Ohio State University is often celebrated for its powerhouse athletics department, boasting 36 varsity sports teams and a budget that rivals major corporations. In 2024 alone, they poured $292.8 million into their sports programs, only surpassed by the University of Texas. Over a seven-year stretch, Ohio State generated over $1.2 billion in revenue, with their iconic scarlet red 'O' symbolizing success both on and off the field. Yet, amid this glory, a dark shadow looms—one of the most shocking sexual abuse scandals in U.S. history that few associate with the university.

Eva Orner, an acclaimed Australian documentary filmmaker known for works like Netflix's 'Bikram' and the Oscar-winning 'Taxi to the Dark Side,' first encountered the fervor of Ohio State's Buckeye culture during a game day weekend. Her initial impression was one of amazement at the sheer devotion to the team, likening it to a feverish cult. However, the allure of this sporting community stands in stark contrast to the disturbing revelations that her latest documentary, 'Surviving Ohio State,' brings to light.

Premiering at Tribeca and now available on HBO, Orner's film delves into the harrowing tale of Richard Strauss, a former Ohio State physician who preyed on at least 177 male students from 1978 to 1998. The university's own records from 2021 report more than 2,800 instances of alleged sexual misconduct by Strauss, including over 170 allegations of rape, often occurring during routine medical checkups. This pattern of abuse spread across at least 15 sports, with student-athletes warning each other about 'Jellypaws,' as Strauss was nicknamed.

An independent investigation revealed that Ohio State was aware of complaints about Strauss's behavior as early as 1979, yet it wasn't until 1996 that any significant action was taken. Even then, Strauss was merely suspended from clinical duties, retaining his faculty status until retiring in 1998 with emeritus honors.

While the case of Larry Nassar—a former Michigan State and U.S. women's gymnastics team doctor convicted of abusing 265 young women—garnered widespread sympathy and support for its survivors, the men who stepped forward against Strauss faced skepticism. “We’re not accustomed to men speaking out about abuse,” Orner notes, highlighting the legal battles and personal toll on the survivors over the past seven years.

Through her documentary, Orner challenges viewers to confront their biases, presenting the raw and emotional testimonies of survivors like Mike DiSabato, the whistleblower, and Mark Coleman, a celebrated Buckeye and MMA star. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to seek justice, even in the face of doubt.