Ohio State football coach Ryan Day believes it will take $13 million in collective endorsement deals to keep his championship-seeking roster intact, according to a report by Cleveland.com.
Day said Ohio State — winner of eight national championships and 39 Big Ten titles — will struggle to compete with other major college football programs that are paying players directly following the start of the name, image, and likeness era in July 2021.
Schools and their athletic programs aren’t allowed to pay athletes directly, per NCAA rules, but the rules aren’t being properly enforced, according to Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith.
- Day predicts top-level quarterbacks will soon require $2 million in NIL earnings.
- He also believes offensive tackles and defensive ends could make roughly $1 million.
The Buckeyes ranked No. 1 in NIL compensation and in the number of athletes who have signed at least one NIL deal.
Piece of the Pie
Football and basketball players on scholarship at institutions in Power 5 conferences could pocket a minimum of $50,000 each year, according to Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence.
In May, the NCAA announced updated guidelines to its NIL rules that help hinder boosters from providing or even offering NIL deals to recruits.
![[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_26636703-scaled-e1770932227605.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
