The Midshipmen will travel to Columbus to face the perennially powerful Buckeyes on Sept. 5, 2009 at Ohio Stadium, one of the most recognizable landmarks in collegiate athletics. Nicknamed "The Horseshoe," it is the fourth-largest, on-campus facility in the nation with a seating capacity of 102,329.

What makes this contract rather unique is the fact Ohio State has agreed to play Navy on Aug. 30, 2014 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium or at a neutral site in the Baltimore-Washington area.

"It's going to be a great challenge. Ohio State has always fielded one of the finest football programs in the country," Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo said when contacted this morning about the new series.

"Ohio State's record speaks for itself. You're talking about a team that has been in the Bowl Championship Series every year since its inception and played in several national championship games. It will be a daunting task to say the least."

Ohio State, a longtime member of the Big Ten Conference, has captured seven national championships during its 116-year history. The Buckeyes have produced six Heisman Trophy winners, 128 first team All-Americans and 66 first round National Football League draft choices.

Ohio State boasts a gaudy record of 73-16 with a consensus national title (2002-2003) under the direction of sixth-year head coach Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes have played in the BCS National Championship game each of the past two seasons.

Gladchuk said Ohio State initiated discussions about a possible football contract and he initially turned down the idea.

"I told the Ohio State folks that Navy was not interested, but they were extremely persistent," Gladchuk said. "I spoke to the coaching staff and some of the players about the possibility and there was a high level of enthusiasm, no reluctance whatsoever. As a result, when Ohio State called back and asked me to reconsider, I was willing to do so."

Gladchuk declined to discuss financial terms, but admitted this would be the most lucrative home-and-home contract in the history of Navy football. Sources said the deal has the potential to earn the Naval Academy as much as $2 million for each game.

"There is a significant financial benefit and certainly that was a consideration," Gladchuk said. "However, the opportunity for the Navy football program to play an historic opponent on a national stage is equally important."

Navy will play 13 games in 2009, having received an exemption from the NCAA for an extra game since it is scheduled to play at Hawaii. Gladchuk said the 2009 schedule is still being solidified and thus could not say what opponent Ohio State is replacing.

Meanwhile, the 2014 schedule is under construction with Ohio State kicking off the season in style. Gladchuk did not rule out playing the contest in the intimate confines of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, which has a capacity of about 37,000-plus. However, the contest could also be held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore or FedEx Field in Landover.

"It is quite rare for Ohio State to go on the road for a non-conference game against a non-BCS opponent," Gladchuk said. "I think that shows the level of commitment the Ohio State administration has made to this series and their respect for Navy football."

Gladchuk said Ohio State intends to make the 2009 season opener a special event filled with pageantry. That is why Smith, the athletic director, sought out the Naval Academy.

"It was clear to me that Ohio State, as an institution, has a strong appreciation for Navy as well as the military dimension and patriotism that is associated with a service academy," he said.

This will be the fourth meeting between the Midshipmen and Buckeyes, who last met in the 1981 Liberty Bowl. That was an exciting contest with Ohio State holding on for a 31-28 victory. The 2009 season opener will mark the first time Navy has played a

school from the Big 10 since September 21, 2002. Navy is 23-31-2 all-time against schools currently in the Big 10.