields, JobsOhio Managing Director of Healthcare Tyler Allchin said. “Too often, companies built on Ohio ideas leave the state of Ohio for this resource elsewhere,” Allchin said. “That changes with the Timashev Technology Tower, where Ohio State
“I didn’t have to go to Silicon Valley to build what I’ve been lucky to build and I was given this opportunity to build,” Timashev said.
CREDIT: GRACE EVERETT | LANTERN REPORTER
Trevor Brown, Ravi Bellamkonda, Ratmir Timashev, Angela Timashev and Jim Tressel stand with shovels and construction hats after breaking ground of the Timashev Technology Tower on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
will curate and manage wet labs, research facilities that are equipped for chemical use, space for this exact purpose.” A wet lab is a scientific research laboratory equipped with special plumbing, ventilation and safety gear for hands-on work to conduct experiments using liquid substances, chemicals, biological specimens and reagents. Wet laboratory space will help researchers and entrepreneurs commercialize their work instead of moving their businesses out of Ohio to search for resources they need, Allchin said.
JobsOhio, the state’s privately-run, non-profit economic development agency, intends to provide Ohio State with a low-interest, $100 million loan commitment to the tower, Allchin said. “Right now, when we have a company that shows interest in being in the innovation district, we don’t have any place to put them,” Allchin said. “When this tower opens, companies will be able to access the power.” Preparing students for careers in technology and entrepreneurship is also a goal of the tower, said Ratmir Timashev, a prominent university do-
“It all came from my education and community support here and now I want to pay it forward.” Students will have the opportunity to work with and be prepared for artificial intelligence, innovation and life sciences, Timashev said. He said he and his family are supporting the study of AI fluency, a new program for Integrated Business and Engineering with Software Innovation and 100 new startups – or businesses starting — every year. “We want Columbus, Ohio State, Central Ohio and the Midwest to become the next Silicon Valley, the next technology hub, where like people and innovation, they come together,” Timashev said.
Read more on our website! Check out www.thelantern.com
Thursday October 22nd, 2026 | @thelanternosu | 3 Continued from page 1. Fentanyl has already posed a deadly threat at Ohio State. Starting on May 4, 2022, two Ohio State students, Tiffany Iler, 21, and Jessica Lopez, 22, died of fentanyl-related overdoses. Though it was unknown what specifically caused those overdoses, on May 5, Columbus Public Health officials reported an increase in overdoses caused by fentanyl-laced counterfeit Adderall pills around the campus area. Cychlorphine overdoses may need multiple doses of naloxone, or the “opioid antagonist,” Childerhose said. Naloxone does not fully prevent overdoses, but it reverses the physiological effects of an overdose. “Most people are not carrying naloxone,” Childerhose said. “There may not be naloxone nearby, particularly if you’re one person using alone. Your chances of dying from an exposure are very high. You would have to be with somebody or in a public place for someone to rescue you with naloxone.” Given that the drug is at least 10 times more potent than fentanyl, it’s life-threatening in two ways, Childerhose said. “One is it means it potentially has a faster effect in respiratory depression, meaning it could kill people faster,” Childerhose said. “Secondly, if you already have a synthetic opioid in your body, let’s say your supply of coke includes fentanyl, but now also has cychlorphine. You might have a very potentiated set of respiratory depressants in your supply,” she said. “So again, you might have a much more rapid onset of respiratory depression and death.” Childerhose said that the majority of people who use unregulated drugs — or substances manufactured, distributed and sold outside of official government oversight and safety standards according to stopoverdose.org — do not just use it because they depend on it. “They’re using it socially,” Childerhose said. “They’re using it recreationally. They’re using it for fun. They’re using it to stay awake. They’re using it to go to sleep. People end up using it
because they have pain. People are using illicit drugs for all kinds of reasons. That will never stop. It will never end.” Cychlorphine is not detected by common drug test strips or routine hospital opioid urine screens, the Addiction Policy Forum press release stated. “My message is practice harm reduction [and] practice overdose risk reduction behaviors,” Childerhose said. “Never use alone. Take less to start with, you can always use more. Carry naloxone with you. Try to practice drug checking.” “The problem with cyclorphine,” she said, “you’re going to be at greater risk, even if you practice these overdose risk reduction behaviors.” Ohio State has two naloxone vending machines available for free across campus; one inside the RPAC, located at 337 Annie & John Glenn Ave., and one at King Avenue Methodist Church, located at 299 King Ave., according to a university website. The university also offers free, no-prescription-needed naloxone at university pharmacies at the following locations: Student Life Student Health Services, at Wilce Student Health Center, 1875 Millikin Rd. Pharmacy at Doan Hall, at University Hospital, 410 W. 10th Ave., room 111 Pharmacy at The James, at 460 W. 10th Ave. Pharmacy at East Hospital, at 181 Taylor Ave. Childerhose said that there are hundreds of manufacturers in China that are producing synthetic opioids and synthetic drugs all of the time. “It’s all about profit and creating drugs that have a psychoactive response that can be sold. But there’s no regard for human safety,” she said. “There’s no standardization. There’s no testing, and so we know it’s not going to end with cychlorphine.”
