‘National championship or bust’: How Ohio State assembled a $20 million roster

The modern landscape of college football is a realm where success is increasingly measured by the size of the talent pool and the financial backing behind it. In the case of Ohio State, the 2025 football season has seen the program make a bold statement with a roster that is being called “national championship or bust.” With a reported $20 million invested in assembling this powerhouse squad, Ohio State is sending a clear message that anything less than a national title will be considered a failure.

The narrative around Ohio State’s football program has always been one of excellence, but the approach in recent years has been more aggressive, more calculated, and more financially driven than ever before. In this review, we will explore how Ohio State assembled this $20 million roster, what it means for the team’s championship aspirations, and how financial investments in player recruitment and development are reshaping the future of college football.

The Financial Landscape of College Football

Before diving into the specifics of Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, it is important to understand the changing financial dynamics within college football. Over the past decade, college athletics has witnessed an unprecedented wave of investments, both in terms of facilities and player recruitment. The shift has been largely driven by massive television contracts, the explosion of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, and an influx of institutional and donor support.

For programs like Ohio State, these financial investments have allowed for a comprehensive approach to building championship-caliber teams. The $20 million invested in their 2025 roster is not just about paying for elite talent; it also encompasses recruitment efforts, player development, coaching staffs, and even technology designed to keep the team ahead of the competition.

At Ohio State, the focus is on maximizing every dollar to ensure that the team is as prepared, competitive, and well-supported as possible. This includes multi-million-dollar NIL deals, top-tier medical and training facilities, and the hiring of some of the best minds in football. In turn, these investments allow the Buckeyes to pull from the top pool of recruits, build a strong player development system, and assemble a team that has the potential to compete with the best in the nation.

Building the $20 Million Roster

The process of assembling a $20 million roster begins with Ohio State’s elite coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day. Under his guidance, Ohio State has consistently been a top contender in both the Big Ten and the national rankings. Day’s ability to identify talent, develop young players, and build a cohesive system has been instrumental in the team’s success. However, recruiting in the modern era requires more than just good coaching; it requires a sophisticated understanding of the business side of college football.

Ohio State has invested heavily in its recruiting infrastructure, creating a well-oiled machine designed to identify top-tier talent and pull them into the program. The team’s recruiting budget, bolstered by contributions from wealthy donors and alumni, allows Ohio State to offer attractive NIL deals, bringing in high-profile recruits that might otherwise be drawn to schools with bigger names or more established pipelines.

The $20 million investment is spread across various aspects of the team-building process. The lion’s share goes to securing top recruits through NIL deals, which allow players to earn significant amounts of money through endorsements, sponsorships, and appearances. In some cases, these NIL deals are structured to make Ohio State the most attractive destination for players who might otherwise look elsewhere.

NIL Deals: The Game Changer

One of the major components of Ohio State’s strategy is leveraging NIL opportunities to lure in top talent. The Ohio State athletic department, in partnership with local businesses and alumni, has structured a variety of NIL deals for its players. For many recruits, the prospect of being able to profit from their name, image, and likeness is a deciding factor in choosing which school to attend.

Ohio State’s NIL program has become one of the most robust in the country. The school offers a comprehensive platform that connects its athletes with businesses eager to sponsor them. Whether it’s local companies looking to increase their visibility, or national brands hoping to reach a broader audience, Ohio State’s players have a multitude of options to explore when it comes to NIL opportunities. This allows the program to promise recruits a financial package that goes beyond tuition and scholarships—something that is incredibly appealing in an era where college athletes are increasingly looking for ways to capitalize on their marketability.

The school’s ability to sign top-tier recruits through NIL deals has enabled Ohio State to build a roster full of elite talent at every position. Players are not just coming to Ohio State for the prestige of wearing the Buckeyes uniform—they are coming for the business opportunities that come with being a part of one of the most lucrative programs in the country.

