Best Short North bar: Standard Hall brings energy, music and memories to Ohio State students
Julia Hart Arts & Life Senior Writer
Standard Hall has become a popular spot for Ohio State students looking for a fun night out. The bar is known for having a little bit of everything, whether you want to watch a game, grab brunch or dance with friends.
This year, the bar was voted best Short North bar by students for The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU special edition, receiving 554 votes.
Founded in 2016, Standard Hall comes from the team behind Short North Pint House & Beer Garden and Forno Kitchen + Bar, according to their website. The space has an industrial feel and a large patio, serving craft drinks and made-from-scratch food, bringing a fresh, lively hangout spot to the Short North Arts District.
“Standard Hall’s just one of those places that has a little bit of everything,” Briana Konich, executive operations director at Standard, said in an email. “A big patio, good drinks, great energy. You can come here to watch the game, grab brunch or end up in a full-on dance party by the end of the night.”
Konich said one thing that makes Standard stand out is how many distinct spaces it has, with a main bar, a music hall called Standard Live, the Annex and a big outdoor patio. She said each spot has its own vibe,
so there’s always something to do.
“If you’re in the mood for a sing-along dance party, we’ve got you covered,” Konich said. “If you are looking for a sports bar, we have that and love to host game day experiences … if you want more of a club vibe, head over to Annex where one side’s all EDM and house, and [Standard Live] has a mechanical bull if you’re feeling brave.”
Students who frequent the bar said versatility is a big reason they keep coming back.
“It feels like three bars in one,”
Ashley Lucuk, a third-year in radiation therapy, said in an email. “It can be a more crowded bar depending on the weekend, but the nice thing about Standard is the amount of room there is.”
Konich said Thursdays are known as the biggest night at Standard because of their famous drink deal.
“Everyone knows about our $2 double wells,” Konich said. “Game days are also very popular, and the bar brings out a huge TV on their patio to show the Ohio State games.”
Konich said one of her favorite memories was during the 2024 National Championship game, where the Buckeyes took home the trophy for the ninth time.
“The place was packed … the energy was crazy,” Konich said. “That night summed up exactly what Standard’s
all about.”
Lucuk said students also enjoy Standard because they usually run into people they know.
“It’s a normal part of going out, knowing you will be surrounded by familiar faces each Thursday,” Lucuk said. “There’s nothing better than falling off [the bar’s mechanical bull] again and again with your friends cackling behind you … and the best part is, it’s free.”
Konich said safety is a priority at Standard. She said the bar has trained staff and security, and on busy nights, they work with law enforcement to ensure the safety of their patrons.
“We really care about making sure everyone feels comfortable and taken care of,” Konich said.
Lucuk said she feels safe there too, but still stays aware of her surroundings.
“There is security which is always
reassuring, but with the bar being right on the Short North strip, I feel like I do always make sure to keep an alert eye out and look out for my surroundings,” Lucuk said.
Standard Hall is also involved with Ohio State groups, with Greek life often hosting events there, such as date parties. Konich said they plan on expanding their event calendar, including a new holiday pop-up and Sunday events that will allow patrons to relax after a long weekend.
At the end of the day, Konich said students are what makes Standard special.
“We love being a spot where [Ohio State] students can come hang out, have fun and make memories,” Konich said. “We’re always working to make it even better for you.”
Standard Hall is a popular student bar in the Short North.
LIAM AHERN | SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR
Best bar deal: Ugly Tuna Saloona 2’s Ugly Hour pro-
vides dependable, affordable fun to campus
Antonia Campbell Arts & Life Editor
Colorfully painted fish in vibrant seas cover walls that are tinted blue and green by LED lighting, water-filled solo cups with small rubber ducks bobbing in them are strategically placed on foldable tables, mounted televisions border the tops of every wall as wobbly barstools and high tables face them — Ugly Tuna Saloona 2 provides its own unique experience.
The bar, which is located at 195 Chittenden Ave., opened in April 2019 ahead of Ohio State’s annual senior bar crawl, per prior Lantern reporting. The dawn of Ugly Tuna 2 followed the April 2018 closure of the original Ugly Tuna Saloona, which was located on High St. at the Gateway.
With the relocation and re-opening of the bar, one thing was sure to carry over from Gateway to Chittenden — Ugly Hour.
Ugly Hour was voted best bar deal by students for The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU special edition, receiving 398 votes. Grant Hegler, one of Ugly Tuna’s managers, said the bar deal has been around for as long as he can recall.
“That was a special that they ran at the previous Ugly Tuna,” Hegler said. “I don't know for how long they did it there, but Ugly Hour has been around since day one when we opened here — ever since this place opened its doors, we've been running Ugly Hour.”