Buckeye Commons to be renovated this year, set to be completed mid-spring 2027
CREDIT: COURTESY OF SCOTT BROWN
A rendered design of the new Buckeye Commons entrance, showing the new glass doors and lounge spaces on the inside.
Bailey Moreland Lantern Reporter
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hio State is renovating Buckeye Commons in the Ohio Union this academic year, adding new collaboration and study spaces designed to expand student support and community-building services. Buckeye Commons is a multi-purpose space for students to sit, study and hang out with their peers, according to an Ohio State website. New additions include collaboration zones with an open lounge space at the entrance, huddle rooms along the hallway for individual or group work sessions and a new design in the Alonso Family Room to match the rest of the renovation. “No matter who comes through our door, we want them to feel like they belong here, not just at Ohio State, but especially at Buckeye Commons,” Scott Brown, managing director of Buckeye Commons, said. Students had suggested a multi-purpose space and an inviting tone for the updated space. Renovations will be complete in mid-spring 2027, according to Brown.
“We’ve voiced [our input] in the remodel, making the space more open and welcoming,” Joshua Davis, a graduate student in public administration on the public affairs track, said. Davis has been a part of Buckeye Commons since it was founded in the spring 2025 semester by senior vice president for the Office of Student Life Melissa Shivers. She had invited many student leaders to provide input on how the space can better serve the student population. Until the renovations are over, Buckeye Commons will be on the third floor of the Union. Buckeye Commons offers a variety of student resources, including mental health, career coaching, student engagement opportunities and disability services. Last academic year, 12,000 students used Buckeye Commons resources at least once, according to Brown. “We are all committed to our mission of providing the best possible support to students, ensuring their academic, personal [and] professional success while at Ohio State and preparing them for life beyond Ohio State after they graduate,” Brown said.
Thursday October 22nd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 4
ARTS & LIFE
On page 7 Ohio State women’s club basketball team chemistry
Off-Campus Vintage Market returns to Columbus for a weekend of vintage shopping Saturday and Sunday
Paige Puhalsky LTV Campus Producer
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he Off-Campus Vintage Market will return to Columbus this weekend, offering vintage fashion and jewelry and hand-made art and goods. The market is free to attend, and will be held Saturday at Block on High, located at 1728 N. High St. beside Midway on High, from noon to 6 p.m., as well as Sunday at Fourth Street Taproom & Kitchen, located at 1810 N. 4th St., from 2 - 8 p.m., according to the Instagram post. The market will feature curated vintage clothing, Y2K fashion, streetwear, shoes, jewelry, art and handmade goods, with drinks available on-site from the venues, according to Kaitlan Harlan, an Ohio State media and events manager. The event was created by Greyson Edwards, Harlan said, and brings vendors from around the country to different pop-up locations, with an average of 25 to 30 vendors per market. “[Saturday], we’re centered in the heart of campus,” Harlan said. “We’re right across the street from the [Ohio] Union, and we’re kind of one of the first things people see, especially when they get to college tours.” The market features a large selection of Ohio State apparel, allowing attendees to stock up for game days, Harlan said. Block on High will be set up as a live event venue, with a DJ onstage and an open floor plan that allows shoppers to see all the vendors. Fourth Street will offer a more intimate setting, where attendees can talk with vendors and shop more casually,
Harlan said. “Each venue just has a very different feel to it,” Harlan said. Since the markets run during regular food-serving hours at both venues, attendees will be able to grab a bite to eat while they shop and hang out, Harlan said. “We really try to do it at both different locations, just because they offer such a different experience,” Harlan said. “I think Fourth Street’s a little bit more chill and laid back, while Block is a little bit in your face.” Harlan said students are drawn to the upcycled clothing sold at the market, as upcycling, thrifting and vintage clothing have become more popular, allowing people to create new outfits from items they might not normally purchase. “It’s really special to be able to find little pieces of history that fit into client life, and by allowing students to come in and peruse through vendor prepicked items, it just offers a bit more of a special experience,” Harlan said. Luminary Vintage, co-founded by Parker Gantt and Reece Schuman, will be represented by Jake Mamula at this year’s market. Mamula said Gantt started getting into thrifting around five or six years ago by posting clothing he bought on Snapchat. When people started buying the clothes, it showed him there was a market for vintage clothing. Mamula said Luminary Vintage specializes in ‘90s and 2000s streetwear, including workwear, Ohio State jackets, jerseys and T-shirts. The shop also seeks out sweaters from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, along with unbranded
CREDIT: COURTESY OF JAKE MAMULA
Luminary Vintage selling unique thrifted clothing at a previous vintage market to help students enhance their style and individuality.