Ohio State’s financial muscle in the NIL space has allowed the team to recruit heavily from both high school and the transfer portal. The latter has proven to be a particularly advantageous area for Ohio State, as the program is able to offer transfer players substantial NIL deals to make their decision to come to Columbus even more appealing. As a result, the Buckeyes have been able to assemble a deep and talented roster, with contributors from both traditional high school recruits and seasoned college players looking for a fresh start.

The Star Power: Key Players on the Roster

The investment in Ohio State’s $20 million roster is not just about quantity—it’s about quality. The team’s success hinges on having the best talent in college football, and the Buckeyes have certainly spared no expense in bringing in elite players.

At quarterback, Ohio State boasts one of the most promising prospects in the country in Ty Simpson, a highly-rated recruit who transferred from Alabama. Simpson’s arrival in Columbus was made possible by the combined efforts of the program’s coaching staff and the backing of NIL deals that provided him with an irresistible package. Simpson’s dual-threat ability and leadership skills have made him the face of the Buckeyes’ offense, and he is expected to lead the team to a national title in 2025.

In addition to Simpson, Ohio State has assembled one of the most dynamic receiving corps in college football. The Buckeyes have always been known for their ability to develop elite wide receivers, and this year’s roster is no exception. Players like Julian Fleming, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka form a terrifying trio for opposing defenses, capable of stretching the field and making game-changing plays. These players, alongside a talented offensive line and running back group, give Ohio State an offense that is poised to dominate in 2025.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State has also made substantial investments, particularly in its front seven. The Buckeyes have brought in several top-tier defensive linemen and linebackers, all of whom are expected to be key contributors to the team’s success. These players have been recruited to fit into Ohio State’s aggressive, fast-paced defense, and they will be tasked with shutting down some of the best offenses in the country. With the combination of high-end recruits and seasoned veterans, the Buckeyes’ defense is as formidable as their offense.

The Coaching Staff and Development Focus

While the players are the main attraction, Ohio State’s coaching staff has also played a critical role in assembling the $20 million roster. Head coach Ryan Day and his assistants have proven to be exceptional at identifying talent, developing players, and creating an environment where athletes can thrive.

Day’s offensive system has been one of the most productive in college football, and his ability to adapt and innovate is one of the main reasons for Ohio State’s sustained success. The defensive staff, led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, has emphasized a fast, physical brand of football, one that takes advantage of Ohio State’s deep roster and athletic talent.

The investment in coaching staff is also part of the $20 million package. Ohio State has consistently brought in top-tier assistants, and the program’s commitment to providing the best resources for development has allowed them to stay ahead of the curve.

Expectations for 2025: National Championship or Bust

With all of this talent, financial backing, and coaching expertise, the expectations for Ohio State in 2025 are sky-high. The team’s roster is built to compete for a national championship, and anything less will be seen as a failure by both the program and its fanbase. Ohio State has invested in its future, and the 2025 season is the culmination of these efforts.

From a talent perspective, Ohio State has assembled a roster capable of competing with the best programs in the country. However, college football is an unpredictable game, and even the most talented teams can fall short. Nevertheless, the financial and strategic investments made by Ohio State signal that the program is all-in on its pursuit of a national championship.

A New Era in College Football

Ohio State’s $20 million roster is a clear example of how financial investments are reshaping the landscape of college football. The combination of elite talent, NIL opportunities, and coaching expertise has allowed Ohio State to build a championship-caliber team capable of competing at the highest level. For the Buckeyes, the 2025 season represents not just another year of football but a chance to prove that their investment in player development and recruitment can yield the ultimate prize: a national championship.

In the coming years, other programs will undoubtedly follow Ohio State’s lead, pouring resources into their football programs to stay competitive in the rapidly changing world of college athletics. For now, Ohio State stands as one of the premier examples of how financial investments and strategic planning can be used to assemble a powerhouse team. The question now is whether they can deliver on their high expectations and bring home the national title.