The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the most successful college football teams when it comes to attracting top-class talent during the transfer period.
Author Pete Nakos may have shed some clarity on the team’s dominance in the portal in a recent article about the best NIL collectives in college football:
Top 10 NIL Collectives per @PeteNakos_💰https://t.co/ydXmWfsWSx pic.twitter.com/oBfZBS4wTE
— On3 (@On3sports) 29 August 2024
The Foundation and the 1870 Society were two secret weapons for Ohio State, as Nakos reveals the shocking amount the program spent to sign some of the best players in college football:
“Two years ago, Ohio State University head coach Ryan Day told Columbus-based companies that the Buckeyes needed $13 million annually to attract and retain top talent. It turned out to be $20 million. Sources confirmed this to On3 and new athletic director Ross Bjork has spoken publicly about Ohio State spending $20 million on this year’s football roster.”
– Pete Nakos
Tennessee-based Spyre Sports Group, ranked second on the list, has generated over $30 million since 2021. The Buckeyes’ ability to utilize the transfer portal with the help of the program’s NIL Collectives proves how advanced head coach Ryan Day and his staff are compared to the rest of the college football landscape.
Ohio State was able to sign quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins and safety Caleb Downs in the transfer portal this offseason. The trio of players are expected to play an important role for the Buckeyes this season.
Day was also able to sign former five-star quarterback Julian Sayin, who is a perfect replacement for Howard in the future.
The impact of NIL money has not only impacted programs’ recruiting process, but also player retention. Star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka said the following when asked about NIL during Big 10 Media Day:
“It just gave us an opportunity to make money, which I don’t think is a bad thing,” Egbuka explained. “I think it had an impact on why some of the guys decided to come back for their senior year, because the NFL is always going to be there. The money is always going to be there. We get to make a little bit of money while we’re here in college, so I think it’s a bonus.”
– Emeke Egbuka
There were numerous players like Egbuka who could have gone to the NFL last season but decided to stay in Columbus for another season. Star players like Egbuka, JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer can improve their draft value for the 2025 draft and make money in the process.
