Big Ten Blood Drive: Ohio State, Archie Griffin Push for $1M Grant, Iowa Holds Third

Ohio State football is competing off the field this summer, and the stakes are high. The Buckeyes have joined forces with two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin to rally fans for the 'We Give Blood' campaign, a Big Ten-wide competition offering a $1 million grant from healthcare giant Abbott to the school with the most donations.

As of this week, Ohio State sits in fourth place with 150 donors and 450 lives saved. Nebraska leads the pack with 421 donors, followed by reigning champion Wisconsin with 254, and Iowa in third with 172 donors and 516 lives saved.

What is the 'We Give Blood' Challenge?

The competition pits all 18 Big Ten schools against each other in a season-long blood donation drive. Abbott, the global healthcare company, will award $1 million to the university that secures the most donations by the end of the challenge. The winning school can use the funds for student or community health and wellness programs.

Ohio State kicked off its on-campus drive Wednesday at Ohio Stadium's Huntington Club, drawing fans with free exclusive T-shirts and a rare chance to see Griffin in person. Donors were also entered into a sweepstakes for Buckeye mini-helmets signed by head coach Ryan Day and a VIP meet-and-greet pass for a future episode of the Ryan Day Show.

Archie Griffin's Legacy and Call to Service

Griffin, whose jersey number 45 is retired by Ohio State and who was honored with a bronze statue outside the stadium in 2024, said his commitment to service stems from his upbringing and his former coach, Woody Hayes.

We didn't have a whole lot coming up in a large family such as I had, but my family always gave what they could to help neighbors and things of that. So it was already in the back of my mind, but Woody's paying forward just shouted out there and made me realize, 'Hey, this is what you want to do; you want to help people.'

Griffin's presence is a major draw for older alumni and lifelong Buckeye families, bridging generations of fans who might otherwise skip a routine blood drive.

How Iowa Ranks in the Big Ten Blood Donation Race

Iowa currently holds third place in the leaderboard with 172 donors and 516 lives saved. The Hawkeyes trail Nebraska and Wisconsin but remain ahead of Ohio State and the rest of the conference.

Nebraska won the inaugural challenge in 2024 and used its $1 million prize to fund mental health support for students and veterans, build an on-campus produce garden, and hire a full-time financial coach for struggling students. Wisconsin took the title last year by 925 donations.

When Will the Winner Be Announced?

Donations will be tallied throughout the season, and Abbott will crown the winning university on December 5 at the 2026 Big Ten Football Championship Game in Indianapolis.

For Iowa fans, the drive offers a chance to support a worthy cause while giving the Hawkeyes a competitive edge in the conference. Blood donations can be made at participating locations across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I participate in the 'We Give Blood' challenge?

Fans can donate blood at participating Big Ten campus drives or local blood centers affiliated with the campaign. Each donation counts toward the school's total in the competition.

What does the winning school receive?

The winning university receives a $1 million grant from Abbott to fund student or community health and wellness programs, similar to Nebraska's mental health and financial coaching initiatives.

Is Iowa close to winning the challenge?

Iowa currently sits in third place with 172 donors and 516 lives saved, trailing Nebraska and Wisconsin. The competition runs through the season, so there is still time for the Hawkeyes to close the gap.