Ugly Hour is Ugly Tuna’s most popular bar deal. It entails $1 well
drinks and $1 bombs, a type of shot. Ugly Hour is held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. everyday except Sundays, when the bar is closed, and football game days, according to Nathan Shivak, another manager at the bar.
Both Hegler and Shivak have been working at Ugly Tuna since its 2019 opening, where they started as security guards, Shivak said.
Shivak said the regularity behind Ugly Hour has kept past and present students coming back, establishing a positive reputation for the bar.
“Since day one, we haven't really changed anything,” Shivak said. “Anyone that comes here currently or in the past, like alumni, knows Ugly Hour is [from] 7 to 10 [p.m.], and it's just kind of what we're known for.”
Hegler also said the tradition of Ugly Hour, along with its reliability, have made the deal popular among students.
“I think consistency is a big part of it,” Hegler said. “We've been doing it for so long and times are subject to change for game days, of course, but for the most part, we've run Ugly Hour 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for four, five years. When we originally opened, it may have been 8 to 11 [p.m.] or 8 to 10 [p.m.], but for the most part, the deal has remained unchanged for years for several different classes of students.”
Hegler said hosting Ugly Hour is important not only for the bar’s success, but also for providing accessibility and enjoyment to students.
“I think it's important to run Ugly Hour because these college
students may not be in the best financial situation, so it's important to run these drink specials for people to come here and have fun affordably,” Hegler said. “It benefits us because it gets people out of the house at a time that usually you wouldn't find people going out already … [Ugly Hour is] a little bit earlier than people are expecting, but it helps us and it helps them at the same time.”
When Ugly Tuna gets hectic during Ugly Hour, Shivak said their bartenders know how to handle it because of their low bartender turnover.
“Ugly Hour is $1 wells, $1 bombs, nothing crazy special,” Shivak said. “But in terms of bartenders … Most staff have been here for a long time, and once you do it, you know, five days a week for a couple months, you get a hang of it.”
Hegler said the bar’s long-term staff and their close-knit dynamic has created a sense of community that sets Ugly Tuna apart.
“As far as what we do differently than other places, we don't have a lot
of turnover here,” Helger said. “A lot of the people you see working here have been working here for two, three plus years. So I think for us as employees, we try to provide a family environment and I think that that sort of trickles down to some of the patrons as well. They see the sort of camaraderie we have here, and they, in turn, build relationships with us.”
Since day one, the bar’s intentions have always remained the same — providing a place to relax with your friends after a long week, Hegler said.
“It's a campus bar, right?” Hegler said. “It's a place to come and relax after classes, after the week, you know, the grind at school, a place to come and have fun affordably. I think that's what a campus bar should provide.”
Winning the title of the best bar deal by students, Shivak said the Ugly Tuna team is grateful for the community’s support.
“We appreciate that people voted for us and we hope that people just continue to keep coming out,” Shivak said.
Ugly Hour, Ugly Tuna’s most popular bar deal, is held 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. everyday except Sundays and Ohio State football game days. Credit: Shawn Vilaisack.
Best food truck: Dos Hermanos is the food truck students can’t get enough of
Ally Wolfe Campus Senior Writer
AtOhio State, the possibilities for on-campus dining are endless.
Whether it’s the dining halls, the cafes or the food trucks, one stands out among the rest: the Dos Hermanos Taco Truck.
“It’s basically a campus staple at
this point,” Izzy Gates, a thirdyear in arts management, said in an email.
“Everyone’s eaten there at least once, and everyone’s heard of it if you live on campus. In my opinion, it never disappoints.”
Students appeared to agree with this sentiment, as the taco truck was voted best food truck in The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU special edition with a total of 495 votes.
Rooted in Columbus, Dos Hermanos was founded in 2012 by owners Lisa and Vicente Gutierrez with just a borrowed food truck, $2,000 in their savings and no formal business education, according to the company’s website.
The business has grown to five brick-and-mortar locations in Columbus, five food trucks available for booking, a catering service, newly opened locations in Cincinnati and Athens, Ohio and even a gameday presence inside Ohio Stadium, according to their LinkedIn profile.
“We see ourselves as part of the tradition of the Ohio State family,” Robert Packer, director of operations at Dos Hermanos, said in an email.
“When students and the community do well, we do well. It’s a relationship built on mutual respect and real care, not just transactions.”
Inside Ohio Stadium, Dos Hermanos serves several of its popular entrees in sections 36A and 17C.
In an Instagram post from Sept. 10, the business announced the expansion with the caption, “This isn’t just another football season. For us, it’s personal. It’s about being part of the energy, the tradition, and the community that makes Buckeye Nation so
special.”
For students, the truck’s convenient North Campus location and accessibility make it a go-to meal throughout their days.
