Ohio State’s $20 million roster is proving to be worth it

Ohio State’s $20 Million Roster Is Proving to Be Worth It

In college football, few programs have been as consistently successful and high-profile as the Ohio State Buckeyes. With a rich history, a passionate fanbase, and an extensive collection of championships and accolades, Ohio State has long been a force to be reckoned with. As the game of college football evolves, so too does the financial landscape that surrounds it. In recent years, one of the most discussed topics in college football is the growing amount of money being invested into rosters, facilities, and programs as a whole. For Ohio State, this financial investment has been substantial. In fact, the Buckeyes are currently fielding a roster valued at approximately $20 million.

This massive expenditure on talent, resources, and overall program infrastructure has sparked much debate—both within the college football world and beyond. But as the 2025 season progresses, the results are clear: Ohio State’s $20 million roster is not only justifying the financial commitment, it’s also paying dividends on the field, giving the Buckeyes a legitimate shot at national championships, playoff berths, and continued dominance in the Big Ten Conference.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how Ohio State has been able to build and sustain a roster worth $20 million, how this investment has translated into on-field success, and what it means for the future of the program and college football as a whole. From recruiting to player development to facilities, we’ll examine the various facets of Ohio State’s massive roster investment and explore why it’s proving to be worth every penny.

1. The Financial Landscape of Ohio State Football

Before delving into how Ohio State’s roster has become a $20 million powerhouse, it’s important to understand the financial structure behind such an investment. College football has become an industry in and of itself, with massive television contracts, lucrative sponsorship deals, and soaring ticket and merchandise sales fueling the financial engine of top programs. For Ohio State, the combination of these revenue streams has enabled the university to pour substantial amounts of money into its football program, making it one of the most financially robust in the nation.

Revenue Streams Fueling Ohio State’s Investment

Ohio State benefits from some of the largest and most profitable revenue streams in college football:

• TV Contracts and Media Rights: Ohio State is a part of the Big Ten Conference, which has one of the richest media deals in college sports. The conference’s partnership with networks like Fox, CBS, and NBC brings in substantial revenue. Ohio State’s games, especially high-profile matchups, attract millions of viewers, generating substantial payouts for the university.
• Ticket Sales and Game Day Revenue: With a stadium seating over 100,000 people, Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe) is one of the largest and most iconic venues in college football. The Buckeyes regularly sell out their home games, creating a massive influx of revenue from ticket sales alone. Additionally, revenue from parking, concessions, and gameday experiences adds millions to the program’s coffers.
• Merchandise Sales: Ohio State is one of the most recognizable brands in college sports, and that’s reflected in the sales of merchandise such as jerseys, apparel, and memorabilia. From Nike-sponsored gear to official fan merchandise, these sales contribute significantly to Ohio State’s bottom line.
• Alumni and Boosters: Ohio State has a vast network of loyal alumni and boosters who consistently donate to the athletic department. These donations help fund facilities, recruiting budgets, and player stipends, as well as fueling the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals that play a growing role in college athletics.

Investing in Facilities and Support Staff

Ohio State’s financial commitment goes beyond the players themselves. The program has invested millions into state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• The Woody Hayes Athletic Center: This is one of the premier training facilities in the nation, complete with an indoor practice field, strength and conditioning areas, recovery zones, and top-tier medical and nutrition support.
• The Ohio State Football Complex: With world-class meeting rooms, lounges, and academic support areas, this facility provides the necessary infrastructure to support players academically and athletically. The complex includes video analysis suites, team meeting rooms, and high-end locker rooms that help attract and develop elite talent.
• Support Staff: Beyond the coaching staff, Ohio State has built one of the most robust support staffs in college football. From strength and conditioning coaches to nutritionists to mental performance specialists, the Buckeyes have the resources to help players maximize their potential both on and off the field.

