Join us for the highly anticipated 70th Annual Groundhog Breakfast, back again this year at Adena Hall on the campus of Ohio State at Newark/COTC. Attendees will enjoy a delicious breakfast, a live economic forecast and presentation of the John Alford Community Service Award.

We're thrilled to announce our 2026 Groundhog Breakfast speaker, Bobby Carpenter. Carpenter was a standout linebacker at Ohio State from 2002 – 2005 before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1st round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Between 2006 – 2012, he played for the Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots. Prior to the NFL during his time in college, Carpenter recorded 191 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three interceptions and two fumbles. He was twice named 2nd Team All-Big Ten and was part of the Ohio State team that won a BCS National Championship in 2002 and featured game MVP’s Mike Doss and Craig Krenzel. Born on August 1, 1983 in Lancaster, Ohio, Carpenter went to Lancaster High School, where he was named first-team All-Ohio as a senior.

Off the field, Carpenter has a variety of interests. After retiring from playing, Carpenter started a successful broadcast career, co-hosting a radio show on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus and appearing on the Big Ten Network and ESPN’s “Get Up”. He has also served as an adjunct professor teaching a finance class at Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business. Additionally, he is involved in numerous charity endeavors, including Buckeye Cruise for Cancer and 2nd and Seven Foundation. Carpenter is also a popular speaker who is in demand as both a motivational and faith-based Christian speaker.

Doors open at 5:30am; breakfast lines open at 6:00am.

In the rare occasion of a Level 2 snow emergency, the event will be presented virtually at a future date and time.