Gates said when she first discovered the food truck parked outside the North Recreation Center freshman year, and found out they accepted payment from the student dining plan, she was hooked.
“I used to go every week, multiple times a week, my freshman and sophomore year since I could use my swipes,” Gates said. “The people who work there are super nice, like they actually seem happy to be there.”
Built on the foundation of serving Oaxacan-style Mexican food with local ingredients, Packer said Dos Hermanos stands out because of its authenticity, consistency and care.
DOS HERMANOS continues on page 7.
Best cafe: Fox in the Snow and its close-knit staff deemed best cafe in the campus area
Helena Hennessy Arts & Life Senior Writer
Inside a warmly lit cafe, covered in vibrant greenery and rustic furnishings, resides a staff that feels more like family.
Fox in the Snow — a bakery and coffee shop located at 1031 N. Fourth St. — has been voted “Best Cafe” by 518 Ohio State students and community members for The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU special edition.
While the shop has five locations around the greater Columbus region, the Italian Village location was the first. According to its website, Lauren Culley and Jeff Excell opened their doors in 2014. The business partners focused their brand on baked goods
made in-house, sun-lit spaces and a tone of authenticity.
In the decade that has passed since those simpler times, Fox in the Snow has only grown — both as a business and a staple within the local community.
Gabriel Morales, assistant general manager of the Italian Village location, said the environment has consistently evolved over the past seven years he has worked at Fox in the Snow.
“I started as a barista, and then I got a promotion to be — at that time, it was a ‘shift lead’ — and we have since reconstructed,” Morales said.
In one word, Morales said the best
way to describe the cafe’s environment is “fast-paced.”
“We have a really good combination of everyday regulars in our neighborhood, as well as a huge amount of customers that it’s their first time coming in,” Morales said. “During the week, our main business, I feel like, is either students or everyday regulars.”
Morales said Fox in the Snow’s consistent quality of its coffee and baked goods and reliability through their patronage is what makes it a staple in the campus area.
For example, Morales said the shop does not label their pastries. This move is intended to spark deeper con-
versation between staff and customers — forming relationships one transaction at a time.
Morales said his favorite part of his daily work life is getting to work alongside the rest of the staff.
“We have a lot of people that — kind of like myself — have worked here for a very long time [and] can do a really good job of having a good relationship with our regulars,” Morales said.
“[The staff is] also [good at] being really welcoming and educational for people that haven’t been out before.”
FOX IN THE SNOW continues on page 7.
The Dos Hermanos truck stationed on North Campus.
ALLY WOLFE | CAMPUS SENIOR WRITER
Best pizza: Adriatico’s crowned the best pizza place near campus
Audrey Coleman Managing Design Editor
If you’ve ever been to an Ohio State club meeting, residence hall gathering or any event that bribes students with pizza, chances are it’s been Adriatico’s at the function.
After appearing on campus 39 years ago, the Ohio-based chain continues to amass a fan base far beyond current students. With 445 votes, Adriatico’s secured the title of best pizza place on campus for The Lantern’s Best of OSU special edition 2025.
They’ve also accumulated multiple other awards, ranging from other Columbus contests to an appearance in a list of 564 Great American Pizzerias.
But what qualifies Adriatico’s to hold this title? Some will say it’s the atmosphere, the price or, very simply, the food.
Tom Ross, a third-year in environmental science and line cook at Adriatico’s, is one of the students responsible for preparing the chain’s beloved
meals. Above all, Ross said the sauce is the kicker.
“All the dough and all the sauce are made in the shop. Mostly it’s the sauce,” Ross said. “It’s what everyone likes. It’s a special recipe, but that’s the secret to the pizza.”
Maddy Langston, a third-year in biology and server at Adriatico’s, said that the quality of the food also helps to draw students in.
“I have to say, maybe [I’m] a little biased, but I think our food is really good,” Langston said. “I’d probably classify it as a nicer, not fast-food restaurant. Some people don’t want McDonald’s, but maybe they want some pizza. It’s what people might crave.”
Students will flock to the pizzeria for events such as parents’ weekend, homecoming and game days. Yet even when things get busy, Ross said the staff come together and face the hungry crowds.
“Last year [when Ohio State] played Texas in the playoffs, everyone ordered takeout or delivery right before kickoff,” Ross said. “It was the most people I’ve ever seen in the kitchen before, ever, but at the end of the day, we’re doing the best we can and we’re here together figuring it out.”
Adriatico’s serves more than just students. As a long-standing campus staple, Langston said the restaurant pulls in a range of community members.
“There have been so many older people who have come in and [talked] about the old Adriatico’s building being right next door,” Langston said. “We have alumni, we have students and we have people coming into town that have heard of
[us].”
