The Ohio State University (OSU) is a large public land-grant research university and the flagship institution of the University System of Ohio, located primarily in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1870 as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, it evolved into a comprehensive university emphasizing agriculture, mechanical arts, and classical studies before expanding into a broad spectrum of disciplines. Today, OSU enrolls over 60,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, making it one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment. It is renowned for its research output, ranking among the top public universities nationally, with strengths in areas such as engineering, medicine, law, business, and agriculture. The university operates the James Cancer Hospital and Wexner Medical Center, a major academic health system, and supports extensive extension services through its land-grant mission. OSU's athletic programs, particularly its football team, the Buckeyes, contribute to its cultural prominence and alumni network.

OSU maintains significant connections to networks of influence through philanthropy, alumni, and governance. Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands (formerly The Limited), attended OSU and has served as a trustee, donating over $100 million to the institution. These contributions include funding for the Wexner Medical Center and the Wexner Center for the Arts, highlighting OSU's role in attracting major donors from business and finance sectors. The university has also been involved in various controversies, including academic scandals, Title IX investigations, and debates over free speech on campus, which have drawn scrutiny to its administrative practices and influence within Ohio's political and economic landscape. Despite these, OSU continues to drive economic development in the state through research partnerships and innovation hubs.