fleeces that appeal to customers looking for simple pieces they can wear for a long time. “I have clothes that I bought from Zara like two years ago that are already falling apart after maybe 30 washes, and then I have pants that are as old as my dad that are still kicking and feel great,” Mamula said. Mamula said Luminary Vintage focuses on offering value to customers, and looks to sell pieces that cost around $20 to $30 and are enjoyable to wear. “It’s not like you’re paying a crazy premium for these clothes, and I think that’s what we do really well,” Mamula
said. Seeing a customer find a piece they love, Mamula said, is one of the most rewarding parts of selling vintage clothing. “When I’m at a market and I see someone walk away with a piece that I know is so cool that they really love and it fits them perfectly, that just gets me and [Gantt] fired up,” Mamula said. “It’s just such a cool feeling to see that piece, that otherwise would have rotted away in a landfill somewhere or in Goodwill, go to be worn for probably a really long time.”
VINTAGE continues on page 7.
Thursday October 22nd, 2026 | @thelanternosu | 5
Protein isn’t everything: Ohio State nutrition specialists break down common fitness nutrition mistakes Joelle Hammett Lantern Reporter
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s protein shakes, high-protein snacks and supplements continue to gain popularity, Ohio State nutrition specialists are encouraging students to look beyond protein when fueling their fitness goals. Students looking to build muscle often focus on increasing their protein intake while overlooking carbohydrates, but experts said this emphasis can come at the expense of a balanced diet. Instead of following fitness trends seen online, specialists emphasized the importance of fueling workouts with consistent eating habits and nutrition plans tailored to individual fitness goals. “I think one of the most common nutrition mistakes that I see is that you’re going too high in protein,” said Siobhan McAllister, a graduate student in performance nutrition and dietetics. The emphasis on protein has extended beyond fitness supplements and into everyday foods and beverages, with brands ranging from Doritos to Eggos introducing high-protein versions of their products and Starbucks promoting protein-enhanced drinks, according to prior Lantern reporting. McAllister said the growing popularity of high-protein foods has led some students to prioritize protein above all other nutrients which are equally as important for exercise performance and recovery time. Joshua Spinner, a graduate student in performance nutrition and dietetics, said supplements can often become problematic when students view them as shortcuts to fitness goals rather than additions to a pre-established balanced diet. “You really can’t supplement a bad diet,” Spinner said. Supplements should be used to address specific gaps in a person’s diet, rather than to replace healthy eating
habits all together, Spinner said. Students often gravitate toward protein powders without first prioritizing whole foods as their primary sources of nutrition. Spinner said carbohydrates serve as the body’s primary fuel source, and play an important role in supporting exercise, though individual needs are dependent on fitness goals and activity levels. Comparing carbohydrates to a gas tank, McAllister said they provide the energy that muscles need to perform well during exercise. “Carbohydrates basically supply direct energy for your muscles,” McAllister said. Spinner said post-workout recovery should incorporate carbohydrates. He recommended pairing approximately 20 grams of protein with carbohydrates, and said nutrition professionals often recommend a three-to-one ratio of carbohydrates to protein after a workout. Beyond choosing the right nutrients, McAllister said students looking to build muscle should prioritize eating consistent and balanced meals throughout the day. Spinner said busy schedules can make healthy eating difficult for college students, as moving between classes, work and extracurricular activities often leaves students little time to think about nutrition. To help maintain consistent eating habits, he recommended carrying portable snacks and aiming to eat every three to four hours when possible. Liz Weinandy, an instructor of practice in dietetics and nutrition in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, said students often become so focused on protein that they forget to consider overall diet quality. “When people start to prioritize protein, right, it’s the meat, the eggs [and] the protein powders, and then they’re not thinking about hitting all of the food groups,” Weinandy said.