With the different crowds that come to the store, there are opportunities to share memories and stories with every guest, something that Langston said makes the restaurant feel less like a chain and more like a local stop.
AUDREY COLEMAN | MANAGING DESIGN EDITOR
at helping and getting you where you need to go.”
“I know I had an experience [recently] where I was talking to this older couple who were asking about the GrubHub robots,” Langston said. “It’s really cool being able to talk about my experience at Ohio State with people who either have gone here or groups who have toured.”
Outside of customer experience, Adriatico’s provides a welcoming environment for staff. With benefits like flexible hours for students and receiving meals on the clock, the pizzeria makes for a good college gig.
“We get benefits with the food during our shifts,” Langston said. “It’s really good to expand your horizons with the menu. As an employee, I’ve gotten to try the pasta [and] the egg rolls — anything like that.”
Aside from material benefits, Adriatico’s is also a place for staff to meet new friends and create memories in the workplace.
“Everyone there is working toward the same goal,” Ross said. “It can be hard work, but the guys are good guys. They’re good at working, good
Langston agreed with the sentiment, and said between working and forming connections with coworkers, the restaurant offers a nice balance of both.
“I’m really close with a lot of the people that I work with,” Langston said. “I have definitely made some relationships out of working there. We are all there to do our jobs, but [also] have a good time.”
Overall, Langston said Adriatico’s provides good food, great staff and a distinct environment to both students and their families when they visit.
“On game days, people will be sitting and whenever anything exciting happens, they’ll all chant ‘O-H,’ and everybody will do ‘I-O’ back,” Langston said. “Just seeing how everybody comes together to eat pizza and for one overall purpose is really cool to see.”
Adriatico’s is located at 1618 Neil Ave., and offers both pick-up and delivery options. For more information, as well as to view the store’s menu and operation hours, visit their website.
Adriatico’s Pizza has served the Ohio State community for over 39 years.
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Best cafe off-campus
Morales said though many staff members at Fox in the Snow pride themselves on being veterans of the business, new hires also contribute to the shop’s ever-changing environment.
Savanna Armstrong, a barista who has been working at the Italian Village location for a little over a month, said she and her partner recently moved to Columbus, and Fox in the Snow stood out to her amidst her job search.
“I managed a coffee shop back home, so I was kind of just scouting the local coffee shops,” Armstrong said. “I heard like, a million good things about [Fox in the Snow].”
Armstrong said she was drawn to the cafe in particular because of its earthy yet rustic aesthetic, the quality of its beverages and the work environment.
“I’m a big plant person,” Armstrong said. “That really helps. The coffee’s good. I enjoy matcha too — their matcha’s good — and just the people, everyone is so friendly here.”
Armstrong said the shop sees a lot of college-aged clientele, and she believes the inviting atmosphere is what keeps them coming back.
“Even when I started, everyone was so welcoming, so nice and just so
friendly,” Armstrong said. “I think that really helps, especially with the engagement of customers.”
In house, Armstrong said the shop succeeds in maintaining the happiness of their employees.
“Having a good retention for employees is important, and from what I’ve understood [by] getting to know everyone here, I’m the newest employee as of a year-and-a-half,” Armstrong said. “That spoke really well to me, because that says a lot about a business — how long the employees stay.”
In reflecting on what it means for Fox in the Snow to receive the honor of “Best Cafe,” Armstrong went back to the people, as well as the quality of their coffee.
“When coming here to work, I really was trying to find a place that strives on the product that they’re sending out and the care that goes into it,” Armstrong said.
Morales echoed this sentiment, and said he feels grateful that Fox in the Snow is a hallmark of the Columbus local business community.
“I’m glad that the students and people of [Ohio State] like coming here, because they’re such a big part of our business,” Morales said.
Best student organization: Student-Alumni Council fosters relationships among students and alumni
Jasmine Williams Lantern Reporter
While most student organizations focus on building relationships among peers, others are expanding their reach, appealing to Buckeyes not just on campus, but across the world.
The Student-Alumni Council, which is the student branch of the Ohio State Alumni Association, was voted best student organization in The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU special edition. The category was polled through writein votes, which SAC received 37 of, greatly surpassing the other contenders.
“Knowing that students chose us because of the impact they feel or see, that’s really meaningful,” Kai Switzer, a third-year in business administration and president of SAC, said. “It shows that the work we do isn’t just happening in a vacuum.”
when they become alumni,” Switzer said. “If students feel like they belong here, they’ll want to stay connected and give back — that’s what we’re building.”
Olivia Peebles, a fourth-year in public management, leadership and policy and vice president of membership for SAC, said the organization draws in students who are passionate about community and traditions. She said many join after learning about it through other members.
