Meet the Nursing Graduate Behind Brutus Buckeye

By Grace McGrath

“After having my entire life revolve around being funny as Brutus, I am now realizing that laughter truthfully is the best medicine, and sometimes people, especially sick patients, really need a good laugh.”

Caleb Kies, a 2026 graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, revealed himself as Brutus Buckeye during the college’s Convocation ceremony on May 8. He served as Brutus for the last two years of his undergraduate career.

Kies is one of the many students whose identities as Brutus remain a secret until graduation day.

Raised in a small Ohio town, he grew up as a lifelong Buckeyes fan. He describes being Brutus as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a full-circle moment.

“Being able to look back at little me and telling him I graduated from The Ohio State University and also got to represent Brutus Buckeye, a character I loved growing up, is surreal."

For Kies, being Brutus meant embracing selflessness. The role required him to represent not only Ohio State, but also the broader Buckeye community and the state of Ohio, all while remaining anonymous.

This commitment meant giving his all to a community that did not know his identity. “Brutus is a friend to everyone,” Kies said. “Upholding that tradition without receiving recognition made me realize just how special the role is.”

Balancing the demands of nursing school with the responsibilities of being Brutus was physically and mentally challenging. His schedule included strength and conditioning training three to four days a week at 6 a.m., along with evening team meetings and practices three times a week.

During football season, the commitment intensified. In addition to attending events and appearances, Kies spent hours preparing skits and building props for home games – all while managing classes, clinical experiences and coursework.

Kies described living a “double life” throughout college. Because nursing students spend so much time together in classes and clinical settings, he formed close relationships while carefully protecting his identity as Brutus.

“I had to come up with stories about where I was during certain events or what I was doing during football games," he said.

The experience also created opportunities Kies never imagined.

As Brutus Buckeye, he was able to travel for college football playoff games, participate in commercial shoots and attend the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

Some of his favorite memories include Lee Corso selecting his Brutus head as his last college mascot headgear pick on ESPN’s College GameDay, taking a photo with the only living Ohio State Heisman winners, and helping the Brutus Buckeye team win the 2026 Division IA Mascot National Championship.

Following graduation, Kies will begin working in the medical intensive care unit at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He is eager to apply his Ohio State education in a fast-paced acute care environment while providing compassionate patient care.