Weinandy said students should prioritize fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain a balanced diet. Social media can further complicate nutrition decisions, Spinner said. Spinner said students should be cautious of nutrition content that makes dramatic claims or promises quick results. McAllister said advice based entirely on personal experiences often lacks scientific evidence. Weinandy said students should also be wary of influencers promoting nutritional products. “If anyone’s trying to sell supplements, that should also be a red flag,” Weinandy said. McAllister, Spinner and Weinandy emphasized that nutrition recommendations are highly individualized, depending on goals, exercise habits and overall diet. For students who exercise regularly but aren’t seeing their desired results, McAllister recommended consulting a registered dietitian. “Students should always check with their healthcare provider before adding really anything, any supplements or maybe caffeine or anything like that to their d ie t ,” Weinandy said.
Rather than relying on shortcuts, Spinner said students should prioritize a balanced nutritional foundation. “Keep the main thing the main thing,” Spinner said. “Making sure our plate has protein, carbs, some healthy fats in there and then all the colors of the rainbow.” CREDIT: FAITH SCHNEIDER | MANAGING DESIGN EDITOR
High-protein Pop-Tarts are displayed on store shelves as food brands introduce protein-packed versions of popular snacks.
Thursday October 22nd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 6
“The Rocky Horror Show” takes over Columbus with performances on and off campus Nadia Somerville Lantern Reporter
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rom student-run shows to professional theater productions, the Ohio State community has several opportunities to experience the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Show” this Halloween season. “The Rocky Horror Show,” a 1973 musical, follows a newly engaged couple who stumbles upon a mysterious castle housing a flamboyant mad scientist, his muscle-clad monster creation and an eccentric ensemble cast of characters. On campus, student-run theater group the Black Box Series will perform a shadowcast — a live, lip-synced performance to a film as it plays on a screen behind performers — of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” using the 1975 film adaptation of the musical, starring Tim Curry. “Think a hybrid mix of going to see a movie in a movie theater, but also watching a drag performance,” said Mikel Kindell, a third-year in theater and president of the Black Box Series. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadowcasts are known for their audience participation, encouraging attendees to engage in “callbacks,” or yelling certain phrases in response to events of the show. “I kind of wanted something interactive, where it’s not just we as the performers perform, but you as the audience get to join us on stage in a sort of way,” Kindell said. “I thought that would be really interesting to do, and a new and out-of-the-box way of involving our community and our audience.” The Black Box Series’ shadowcast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be performed in room 435 of the Theatre, Film, and Media Arts building Sunday at 7 p.m. More shadowcasts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be put on by the Fishnet Mafia, Columbus’ traveling cabaret group. The group per-
CREDIT: COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX/ZUMAV WIRE PRESS VIA TNS
From left: Tim Curry (Dr. Frank N. Furter), Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors) and Susan Sarandon (Janet Weiss) in the classic cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
forms a shadowcast of the movie at Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse once every month, according to the group’s Instagram page, with additional performances at other theaters this Halloween season. Danielle Ayres, co-director of the Fishnet Mafia and a performer in the group for almost 10 years, said the interactive nature of shadowcasts sets them apart from typical stage performances. “I think we have that uniqueness, because a lot of musicals and plays, you don’t get to have that freedom of being able to do those callbacks, because sometimes it’s considered rude,” Ayres said. “With us, we’re just having fun. We are taking it seriously, but we’re just doing this for the fun of it.” Ayres said they think everyone should experience a shadowcast, at least once. “This is something you should always try once, even if you’re not the most open-minded person,” Ayres said. “If it’s not for you, that’s fine.