“It’s the people that pull you in,” Peebles said.
“Everyone here cares about Ohio State and about uplifting each other. Whether you’re a firstyear figuring out campus or a senior planning for post-grad, there’s a place for you to connect and grow.”
Switzer said SAC currently has around 128 members who work towards a shared mission of connecting “students past, present and future” while also creating positive experiences on campus that build lasting connections for Ohio State students and alumni.
“Our mission is really to help students feel connected to Ohio State now, so that the feeling continues
SAC organizes many events throughout the semester that promote mentorship and relationship building between students and alumni.
Peebles said programs such as “Dinner with 12 Buckeyes” and “Networking with 12 Buckeyes” — a virtual version of the former — allow small groups of students to meet alumni in personal, yet conversational, settings.
STUDENT ALUMNI COUNCIL continues on page 10.
The exterior of Fox in the Snow’s Italian Village location, which won best cafe in Best of OSU 2025.
Student Alumni Council 2025-26 recruitment photoshoot. Photo courtesy of Kai Switzer.
HELENA HENNESSY | ARTS & LIFE SENIOR WRITER
Best thrift store: Out of the Closet prides itself on affordable pricing and accessible healthcare
Grayson Newbourn Managing Arts & Life Editor
F
rom buying a new outfit to furnishing a living room, thrift stores have always been crucial in helping people live comfortably and affordably.
But some go above and beyond in satisfying the customer — one store in particular even offers free and accessible healthcare for community members.
Out of the Closet, located at 1230 N. High St., must be succeeding in customer satisfaction, as for The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU special edition, the Ohio State community named it as the best secondhand thrift store in the area with 389 votes.
“It’s a place that is meant for people, whoever you are, to be able to come in and be able to experiment — [to] see what kind of clothes you find that make you feel different, beautiful, weird [or] fun,” Ryan Roman, store manager of Out of the Closet, said. Within the large, partially-cylindrical building lies an assortment of carefully curated products, community resources, event flyers and a staff dedicated to helping people in need, both near and far.
Mannequins line the storefront displays, some of which don holiday apparel — one wears a festive crewneck reading “Santa is Daddy,” the sort of tongue-in-cheek fashion the store often carries, alongside casual and professional clothing, with another rocking a halloween mask and a full Santa costume.
Behind the counter, employee art lines the walls as a framed photo of Dolly Parton keeps an eye out for shoplifters.
Out of the Closet was founded in 1990 to help raise funds and awareness for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to HIV/AIDS healthcare, advocacy and resources, according to its website.
Jonathan Kreuyer is the general manager for Out of the Closet, overseeing all 25 store locations across
The exterior of Out of the Closet Thrift Store, which resides in the Short North district in Columbus, Ohio on Monday, November 10, 2025.
seven states. Kreuyer said for the thrift section of the store, the organization prioritizes affordable pricing, especially in the current economy.
“People can’t afford to go to regular retail stores, so we are a place where people can come and shop items at a good, reasonable price,” Kreuyer said. “It’s also having clothing recycled back into the community, instead of into the landfills.”
Roman agreed; he said the organization is continuing to expand and spread their mission.
“We’re always going to try and push to be open in other places and push further,” Roman said. “It’s important, now more than ever, to be out there and expressing ourselves, and being able to have stuff that’s affordable, especially when everything feels like it is incredibly unaffordable.”
Roman said the store not only offers affordable selections of furniture, clothing, secondhand accessories and home goods, but also healthcare, a wellness center, a pharmacy and free STD and STI testing. Better yet, he said for every dollar the store makes, 96 cents goes back toward the AHF.
Kreuyer said by being a combined thrift store and wellness center, the store is able to offer a safe space for people who may require healthcare, but avoid pursuing it due to social stigmas.
“It’s also just a place where people can come into that, they want to get tested but won’t necessarily go to a building that’s just a free standing building that says ‘HIV care’ or ‘Free HIV testing,’ because then everyone knows what you’re going in for,” Kreuyer said. “But when you come to Out of the Closet, people don’t really know what you’re doing.”
As for what healthcare services the store actually offers, Kreuyer said it’s quite the comprehensive list.
“It’s what we call [an] all-in-one service,” Kreuyer said. “We have testing,
so people can come into our sites and get tested for HIV. If they’re positive, we link them directly into care … We have what is called a wellness center, where they come in and get their checks for syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV. All of those services are free, and we also offer PrEP – PrEP is a medication that people can take so HIV doesn’t come in, and that is very effective.”
ment to set up and get started.”
Kreuyer said the store also offers 15 percent off all purchases for students who provide their BucklD, adding that a lot of students may not know about the discount or simply overlook it.
