If you've noticed Brutus Buckeye standing a little taller than usual lately, you're not imagining things. That towering figure is Kurt Steelman, and at 6-foot-6, he's bringing a whole new perspective to Ohio State's beloved mascot.

Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Steelman never imagined he'd one day don the iconic scarlet and gray. But when he made the Brutus team, his excitement was contagious. "Within a week, my entire hometown knew," he jokes, thanks to his proud mother's enthusiasm.

Making the team wasn't easy. Steelman describes the tryout process as "the most effort I've ever put into something." Despite his dedication, he admits he wasn't sure he'd make the cut. "I'm not the traditional physical choice," he says with a laugh. While there are no height requirements to be Brutus, his 6-foot-6 frame presented some unique challenges for the coaching staff.

For example, during football games, the role is typically split between two team members. But when Steelman is on the schedule, the coaches have to pair him with the second-tallest teammate. Otherwise, it might look like Brutus had a sudden growth spurt at halftime!

Steelman hasn't been afraid to have some fun with his height, though. For the 2025 Cotton Bowl against Texas, he and teammate Jeff Moody—who is decidedly not 6-foot-6—asked head coach Ray Sharp if they could both take the field as Brutus. The result? Steelman was in costume on the sidelines when Jack Sawyer's legendary 83-yard scoop-and-score sealed Ohio State's victory.

For Steelman, being Brutus is about more than just the big moments. "Football is obviously cool because that's what Brutus was designed for," he says. "But that support element—it's really special to not just the actual athletes but to people all across the state. When you're able to elevate someone's day and their general experience, that's what makes this role truly meaningful."

Whether he's towering over the crowd or celebrating a historic win, one thing is clear: Kurt Steelman is proving that Brutus Buckeye comes in all sizes—and that's something worth cheering for.