2. Recruiting at the Highest Level

One of the key components to Ohio State’s success is its ability to attract top-tier talent year after year. The Buckeyes consistently pull in some of the best recruits in the country, and this elite talent is a direct result of the program’s financial commitment.

Recruiting Budget and NIL Deals

Ohio State has one of the largest recruiting budgets in the nation. This budget allows the coaching staff to travel across the country, visit high schools, and bring in top prospects for official visits. The program’s facilities, resources, and success on the field are key selling points in recruiting, but the financial aspect also plays a role. With the advent of NIL deals, players are now able to benefit financially from their name, image, and likeness, and Ohio State has positioned itself to take full advantage of this new landscape.

• NIL and Recruiting: Ohio State has signed lucrative NIL deals with many of its players, providing financial support that enhances the program’s ability to recruit top talent. As NIL deals have become an increasingly important aspect of recruiting, Ohio State has utilized its financial power to secure top deals for its athletes, making the program even more attractive to high school recruits.
• High School Talent Pipeline: Ohio State has established a recruiting pipeline to bring in top talent from across the country, with a particular focus on Ohio and surrounding states. The Buckeyes have also expanded their recruiting efforts into traditional football hotbeds like Florida, Texas, and California, where many of the nation’s top high school players are located.

Key Players and Position Groups

The $20 million roster is a direct result of Ohio State’s successful recruiting efforts. The team’s roster is filled with elite players at every position, with standout talent at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defense.

• Quarterback Position: In recent years, Ohio State has seen exceptional play from quarterbacks like CJ Stroud and Justin Fields, both of whom have been Heisman Trophy finalists and top NFL draft picks. The financial investment in developing elite quarterbacks has allowed the Buckeyes to remain consistently competitive on a national level.
• Wide Receiver Corps: Ohio State has become a wide receiver factory, with several former Buckeye wide receivers going on to successful NFL careers. Players like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have proven that the Buckeyes’ ability to develop top wide receivers is second to none.
• Defensive Line: Ohio State has also invested heavily in developing one of the most feared defensive lines in college football. With recruits like Chase Young and Nick Bosa, the Buckeyes have consistently produced dominant pass rushers who can change the course of a game.

3. The Return on Investment: Success on the Field

With all the financial investments being poured into the roster, the question remains: is it paying off? The answer is a resounding yes. Ohio State’s $20 million roster has consistently delivered elite results on the field, and the program is poised to remain one of the best in college football for the foreseeable future.

Playoff Berths and Big Ten Championships

Ohio State has been a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff, with multiple appearances in the final four over the past decade. Their consistent presence in the playoff is a testament to the effectiveness of their investments in talent and resources. The Buckeyes have also dominated the Big Ten Conference, winning multiple conference titles during this period.

National Championship Contention

The ultimate goal for Ohio State, as with any elite program, is to win the national championship. The Buckeyes have made multiple appearances in the CFP National Championship Game, including a victory in the 2014 season, and they remain one of the favorites to win it all each year. Their financial investment in player development, facilities, and coaching has kept them at the forefront of college football.

Player Development and Success in the NFL

Ohio State’s financial investment isn’t just paying off in terms of wins and losses; it’s also translating into success for its players at the next level. Ohio State has become one of the top programs for producing NFL talent, with an increasing number of former Buckeyes being selected in the NFL Draft and succeeding at the professional level. This success in developing players for the NFL helps further elevate Ohio State’s reputation as a top-tier program, which in turn attracts more elite recruits.

4. The Future of Ohio State Football

Looking ahead to the future, Ohio State’s continued financial commitment to its football program positions them as one of the top programs in college football for years to come. With significant investments in recruiting, facilities, coaching, and NIL opportunities, the Buckeyes are well-equipped to remain a perennial contender for national championships.

The $20 million roster is not just about securing talent—it’s about ensuring that talent is developed and put in the best possible position to succeed. With the continued growth of college football’s financial landscape, Ohio State is positioning itself to maintain its status as one of the premier programs in the country, and the results are already evident on the field.