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

In the ever-changing world of college football, where programs fight not only on the field but also in the never-ending arms race of recruiting, facilities, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, Ohio State University has emerged as one of the most formidable powers. With an estimated $20 million invested in their football team, the Buckeyes are not only pushing the boundaries of player compensation and resources, but also demonstrating that, when done correctly, these expenditures can produce enormous dividends. In the world of high-stakes college football, where championships, conference crowns, and player development determine success, Ohio State’s strategic approach is producing spectacular results.

The Rise of NIL and Its Impact on College Football

The landscape of college athletics changed dramatically in 2021 with the advent of NIL deals, which allow college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. For a program like Ohio State, which has long been a powerhouse in college football, this shift provided an opportunity to further solidify its position as one of the nation’s elite programs. However, with the introduction of NIL came the challenge of ensuring that student-athletes had opportunities to capitalize on their fame while also maintaining compliance with NCAA regulations.

For Ohio State, a program with immense resources and a huge fanbase, the NIL shift presented an opportunity to secure top-tier talent through lucrative deals. The school, its boosters, and NIL collectives began pouring money into these opportunities, effectively creating a $20 million “roster” fund designed to attract and retain elite players. The result has been a competitive advantage in a sport where success is often determined by talent acquisition and retention, which is now as much about financial incentive as it is about traditional recruiting.

The Strategy Behind Ohio State’s $20 Million Roster

The decision to invest heavily in the roster wasn’t made in a vacuum. Ohio State’s leadership, including head coach Ryan Day and athletic director Gene Smith, recognized that to stay at the top of college football, the program had to adapt to the new realities of NIL. The program has a rich history of recruiting top talent, but as the financial stakes rose, it became clear that simply recruiting the best players wasn’t enough — they had to be compensated at levels that would keep them committed to the Buckeyes rather than lured away by competing programs.

By forming strategic partnerships with Ohio-based businesses, local boosters, and alumni, the school was able to develop an NIL collective — an organized effort to pool resources for NIL deals — which has allowed the Buckeyes to offer significant financial incentives to players. This investment was not just about throwing money at players for their immediate success but was designed to create an environment where the program could retain its talent and sustain success over a prolonged period. Whether it’s offering high-profile deals to incoming freshmen or securing multi-year contracts with upperclassmen, Ohio State’s strategy has been multifaceted, utilizing NIL to enhance its recruiting pitch and keep talent on the roster.

In addition to individual deals, the program’s investment in NIL funds has allowed Ohio State to offer more comprehensive packages for players, including additional support services, access to media opportunities, and even community engagement activities. This holistic approach to player development through NIL not only enhances the player’s brand but also creates a deeper connection between the athletes and the program, building loyalty in a way that goes beyond the football field.

Ohio State’s Recruiting Success and Player Development

The impact of Ohio State’s $20 million roster investment has been undeniable. In recent years, the Buckeyes have consistently landed top recruits, often outbidding other programs for highly sought-after prospects. This investment has allowed Ohio State to not only attract high-caliber talent but also retain it. With college football’s transfer portal allowing athletes to switch schools with greater ease, keeping top players from leaving for perceived greener pastures has become a major priority for programs across the country. By offering substantial NIL deals and a clear path to financial security, Ohio State has managed to keep some of its best players, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, which has been crucial to maintaining their competitive edge.

One key area where Ohio State’s investment is proving to be invaluable is in recruiting quarterbacks. As the most high-profile position on the field, quarterbacks are often among the highest-paid athletes in college football when it comes to NIL deals. The Buckeyes have been able to consistently attract top-tier quarterbacks, thanks in large part to the lucrative opportunities they can offer. Whether it’s securing a deal with a well-known local business or a partnership with a national brand, these quarterbacks are given ample opportunity to showcase their skills off the field, which further elevates their value both within the program and on the national stage.

As a result, Ohio State has consistently produced high-end talent at the quarterback position, with players like C.J. Stroud (who entered the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the top prospects) and others benefitting from the NIL opportunities provided to them by the school. The Buckeyes’ ability to develop these players and send them to the NFL is a testament to the program’s long-standing emphasis on player development, which has been made even more effective by the financial investment in their roster.

Beyond the quarterback position, Ohio State’s offensive line, wide receivers, and defensive players have also benefited from these NIL deals. The school has invested in attracting and retaining top-tier linemen, skilled playmakers, and defenders who can dominate on both sides of the ball. As a result, the Buckeyes have maintained a roster full of players who are not only capable of competing at the highest level but are also being developed to perform in the NFL, making them attractive candidates for NIL deals even before they leave school.

Financial Investment and Program Sustainability

For Ohio State, the $20 million roster is not simply a short-term expenditure but a long-term investment in the program’s future. By securing top talent through NIL deals, the school is ensuring that it remains competitive not only in college football but also in the ongoing competition for players’ attention and loyalty. The rise of NIL has allowed schools to compete financially for recruits, but it has also created a marketplace where players are increasingly aware of their own worth. Ohio State’s investment helps bridge the gap between top-tier talent and the program’s ability to attract and retain that talent.

Moreover, Ohio State’s financial commitment to NIL has opened up opportunities for broader, long-term benefits. The NIL deals often involve partnerships with companies that see value in associating with a successful program, bringing in additional revenue streams that can be reinvested into the athletic department. These partnerships contribute to the continued growth and expansion of Ohio State’s football program, funding improved facilities, coaching staff salaries, and enhanced player development programs.

The investments in the $20 million roster also allow Ohio State to remain competitive in the national landscape. As other programs adapt to the NIL era, Ohio State’s foresight in creating a robust system for player compensation positions the program to consistently challenge for national titles and remain a perennial contender in the College Football Playoff.

Results on the Field

The success of Ohio State’s financial investment is not just theoretical. On the field, the Buckeyes have been a constant presence in the College Football Playoff conversation, consistently earning top rankings in the national polls. The talent amassed through their NIL-focused strategy has allowed Ohio State to remain one of the most well-rounded teams in the country, competing at an elite level both offensively and defensively.

In recent years, Ohio State has remained one of the few teams capable of competing against the juggernauts of college football, such as Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson, all of which have similarly invested heavily in their programs. Ohio State’s ability to bring in and develop elite talent has given them the edge in head-to-head matchups with these powerhouse programs, solidifying their place among the nation’s best.