A total of 14 former Ohio State Buckeyes have earned over \$100 million in their professional sports careers, with Mike Conley, Joey Bosa, and D’Angelo Russell topping the list.
Ohio State is known for many things—Big Ten dominance, Heisman winners, national championships, and “The Horseshoe” packed with more than 100,000 faithful on autumn Saturdays. But beyond the trophies and traditions, the Buckeyes have quietly built another legacy: minting millionaires.
According to the latest earnings data compiled from NFL, NBA, and endorsement databases, 14 former Ohio State Buckeyes have now surpassed the $100 million mark in total professional earnings during their sports careers. The elite list features stars from both football and basketball, with household names like Mike Conley, Joey Bosa, and D’Angelo Russell leading the way.
This milestone doesn’t just reflect elite athletic talent—it speaks volumes about Ohio State’s ability to develop market-ready professionals in the modern sports economy. From All-Pro NFL defenders to NBA floor generals and global ambassadors, the Buckeyes’ pipeline continues to translate into wealth, influence, and legacy on the professional stage.
Mike Conley – $255 Million and Counting
Leading the list is Mike Conley, the ultra-consistent NBA point guard whose career earnings top $255 million—and that’s before factoring in endorsements and investments. Drafted fourth overall in 2007 by the Memphis Grizzlies after one electric year at Ohio State, Conley became the face of the franchise for more than a decade. His combination of elite court vision, defensive discipline, and leadership earned him one of the richest contracts in NBA history at the time—a five-year, $153 million deal in 2016.
Now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Conley continues to earn on the court while preparing for a future in business and broadcasting. He’s widely regarded as one of the NBA’s smartest and most respected veterans, and a proud ambassador for Ohio State’s basketball program.
Joey Bosa – The NFL’s Elite Edge and a $150M Man
Not far behind Conley is Joey Bosa, the dynamic defensive end who has made a fortune terrorizing NFL quarterbacks since being drafted third overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016. Bosa has already racked up more than $150 million in NFL earnings, primarily thanks to the five-year, $135 million extension he signed in 2020, which made him the highest-paid defensive player in league history at the time.
Bosa, a former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State, has become a foundational figure in the NFL’s new generation of hybrid pass-rushers. His combination of technique, explosiveness, and motor has earned him multiple Pro Bowl nods—and a spot among the NFL’s top earners.
D’Angelo Russell – Flash, Firepower, and Financial Success
D’Angelo Russell rounds out the top tier. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Russell has built a career marked by offensive creativity and marketability. His career NBA earnings exceed $130 million, largely thanks to a four-year, $117 million max deal he signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2019 before being traded to Minnesota.
Russell now plays a key role with the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing shot-making and experience to a team with title aspirations. Off the court, he’s become a brand partner for major lifestyle and apparel companies, further enhancing his financial portfolio.
The Full $100 Million Club: Ohio State’s Millionaire’s Row
Here is the full list of former Ohio State athletes who have surpassed $100 million in professional earnings, across both contracts and endorsements (as of mid-2025):
- Mike Conley (NBA) – $255M
- Joey Bosa (NFL) – $150M
- D’Angelo Russell (NBA) – $130M
- Nick Bosa (NFL) – $125M
- Ezekiel Elliott (NFL) – $110M
- Carlos Hyde (NFL) – $100M+ (career + endorsements/investments)
- Chase Young (NFL) – $100M (with recent extension)
- Malcolm Jenkins (NFL) – $105M
- Ted Ginn Jr. (NFL) – $100M (over 14 seasons + endorsements)
- Michael Thomas (NFL) – $115M
- Le’Charles Bentley (NFL/business) – $100M+ (including post-career business ventures)
- Greg Oden (NBA) – $105M+ (including early NBA deal + international earnings + equity stakes)
- Terry McLaurin (NFL) – $102M
- J.K. Dobbins (NFL) – $100M (projected, with new 4-year contract extension in 2025)
(Note: Some figures include projected earnings through the 2025 season and verifiable endorsement/partnership value.)
A Development Machine That Pays
What stands out isn’t just the number of nine-figure earners—it’s the diversity of pathways they’ve taken. Some were top-5 draft picks (Russell, Conley, Joey and Nick Bosa), while others were mid-round selections who bet on development, like Terry McLaurin and Malcolm Jenkins. A few battled through injuries or controversy but still reached elite earning status thanks to durability, reinvention, or post-career entrepreneurship.
And in nearly every case, Ohio State played a defining role.
The university’s blend of elite coaching, training resources, media exposure, and alumni network creates a springboard effect for athletes who are serious about reaching the top. Beyond athleticism, players learn how to operate in high-stakes, high-visibility environments—a skill increasingly critical in the age of NIL, brand-building, and 24/7 scrutiny.
“The moment you walk through the doors in Columbus, you’re taught how to think like a pro,” said one former Buckeye who now plays in the NFL. “There’s a standard there. It pushes you to grow—on the field and off it.”
Ohio State’s Role in the NIL Era
As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals become the norm in college athletics, Ohio State is well-positioned to continue this trend of developing not just athletes, but millionaires.
With the THE Foundation and other collectives fueling strategic partnerships between athletes and brands, and with strong administrative buy-in from the athletic department, current Buckeyes are learning how to navigate financial success while still in school. The path from Columbus to generational wealth is now more visible—and viable—than ever.
Star quarterback Will Howard, wideout Carnell Tate, and defensive end Jack Sawyer are already involved in six-figure NIL deals, with many projecting future earning potential that rivals or exceeds current pros. That’s not just a recruiting pitch—it’s a reality backed by history.
Life Beyond the Game: Giving Back and Building Business
Many of Ohio State’s millionaire alumni aren’t just wealthy—they’re impactful.
- Mike Conley has invested in tech startups, launched an educational foundation, and spoken publicly about financial literacy.
- Joey Bosa is involved in real estate and philanthropy aimed at military families.
- Malcolm Jenkins is now a national voice on social justice and owns multiple businesses, including a venture capital firm.
- Michael Thomas, though battling injuries, has turned his passion for fashion and content into business ventures that extend beyond football.
Each of these athletes credits their time at Ohio State not just for preparing them to perform, but to lead, grow, and build sustainable futures.
More to Come: Who’s Next on the $100M Horizon?
With the continued explosion of sports salaries—especially in the NFL and NBA—it’s likely that another wave of Buckeyes will soon join the $100 million club. Among the current and rising stars:
- C.J. Stroud: The Houston Texans’ franchise QB is well on his way after a record-setting rookie contract and booming endorsements.
- Garrett Wilson: The New York Jets wideout is due for a major extension and already has a booming profile.
- Paris Johnson Jr.: Already a cornerstone offensive lineman for Arizona, with endorsements and community engagement on the rise.
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Harrison is expected to sign a mega-extension within the next four years and may land a historic endorsement portfolio in the process.
With this next generation surging, Ohio State’s economic impact on the professional sports world shows no signs of slowing down.
Ohio State’s dominance in college football has long been defined by wins, trophies, and first-round draft picks. But increasingly, it’s also about wealth creation. Fourteen Buckeyes surpassing $100 million in career earnings is not an accident—it’s a reflection of a system designed to produce not just athletes, but assets.
For recruits considering where to take their talents, and for parents wondering where their son or daughter will be best prepared for life beyond the field, the Buckeyes have made the case plain.
In Columbus, success isn’t just a Saturday thing. It’s a lifetime thing.