Kreuyer said Out of the Closet chooses where to open stores based on the needs of the local community.
“What we do is we go to locations where there are not [accessible healthcare] services,” Kreuyer said. “So if a city has services available for them, then we feel that those needs are being met — so we go to locations where it’s on the underserved.”
Kreuyer said the organization is focused on giving back to the community, not raising profit. In addition to its other services, he said it also provides support to people moving into a new place after struggling to find housing.
“I know that we’re not making someone rich, we’re not making our CEO rich — we’re out here helping the community, that’s what we do,” Kreuyer said. “I take care of a lot of people that have been on the streets, been homeless, and now they finally get their apartment. We support them through our voucher program, where they’ll come in and we’ll give them a voucher for $150 or $200 and they can come in and get a couch, table lamp, a coffee maker — [to] get things for their
Roman said as an older member of the LGBTQ+ community, working for Out of the Closet has been a rewarding experience.
“It’s amazing to be part of something that helps on such a global scale,” Roman said. “I don’t like thinking about what happens to people who don’t get to get tested, who don’t get the help that they need because they have HIV and they’re poor. It’s an honor and it’s a privilege to be able to work with this organization — I don’t take it lightly.”
At the end of the day, Roman said the staff at Out of the Closet are there to help customers and strive to create a safe space for people to shop without social or financial stress.
“I think what we do is an amazing thing, and I love helping out customers to find fun outfits and to find the sofa or love seat that they need, or to just help them with anything,” Roman said. “It’s a great company, and Out of the Closet is definitely the best place for anybody to go find some easy clothes that are not going to break your bank.”
GRAYSON NEWBOURN | MANAGING ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
Best off-campus housing: StateHouse Columbus voted best off-campus housing for students, by students
Reegan Davis Lantern Reporter
With more than 40 residence halls on Ohio State’s main campus, incoming and current students have plenty of options when it comes to their living space.
In The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU polling, students chose StateHouse Columbus as the best off-campus housing with 365 votes.
According to its website, StateHouse Columbus offers apartment-styled living designed for students, with amenities and locations tailored to meet the living needs of students while allowing them to remain close to campus.
StateHouse Columbus was previously its own brand of apartments, separate from the university, before signing a master lease agreement with Ohio State. This partnership turned the company’s Norwich and Lane Ave. apartments into residence halls for students, according to WOSU.
Students said that having their own, independent space is one of the perks of living in StateHouse apartments.
“I would say the main factor was
having our own living space and kitchen,” Reese Rigney, a second-year in accounting and resident at StateHouse’s Norwich apartments, said.
“I know there are a couple of dorms on campus that do allow for a kitchen and living space, but I know out of all of the options we saw, we felt that this was the best option.”
supposed to, it’s still so much more spacious than Taylor Tower,” Howarth said. “I lived in a quad [last year], so it was very cramped and very crowded.
You can tell [the building has] been kept up with. It’s just a lot more of a home-y feeling, whereas the tower almost feels like a classroom type thing, with the floors and the walls.”
at StateHouse means] you’re able to see your friends a lot more because you guys can all hang out in the common area. It’s just a lot more of a regular lifestyle than living in a box in the [other] dorms.”
Howarth said she was apprehensive at first about selecting StateHouse Norwich because the location seemed far off campus, but she soon realized it was worth it.
“I feel like, especially for second-years, it’s a great in-between where you can get used to what living off-campus is going to be like because it’s basically an apartment,” Howarth said. “But you still have an RA and you still feel a lot more connected to campus … it’s a great transition stage.”
Sadie Howarth, a second-year in psychology, said StateHouse has more open space than the other residence halls, despite living with six people — which is more than the apartment is intended to house.
“Even having more people than it’s
CJ Beeman, a second-year in finance and accounting, said living in StateHouse made it easier to see his friends throughout the school year.
“Last year, if I wanted to have my friends over I’d have to ask my roommate or just be in really tight quarters,” Beeman said. “This year, [living
For more information on StateHouse Columbus’ off-campus residence halls, visit the Ohio State Housing website. For information on StateHouse’s other housing locations in the area, visit its website.
Beloved campus food truck wins Best of OSU 2025
“We’re family-owned, we’ve been part of this community for years and we’re not trying to be something we’re not,” Packer said. “The food is fresh, the portions are generous, and we show up for people.”
While Gates said Dos Hermanos is a “little pricier” than other food trucks on campus, she admits the product is worth it, calling it “fresh, flavorful and reliable.”
“It’s one of the few spots near campus that actually tastes fresh,” Gates said. “The tacos are super flavorful, and you can tell they’re not just throwing stuff together.”
Packer said some fan favorites with meals include their birria tacos and loaded nachos, but for him, he prefers Mexican street tacos.
