Bob Atha, a former walk-on at Ohio State University, has passed away at the age of 65.
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According to The Columbus Dispatch, Atha passed away at his home on Tuesday. This followed a long battle with cancer. The former Buckeyes standout is survived by wife, Carol, and three children, Lauren, Hunter, and Tanner.
RIP Bob Atha, College Football Placekicker, Punter, Quarterback
The Ohio State Buckeyes (1978-1981)
Record Five Field Goals in One Game#InMemoriam #RIP pic.twitter.com/UpZZzgS05v— LegacyTributes (@InMemoriamX) April 1, 2026
Atha, a native of Marietta, Ohio, played multiple sports in high school before heading to Ohio State University for his college career. He became a preferred walk-on for the winning program, and he made an impact in multiple ways.
Atha won the job as the starting punter and place kicker. He also became a backup quarterback during his tenure at Ohio State University (1978-1981).
The Ohio native didn't see much action at quarterback as he only attempted 41 passes. He completed 20 of these passes for 264 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions while working behind Art Schlichter and Mike Tomczak.
Atha still produced on offense. He rushed 54 times for 287 yards and six touchdowns. This includes five scores during the 1980 season. He caught two passes for 10 yards as a spot receiver.
The Buckeye made his biggest impact on special teams. He averaged 40.1 yards per punt during the 1981 season, the same year that he led the Big Ten in scoring with 88 points.
Atha converted on 39 of his 40 attempted extra points during this season, which led the conference. He made 12 of his 17 attempted field goals. This run includes a record-setting five field goals against Indiana, a mark that still stands to this day.
Josh Huston kicked five field goals in front of a crowd of 105,565 people in 2005 to tie the record. However, the Buckeyes lost to Texas in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Mike Nugent also tied the record in 2004 during a game against North Carolina State. Devin Barclay tied the record in 2010 during a game against Miami.
