Ohio State is on top of the college football world after winning the National Championship against Notre Dame on January 20. It was a perfect ending to a season that only a month before was looked at as a disappointment after losing to Michigan for the 4th consecutive year.

However, despite the football team winning it all and being competitive in many other sports, the university operated in a major financial deficit during the 2024 year. According to The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State operated at a $38 million deficit.

In a statement, athletic director Ross Bjork talked about the budget.

“While last year’s budget impact is not ideal and there were unique circumstances at play, we have a robust expense and revenue plan that has been implemented and have made great progress in this ever-changing landscape of college athletics,” Bjork said in a statement issued as part of a news release. “We will make sure we operate with a balanced budget moving forward.”

This wasn’t a surprise to Bjork and those involved with the Buckeyes athletic department, as Bjork predicted a deficit in the 8 figures last June.

College athletics have changed over the past few years, as schools all across the country are having to figure out new ways to earn money. Bjork said the university will focus on new and different ways to keep up with today’s collegiate sports landscape.