“Simple, but there’s nothing better,” Packer said about the meal.
Gates shared a similar sentiment to Packer and said her go-to meal is either the nachos or the steak quesadilla, because in addition to the meal, multiple sides are included such as guacamole, salsa, guacamole salsa — a combination of the two dips — and sour cream on the side.
“It’s probably one of the best quick options near campus,” Gates said. “For something fast and actually tasty, Dos Hermanos is a great choice.”
Packer said students choosing Dos Hermanos to be a favorite on campus is one of the best compliments they could get and the relationship means the world.
“Students have so many options, and for them to choose us means we’re doing something right,” Packer said. “It tells us the food is good, the service is solid, and that people feel good about coming to us. It’s also a reminder that we’re part of their college experience: late-night study fuel, post-game celebrations, whatever it is. That matters to us, and we don’t take it lightly.”
A StateHouse on Lane poster outside the building.
REEGAN DAVIS | LANTERN REPORTER
SAC makes large campus feel small
“At those dinners, you meet with alumni who genuinely want to support students,” Peebles said. “Sometimes it turns into mentorship, sometimes career guidance, sometimes just a meaningful conversation you remember. It shows students that they’re part of something bigger.”
Switzer said the organization has seen many proud moments. This fall, SAC took first place in the university’s Homecoming float competition, which he said was a goal for years.
“Winning the float competition was a big deal for us,” Switzer said. “It was the first time we placed first, and it felt like a real reflection of our members’ dedication and teamwork.”
Peebles said she is especially proud of SAC’s inclusion and belonging efforts, including small group “table talk” events where community leaders come to campus to talk about local resources and experiences with students.
sional development opportunities and continue to strengthen connections between students and alumni who can help support each other’s academic and career goals.
Switzer said that the organization is working on implementing programs that align with Ohio State’s goal of ensuring all students have access to at least one internship before graduating.
“If we can act as a bridge that helps students find opportunities through alumni, we want to do that,” Switzer said. “A strong alumni network is one of Ohio State’s greatest strengths.”
“It reminds students that community isn’t just within the university — it’s Columbus, it’s alumni, it’s neighborhoods, it’s history,” Peebles said. “Those conversations help students understand the world they’re in and how they can contribute to it.”
Switzer said fostering these conversations is what makes SAC so special to so many students, and why he believes the community came together to name SAC as the best student organization.
“It shows that when students engage with what we do, they see real value in it,” Switzer said. “That’s what matters most, not the number of votes, but the fact that students felt connected enough to choose us.”
Looking towards the future, Switzer said SAC is hoping to expand profes-
Best female athlete: Jaloni Cambridge,
Ohio State Women’s Basketball player
Liv Rinaldi Sports Editor
With8:08 left in the third quarter, Jaloni Cambridge takes a pass, looks forward and begins to dribble.
Within seconds, she’s streaking down the court and the entire game seems to accel erate.
Peebles said she is hopeful that more students will consider getting involved in the organization, adding that SAC’s recruitment cycle runs from late August to early October with informational sessions throughout the months.
“We want people to know that SAC isn’t exclusive,” Peebles said. “We’re here to help students connect, no matter where they come from or what they study. If you love Ohio State and you care about building community, this is a place where you’ll be welcomed.”
Switzer said the student’s support for the organization serves as encouragement to continue working hard as the group plans for the rest of the academic year.
“This wasn’t something the university handed out, it was students speaking for themselves,” Switzer said. “That’s why it matters. It shows that the work we’re doing is making a real impact on campus.”
Defenders scramble to keep up with the blur in scarlet and gray.
Jaloni Cambridge received 406 votes, awarding her the title of Best Female Athlete in The Lantern’s 2025 Best of OSU special edition.
But for all the speed that’s defined her game, Cambridge’s biggest growth this season has come from learning to slow down.
Following a year in which she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and averaged 15.4 points per game, Cambridge entered her sophomore season with a new challenge: leading a retooled Ohio State roster that lost six players to graduation and transfers. With just five returners, three of them sophomores, the Buckeyes’ identity would depend largely on their point guard—and Cambridge has embraced the role.
Ohio State lost six players from last year’s roster following a second-round NCAA Tournament exit, leaving only five returners, three of them sophomores. Among them, Cambridge brought the most experience, and head coach Kevin McGuff made it clear that her growth would define the team’s direction.
“Obviously, Jaloni’s coming off, what I think, was a really productive freshman campaign, but we expect her to take another step this year,” Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff said. “Both with her production on the court and scoring the ball for us, making other people better, but also, from a leadership standpoint.”
That leadership was on display immediately.
