Ohio State is on top of the college football world after securing a national championship with a win over Notre Dame. With a roster stacked with talent, the Buckeyes have proven they’re a powerhouse both on the field and in recruiting. But in the NIL era, success comes with complications. For Ohio State, that includes other programs eyeing their star players-and flashing some serious cash to lure them away.
Reports surfaced recently that freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith received an eye-popping $4.5 million NIL offer to enter the transfer portal. Sophomore Carnell Tate was also targeted with a seven-figure deal but has since confirmed he’s staying in Columbus. These stories have become all too common in college football, where NIL deals and transfer rules have created a recruiting free-for-all.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day didn’t hold back when addressing the issue on The Dan Patrick Show this week. He highlighted the lack of accountability in college football’s current landscape, describing how easy it has become for outside parties to disrupt team rosters. “People can just call someone’s agent or parents and offer them a certain amount of money, and it spirals from there,” Day said.
Day pointed to enforcement-or the lack thereof-as the root of the problem. While the rules are supposed to regulate NIL dealsand recruitment, the reality is murky. “Enforcement is really strained right now,”Day admitted. Without a clear system in place, schools are left to fend for themselves in what’s often described as the Wild West of college football.
Ryan Day on spending, recruiting, and leveling the playing field
Ohio State hasn’t been immune to criticism either. Reports earlier this year revealed the Buckeyes spent $20 million in NIL money to build their championship-winning roster. Day acknowledged the challenges of navigating the NIL landscape, adding that even coaches are uncertain about what’s permissible. “We’re all looking for a little bit more guidelines on this,”he said.
Despite the chaos, Day believes Ohio State’s reputation and resources give them an edge. “If it’s all equal, we’ll get our share of guys,” he said. But he also admitted the playing field is far from level, with programs across the country exploiting loopholes in the system.
As the Buckeyes celebrate their title, the ongoing NIL debate looms large over their future. For Day, the focus isn’t just on keeping his roster intact-it’s about pushing for a fairer system that benefits players and programs alike.