We’re not gonna judge you. It’s just something fun to do on a Saturday night with your friends, and just make some memories.” Although most upcoming Fishnet Mafia shadowcasts at Studio 35 are sold out, tickets are still available for the Saturday’s 10:30 p.m. performance at the London State Theater, and can be purchased on the website, and Tuesday’s 8 p.m. performance at Jackie O’s On Fourth is free to attend. Nick Hardin, a performer at the Short North Stage, said he sneaked into a Fishnet Mafia performance when he was 15 years old. Now, he is returning to the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the Short North Stage’s annual production of “The Rocky Horror Show” for the ninth year in a row. “It’s really rewarding,” Hardin said. “My favorite part of the show is watching the audience get to participate and enjoy it, and watching the audience open up over the course of the production.” Hardin said this production of “The
Rocky Horror Show” is set during the 1970s glam rock era, honoring the period when the musical and film debuted while incorporating elements that distinguish it from previous adaptations. “We have moments where we obviously pay sincere homage to the movie and the original production, but we have a lot of unique things,” Hardin said. “I think that it’s a great way to celebrate the show.” Sydney Webb, a member of the production’s ensemble and an Ohio State graduate, said the show’s atmosphere is unique and exciting. “I don’t think there’s a lot of experiences that you can find day to day that really resemble something as interactive and exciting as this one,” Webb said. “It’s a good time.” The Short North Stage’s production of “The Rocky Horror Show” runs Thursday through Oct. 31, and tickets can be purchased on the website.
Thursday October 22nd, 2026 | @thelanternosu | 7 Continued from page 4. Beyond sales, Mamula said markets offer a chance to connect with people who share an interest in fashion. “The main reason we do [vintage markets] is one, they’re just fun,” Mamula said. “It’s such a cool environment, seeing all the other people there is really exciting, and it’s like everyone’s there, and they are interested in the same things that we are. It’s nice to strike up conversations.” Mamula said he believes vintage clothing has become popular among younger generations because of the excitement of discovering something unexpected. College students are at a stage in their lives where they are just beginning to figure out their personal styles, Mamula said. Vintage markets appeal to students, because they can’t always find what they want by merely shopping online, and they might not know what they are looking for until they see it. Markets are curated in an organic and intentional way that allows shoppers to leave with items they might not have known they wanted according to Mamula, and vintage clothing also gives people a way to distinguish themselves from others and express their identities. Mamula said he hopes customers leave his booth feeling that he genuinely wanted to help them find something they would enjoy. “I truthfully just do it for the love of the game and because I love fashion and I love being around people who are interested in fashion,” Mamula said. “I would want them to take away, from their interaction with me and from my booth, that I was genuinely interested in them going home with something that would improve their quality of life.”
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Ohio State women’s basketball club team looks to build off last season with returning experience and team chemistry Ava Mejia Lantern Reporter
Youngstown, Ohio. “They’re very bright people and they increase the intensity and you can see that with how they play,” Hayneshio State’s women’s basketball Lee said. “The new players fit right in.” club team was one win away from Prior to the start of the regular capturing the National Club Basketball season, the team played in competitive Association championship a season tournaments throughout the fall ago. against other colleges before starting After losing in the title game their conference games. to Boston College 60-49 in Erie, However, their relationship Pennsylvania, the club and chemistry go beyond team returns with a roster the court. of many familiar faces. With social chairs who Ohio State brings back initiate team gatherings 12 of its 14 players from and team bonding, the last season’s national team is able to build strong championship runner-up connections on and off the campaign for the 2026court. The team practices 27 season, something the twice a week before the team looks to use as an first game starts and once advantage heading into a week after the regular this year. season begins. “Last year we just fell “We are so competitive short,” said Belle Bozic, during practice, and with the club’s vice president this team, we can push and a fourth-year in each other to the max on finance who plays guard the court and off the court, for the team. “Since we we’re best friends,” Reichert have a lot of returners, one said. of our main goals is to get The connections the as far as we did last year CREDIT: COURTESY OF JULIA REICHERT team made outside of the and pull it off.” gym have not only helped The Buckeyes begin The women’s club basketball team after a practice in the the team socially, but their season with their Schottenstein Center on March 30, 2026. made an impact when they first game Thursday at tournament, so I would also include compete on the court. home against Mount Vernon. “I feel like one of our strengths “Our practices have been going them as a rival.” The team’s preseason began with during games is that we bring energy well and our intensity is up,” said Jael Haynes-Lee, a second-year in an open tryout in August, in which 30 that other teams don’t have and that criminal justice and point guard for students showed up to compete for the definitely stems from our chemistry,” Bozic said. the Buckeyes. “Because there are so two open roster spots. “This tryout, we were looking for Looking to use their strong rapport many returners, I think our chemistry is really good, and we have a bond the missing pieces that we didn’t have built throughout the preseason to outside which makes it stronger and so last year, people that added unique translate into wins, the team is ready game that we didn’t have before,” to take to the court to chase a recordmuch fun.” breaking season. The team competes in the NCBBA Reichert said. The two new players who joined the “We are a very competitive team, Women’s Great Lakes South Conference and is a six-time conference champion. team are Rachel Spalding, a second- but I feel like at the end of the day any The conference includes club teams year in aviation, and Sarah Bero, girl on this team would have my back from the University of Pittsburgh, West a second-year in natural resource and I value that more than anything,” Virginia University, Ohio University management. Both players are from Bozic said.