In the Buckeyes’ season-opening 88–59 win over Coppin State, Cambridge looked every bit the composed
floor general McGuff described. She tallied 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists, controlling the pace of the game while setting the tone for a young roster still finding its rhythm.
“Last year, I could have done more,” Cambridge said. “Should have done more, but this year, with the team we have, I have to do more, and I’m OK with that. I’m surrounded by good people, both teammates and coaches. So, it’s nothing new, just being myself and just playing the game, and definitely playing a lot harder.”
For teammates like forward Ella Hobbs, Cambridge’s energy is contagious.
“She’s so fast,” Ohio State forward Ella Hobbs said. “She’ll get the rebound, or if you get her the rebound pass to her, she’s all the way up the court already.”
From her days at Montverde Academy and Ensworth School, where she was a three-time Tennessee Miss Basketball, to her explosive start in Columbus, her quickness has set her apart from nearly everyone else on the court. But what’s defining her sophomore season is the ability to channel that speed into composure.
“I know I’m a fast player,” she said. “But I’ve been doing a pretty good job of slowing down because it really opens the floor up a lot more.”
Cambridge may be learning to slow down, but she is only gaining momentum.
Block O Formation, with SACers. Photo courtesy of Kai Switzer.
SANDRA FU | MANAGING PHOTO EDITOR
Best football player and best male athlete: Jeremiah Smith’s rapid ascent at Ohio State
Jack Diwik Managing Sports Editor
Beforehe ever caught a pass in Ohio Stadium, the legend of Jeremiah Smith was already building.
Murmurs of the 18-year-old from Florida, being the next great Buckeye receiver, echoed throughout Columbus long before he ever suited up. The No. 1 recruit in the nation, Smith arrived at Ohio State carrying the kind of hype usually reserved for veterans, not freshmen.
Then came his first college drive.
On the Buckeyes’ second play from scrimmage in week one against Akron, Smith lined up wide left of quarterback Will Howard. The ball was snapped, Howard looked his way and fired a quick pass to the freshman with blockers out in front. The ball slipped right through Smith’s hands.
It would be the last drop of the season.
He finished the year with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with a national championship.
Smith shattered Ohio State’s freshman receiving records and redefined what a first-year player could be.
city just north of Miami, where football is a way of life. By middle school, his size and athleticism separated him from his peers, and by high school, he was starring at powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna Prep. As a senior, he caught 88 passes for more than 1,376
world by storm after racking up 453 yards and six touchdowns through his first five games, including spectacular one-handed catches in back-to-back weeks against Michigan State and Iowa.
His 6-foot-3 frame and track-star
His connection with Howard evolved into one of the most dynamic quarterback-receiver duos in college football, highlighted by a 187-yard, two-touchdown performance in a Rose Bowl win over Oregon.
Now, midway through his sophomore campaign, the legend of Jeremiah Smith has only grown.
“You can see the talent,” head coach Ryan Day said. “Sometimes you look at him and you don’t think he’s quite human, but he is. He’s just built different.”
The wide receiver was voted “Best Football Player” and “Best Male Athelete” with 2,327 votes from Lantern readers for this year’s “Best of OSU” polling.
Smith grew up in Opa-locka, a small
yards and 19 touchdowns, leading his team to a state championship and earning the title of the nation’s top receiver.
When he committed to Ohio State, fans expected him to extend the Buckeyes’ wide receiver legacy, which had produced four first-round picks in the previous five years.
But few expected the impact he would make in his first season.
Smith took the college football
speed made him an instant matchup nightmare, the kind of player defensive coordinators built entire game plans around.
“He’s special,” former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said. “I’ve said it from the beginning, I’ve not seen anybody like him. That combination of size and speed, the ability to track the football, the ability to go up and get the football, he’s maybe a once-ina-lifetime guy.”
Through 25 career games, he has scored 25 touchdowns, the fastest any Ohio State player has ever reached that mark, breaking David Boston’s record. He has recorded 65 receptions for 862 yards and 11 total touchdowns this season, ranking among the nation’s top 10 in touchdowns, receiving yards and catches.
His combination of production and consistency has placed him squarely in the Heisman Trophy conversation, something no Buckeye has achieved since Troy Smith’s run nearly two decades ago.
If he stays on pace, Smith is projected to shatter multiple program records, including career receiving touchdowns and receptions.
“I don’t think it’s even close that Jeremiah Smith is the best offensive player in college football,” Day said.
Still, for all the attention and accolades, and with the possibility of the first back-to-back national championships in school history, Smith’s focus hasn’t changed.
“I’m just trying to be better every week,” Smith said. “Records and awards are cool, but I came here to win, that’s all that matters.”
Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) rushes the ball during the game against Ohio University Sept. 13.
LIAM AHERN | SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR
