THE Ohio State Buckeyes have built one of, if not the best teams, college football this season, and it paid off in winning the College Football Playoff National Championship against Notre Dame Monday.
But the downside to that success is that it puts a target on the Buckeyes’ backs, and in this case, that means other teams are trying to use NIL funds to poach some of Ohio State’s best players.
On3’s Peter Nakos recently reported that OSU freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, had a zero offer of over $4.5 million to enter the transfer portal and leave Ohio State. Nakos also reported that sophomore Carnell Tate also received an NIL offer of over $1 million, although he has since announced he will not be leaving Columbus.
And while falsification is quickly becoming the norm In the ever-changing landscape of college football in the NIL era, it’s an issue that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day made clear during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” this week that requires more oversight and accountability.
“I think one of the big problems we have right now and in all of college football is enforcement,” Day said. “I mean, you know some stories about some things that have happened in the last couple of years or even in the past, but enforcement is really strained right now.
“Until we start enforcing some of these rules, like you said, people can just call someone’s agent or someone’s parents and offer them a certain amount of money, and then it goes from there. That’s only part of the problem.”
Ohio State faced heavy criticism earlier in the year when it was revealed the team spent $20 million in zero money to build its 2024 roster.
And Day even admits that, in theory, the Buckeyes can try to poach players just like other teams try to do with them. But he also revealed that he and other coaches are still not 100% sure what they can do under the guise of NIL.
“You think if everything was equal we’d have a chance to get our share of guys, but this is different, there’s no doubt about it,” Day added. “I think as coaches we’re all looking for a little more guidance on that.”
About the author
Trending News Editor, Athlon Sports
Michael Gallagher covers trending NFL, NHL, NBA, WNBA, college football and entertainment news for Athlon Sports.
