The Ohio State Buckeyes have just secured the College Football Playoff national championship, becoming the first champions since the playoff expanded to 12 teams. With the new rules allowing players to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), there has been considerable discussion over how much Ohio State players were compensated this season. Recently, head coach Ryan Day shared some insights into this topic.
Before the current season kicked off, reports indicated that Ohio State invested as much as $20 million in NIL payments to its players. During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Day confirmed that the university does compensate its players, stating that the Buckeyes strive to ensure athletes receive “what they deserve and what’s fair.”
“The first thing is you have to bring in great people and great families. But you also have to value them and try to do everything you can to get what they deserve and what’s fair,” Day remarked. He acknowledged the advantages of being part of a top-tier program, emphasizing that while the playing field seems equal, it’s not entirely so. “I think as coaches we’re all looking for more guidelines on this; everything is so gray right now,” he added. Despite Ohio State’s efforts to ensure fair compensation, Day expressed concern about the lack of rule enforcement in college football.
“One of the big issues we have across the board in college football is enforcement. There are stories about things that have transpired in recent years, but enforcement is really strained right now. Until we establish stricter adherence to these rules, people can easily reach out to someone’s agent or parents and present offers of money,” he explained. If there was one aspect of the current college football landscape he would change, it would be better enforcement of the existing rules.
“That’s something we must address in college sports and football. Right now, there’s virtually no enforcement, and the situation has worsened over time,” he concluded. Clearly, Ohio State is thriving under the current system, and it remains to be seen if they can repeat as national champions next season.
