Gene Smith calls for 'additional support' of Ohio State NIL collectives
COLUMBUS — Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith released a statement Thursday morning about Buckeyes NIL collectives that are “seeking additional support.”
NIL collectives have taken center stage in the recruiting world over the last year. Ohio State football has signed three consecutive top-five recruiting classes, and the Buckeyes are in line for another this cycle.
But the collectives are also integral for creating business relationships for current student-athletes, which is particularly relevant right now with the ballooning of the transfer portal in college football.
During the 2019-20 cycle, 1,681 FBS football players, including walk-ons, put their names into the portal. Last year, that number increased to a staggering 2,626. In less than 24 hours of the portal officially opening this week, there were already 1,000 entrees, according to On3.
Not only is playing time an incentive for transfers, but so is NIL money.
Smith is now making a push for Ohio State to keep pace in that fundraising race.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes,” he wrote. “Excellence within our programs and remarkable experiences for our student-athletes will always be the standard at Ohio State, while competing for championships, academic excellence and graduating, and preparing for life after sports are our goals.”
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Smith continued: “Recent guidance updates from the NCAA clarified how schools can be involved with Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) activities of student-athletes. Many of our Buckeyes are taking advantage of this, and we are committed to supporting our current and future student-athletes while building strong, competitive programs.
“We welcome your help in keeping Ohio State at the top of the college athletics landscape. Three ‘collective’ organizations that are helping our Buckeyes maximize NIL opportunities are in operation now and seeking additional support. They are:
- Cohesion, a proud sponsor of Ohio State athletics: https://www.cohesionfoundation.com/
- The Foundation: https://www.thefoundationohio.com/
- The “O” Foundation: https://www.the-o-foundation.org/
“The Ohio State Department of Athletics thanks Buckeye Nation for its support.”
Counting down
Peach Bowl: 24 days away
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 353 days
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