Press Box Perspectives

by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations – December 12, 2025

Jeff Gilbert transformed a childhood love for sports storytelling into a fulfilling career as a Buckeyes beat reporter and journalism professor. His curiosity and Christian faith continue to shape his approach to telling compelling, meaningful stories.

How Did Jeff Gilbert Turn a Sports Hobby Into a Career?

Sports are Jeff Gilbert’s passion. What started as a hobby of cutting out sports stories from newspapers and magazines and crafting his own narrative for each story has blossomed into a thrilling career as the beat reporter for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and assistant professor of journalism at Cedarville University.

In this week’s Cedarville Stories Podcast, Jeff steps up to the plate to share his journey of painting word pictures to tell stories from the gridiron, basketball court, baseball fields — and much more.

What Makes Jeff Gilbert’s Sports Writing Stand Out?

His secret to writing compelling stories has been his curiosity — always being fascinated with asking unique questions that leads the reader past the obvious and into some behind-the-scenes information. In fact, Jeff believes the greatest attribute of a gifted journalist is their curiosity, something that he developed through his 20-year journalism career.

Jeff's approach isn't just about the game; it's about capturing the pulse of the crowd, the heartbeat of the athletes, and the spirit of the moment. His Christian worldview infuses his work, adding a dimension that elevates his storytelling to new heights.

Where Can You Hear More About Jeff Gilbert’s Story?

Whether diving into his passion with the Buckeyes, covering local athletes, or looking for stories that bring a person’s faith in Jesus to light, Jeff's reporting is a slam dunk.

Join us as we step into the press box with Jeff Gilbert on this week’s Cedarville Stories Podcast.