News Releases

Owens to Air In-Game Super Bowl Commercial Focused on University Transfer

Owens Community College will make what is believed to be its Super Bowl commercial debut on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when its new commercial, Alex and Alex: A Transfer Story, airs just before halftime during Super Bowl LX on NBC24.

The college does not have advertising records from 1966 through the 1990s, but since 2000 the college has not aired a commercial in the big game. Super Bowl LX marks the 60th edition of the championship, aligning with Owens’ 60th anniversary celebration this academic year.

Mariah Colby

Antonio Dean

The 90-second spot, created in partnership with Madhouse Films, an award-winning, Toledo-based creative agency, highlights Owens’ commitment to helping students begin their academic journey with confidence and transfer seamlessly to a four-year institution.

Alex and Alex: A Transfer Story demonstrates one of Owens’ core messages: “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” The commercial features actors portraying two students, both named Alex, to illustrate different educational pathways. One begins their journey at a four-year university while the other starts at Owens. Despite taking different routes, both complete the same degree at the same time.

“The commercial shows many differences between the two Alexes, but the most meaningful is that the Alex who starts at Owens reaches a bachelor’s degree through a more affordable path,” said Tasha Hussain Black, Owens vice president of Strategic Initiatives, Marketing and Communications. “Nearly 10,000 students in the past decade have transferred from Owens and earned their bachelor’s degree. That Alex represents the real story of so many Owens graduates.”

According to Nielsen, a media audience measurement company, Toledo’s designated marketing area includes 424,000 television households and an estimated TV audience of 865,000 viewers ages 12 and older. Hussain Black said the Super Bowl placement is an opportunity to elevate the Owens story at a moment of high visibility.

“We’re a critical pipeline to our four-year partners, and ensuring seamless transfers will always be a priority,” she said. “Sharing that message with such a wide audience underscores the value Owens brings to our students, our university partners and our community.”

Madhouse Film’s creative team, led by Molly Luetke, Rob Seiffert, Logan Brown and Noah Ackerman (Owens ’23), began brainstorming with Owens in February 2025. Madhouse presented the Alex and Alex concept a month later. Filming took place in May and the spot was completed in August, when it debuted at the annual State of the College address. Since, it’s been featured on the Owens website and utilized by recruitment staff working with new students.

Super Bowl LX will be the first time it airs on network television.

Watch the commercial and learn more about transfer opportunities by visiting owens.edu/transfer.