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and Carnegie Mellon University. “Our rival is, obviously, Michigan and historically has also included Grand Valley State and Michigan State, who we usually run into in our regional tournament,” said Julia Reichert, president and small forward for the team and a second-year dental student. “We also tend to run into Boston College in the National
Thursday October 22nd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 8
SPORTS
On page 2
On page 3
Timashev Technology towers bring business
Buckeye Commons to be renovated
NCAA sues Gov. Mike DeWine over executive order allowing Ohio schools to give eligibility to 2022 high school graduates Ally Wolfe Sports Editor
The NCAA filed a federal lawsuit against Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, challenging his executive order that gives Ohio’s colleges and universities an option to let specific student-athletes play for a fifth year. The lawsuit, filed Friday, comes three days after DeWine signed an executive order granting that extra year to athletes who graduated high school in 2022, per prior Lantern reporting. The dispute stems from the NCAA’s age-based eligibility model, adopted in June. The model sets a five-year eligibility period that begins when a student-athlete first enrolls full-time in college or turns 19, whichever comes first. In the lawsuit, NCAA President Charlie Baker described DeWine’s order as a “misguided attempt to give Ohio colleges and universities an unfair, unprecedented and unwarranted competitive advantage in stadiums and arenas throughout the country.” A spokesperson for DeWine’s office declined comment on the ongoing litigation when contacted on Monday.
Baker also argued that DeWine “is attempting to give Ohio institutions a hall pass to break the rules.” The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio’s Eastern Division, outlines three primary legal arguments against DeWine’s order. The NCAA argues the order violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution by giving an advantage to Ohio in-state colleges and universities over institutions in other states. The suit argues the order disrupts the First Amendment because it gives Ohio institutions legal cover to maintain NCAA membership while violating NCAA rules. It also states the order violates state law. “Under Ohio law, a government official may not take actions that exceed his grant of authority,” the lawsuit states. “Here, Governor DeWine lacks any authority to order Ohio colleges and universities to roster ineligible student-athletes.” Baker defended the NCAA’s position in a statement, arguing that allowing athletes to return would limit opportunities for other competitors.
“The NCAA respects and honors the accomplishments of athletes whose eligibility expired in the 2025-26 academic year, and wishes them all the best in the future,” Baker said in the statement. “But allowing them to return for an unexpected fifth season of competition would give them a benefit they never reasonably could have expected, to the detriment of thousands of eligible student-athletes who have been waiting for their opportunity to compete.” Baker also reiterated the importance of Congress passing the Protect College Sports Act, or PCSA, which would establish national rules in governing areas such as athlete compensation, eligibility and transfer restrictions. “While we are confident our complaint will succeed in federal court, the answer to this state-by-state and court-by-court race to the bottom is the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act,” Baker’s statement said. “I encourage every NCAA member to
contact their Representative in Congress to pass this bill now so college athletes can be sure they’re playing with the same rules as their opponent.” The Act passed in the U.S. Senate by a 77-22 vote on Sept. 28, but must still pass in the House of Representatives before it can be enacted as a law, per prior Lantern reporting. According to the NCAA website, the bill would establish a national eligibility model framework based on the NCAA’s current model. CREDIT: COURTESY OF JUSTIN MERRIMAN/GETTY IMAGES VIA TNS
Mike DeWine gives his victory speech after winning the Ohio gubernatorial race on Nov. 6, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio.