Explained: Ohio State NIL money How Ryan Day used the transfer site and NIL to create a “$20 million” squad
Ohio State’s football team boasts one of the most talented rosters in the nation, featuring standout players like true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, running back Quinshon Judkins, and safety Caleb Downs. The Buckeyes’ roster has been built with a singular goal in mind: winning a national championship. A significant factor in shaping this elite squad has been the use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have allowed Ohio State to invest heavily in its roster and attract top-tier talent. This investment is not only a testament to the team’s ambition but also to the growing influence of NIL in college sports.
The $20 Million Investment in Ohio State’s Roster
In the lead-up to the 2024 season, Ohio State reportedly spent a staggering $20 million to assemble its star-studded team. This figure was first reported by ESPN’s Jake Trotter, and it made waves across the college football landscape. The motivation behind this hefty spending was clear: after losing to Michigan in 2023 and watching their rival go on to win the national championship, the Buckeyes were determined to build a team capable of taking home the title.
Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork described the urgency behind the move: “No one’s been happy with the last couple of seasons and how they’ve ended. There’s a reset that had to take place,” he told ESPN. “Coach Day was at the forefront of activating all of that. He had a methodical, intense, intentional plan.” That plan, in part, involved pouring a massive sum into the roster, using NIL funds to enhance the team’s competitiveness.
The investment was aimed at reinforcing the roster through both the transfer portal and high school recruiting. Ohio State also worked to retain several key players who were considering entering the NFL Draft.
Key Transfer Portal Acquisitions
One of the most significant ways Ohio State bolstered its roster was through the transfer portal. Some of the most notable players to join the Buckeyes through this route include:
- Quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State
- Quarterback Julian Sayin from Alabama
- Running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss
- Offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin from Alabama
- Cornerback Caleb Downs from Alabama
Howard, the starting quarterback for Ohio State, has been stellar this season. He has completed 72.3% of his passes, throwing for 2,860 yards and 27 touchdowns, including seven rushing touchdowns. Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss, has been a standout in the backfield, leading the team with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. McLaughlin, a consensus All-American, won the prestigious Rimington Award despite suffering a season-ending injury. Downs, another All-American, ranks third on the team in tackles with 61, along with three passes defended and an interception.
These key transfers have significantly strengthened the Buckeyes’ lineup, helping to elevate the team to a new level of competition in college football.
Five-Star Recruits and Retaining Talent
In addition to its transfer portal acquisitions, Ohio State’s NIL investments helped the Buckeyes secure some top recruits. The most notable of these is Jeremiah Smith, a five-star wide receiver who has been exceptional as a true freshman. Smith leads the team in receiving with 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.4 yards per catch. Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class, ranked fifth nationally by the 247Sports Composite, also includes other high-profile players who have made an immediate impact.
Moreover, NIL funds have allowed Ohio State to retain players who might otherwise have declared for the NFL Draft. For instance, Emeka Egbuka, a standout wide receiver, returned for another season, despite being a potential high pick in the draft. Egbuka has contributed 60 catches for 743 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Additionally, defensive stars such as Tyleik Williams, JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Denzel Burke chose to stay in Columbus for another year, bolstering Ohio State’s defense.
The decision for many players to stay in school rather than enter the NFL draft was facilitated by the financial opportunities available through NIL. This shift has eliminated the age-old dilemma of choosing between staying in college for one more season or making money in the pros. The return of several high-profile players was a direct result of Ohio State’s NIL investment, which helped maintain the team’s championship aspirations.
Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes and Ryan Day’s Pressure
Despite some struggles earlier in the season, including a narrow 13-10 loss to Michigan, Ohio State’s championship aspirations are still alive. The expanded 12-team playoff has allowed the Buckeyes to keep their national title hopes intact, though the team faces significant pressure to live up to its high expectations. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who has led the team to multiple playoff appearances, is under scrutiny to deliver a national championship.
Day’s record in the College Football Playoff (CFP) is 1-3, with the Buckeyes falling short in their most recent appearances. Ohio State lost to Clemson in 2019, got revenge with a victory over the Tigers the following year, and then suffered defeats to Alabama and Georgia in the subsequent seasons. Despite these setbacks, Day has kept Ohio State competitive at the highest level, but the team’s high expectations this season—coupled with its significant financial investment—make the need for a national title even more pressing.
As former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones put it, “I would argue it’s national championship or bust. I don’t think beating Michigan, I don’t think winning the Big Ten championship game and just going to the playoffs is enough.”
The Stakes for Ryan Day and Ohio State
With $20 million spent to assemble a roster packed with talent, Ohio State has committed to an all-or-nothing approach to winning the national championship. Anything less than a title would likely lead to serious consequences for Ryan Day, as the pressure to succeed intensifies with each passing season.
Ohio State’s financial investment in its roster is a clear indication of the team’s ambition to reclaim its place at the top of college football. The Buckeyes have the talent, the resources, and the drive to compete for the national championship, but the ultimate test will come when they face off against the top teams in the playoff. Whether Ohio State can live up to its lofty goals and deliver a national title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.