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Rich get richer? Ohio State reportedly leading the way in number of NIL deals, money brought in
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One of the concerns with the passing of name, image and likeness opportunities at the college level was that the schools that dominated college football would only increase their advantage. An early look into some of these NIL deals indicate that might be the case.
At least for now.
Per Joey Kaufman of The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State sent out a release reporting on the NIL situation currently. A total of 220 athletes have earned a combined $2.98 million through 608 deal. The Buckeyes lead the country in all three categories.
“All three figures rank No. 1 nationally, according to Opendorse,” the statement said.
Ohio State reports that 220 of its athletes have earned a combined $2.98 million through 608 reported NIL deals. "All three figures rank No. 1 nationally, according to Opendorse," it adds in a news release.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) January 24, 2022
The 2021-22 academic and athletic year marks the first year that any NIL deals were permitted via the NCAA. It’s still incredibly early in the process to make a determination either way as to which programs these new rules will benefit most.
Right now, though, it appears Ohio State is taking advantage of these new policies, as are the student-athletes. It will certainly be a helpful pitch for all coaches in Columbus on the recruiting trail.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB