A lot has been said about the impressive $20 million NIL investment that Ohio State made this past offseason. This hefty price tag was aimed not only at retaining their top talent but also at bringing in some key players from the transfer portal. With such a significant financial commitment, one might wonder: was it worth it?
Looking at the current landscape, it appears that Ohio State’s investment has paid off. They are sitting pretty with the second-best betting odds (+330) to win the College Football Playoff National Championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. This puts them in a strong position as they aim for glory in the postseason.
Where Penn State stands in the Big Ten’s NIL race
However, the $20 million figure, confirmed by Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork, raised eyebrows across the college football community. It prompted ESPN’s Heather Dinich to pose an intriguing question to Penn State head coach James Franklin during a recent Fiesta Bowl press conference: “What exactly is the cost of a College Football Playoff team?”
Franklin’s response was thoughtful yet cautious. “Great question. I can’t really get into that – not that I wouldn’t want to – it’s just hard. The way the system is set up right now, there’s no real way to track that,” he explained. He acknowledged the difficulty in assessing the true financial landscape of college football, especially when it comes to NIL deals.
James Franklin explains ‘fine line’ of prep for Boise State
As the season progresses, Franklin and his team are facing the challenge of preparing for Boise State. “It’s a fine line, and specifically that they had a bye week, so it’s a fine line,” he noted. The balance between ensuring the team is well-prepared and keeping them fresh is crucial.
Franklin emphasized the importance of strategic planning in this regard. “We got to be really, really smart and we got to be strategic. That’s where the experience on my staff is valuable,” he said. With the longest season in Penn State’s history ahead, making informed decisions is essential for success.
Ohio State’s NIL collectives and their impact
Ohio State’s NIL strategy is spearheaded by their two collectives: 1870 Society (for-profit) and The Foundation (nonprofit). These collectives were jointly ranked No. 1 in On3’s Top 15 ranking of college sports’ top NIL collectives. This ranking underscores the effectiveness of their $20 million investment, which helped retain 11 draft-eligible players and attract superstars like Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, Will Howard from Kansas State, and Caleb Downs from Alabama.
In contrast, Penn State’s official NIL collective, Happy Valley United, did not make it into On3’s Top 15 ranking. This raises questions about their competitive edge in the NIL landscape, especially when compared to their Big Ten rivals. For instance, Oregon’s Division Street ranked No. 4, Nebraska’s 1890 Nebraska came in at No. 8, and Michigan’s Champions Circle was ranked No. 13.
Based on On3’s database, Ohio State leads the Big Ten with a total NIL value of $22 million for their 2024 football roster. Following them is Oregon with $18.3 million, while Penn State lags behind at $12.2 million. For context, among other College Football Playoff quarterfinal teams, Texas boasts a staggering total NIL value of $28 million, with Georgia closely trailing at $24 million. In comparison, Notre Dame has a total NIL value of $8.6 million.
The future of NIL in college football
As college football continues to evolve, the implications of NIL deals are becoming increasingly significant. Programs that can effectively navigate this new landscape will likely have a competitive advantage. With Ohio State setting the bar high, other schools, including Penn State, will need to ramp up their efforts to keep pace.
Franklin’s focus remains on his players and their experiences. “I just spend a ton of time on our roster and our guys and making sure they’re having a great experience and give ourselves the best chance to go out and win as many games as possible,” he stated. His commitment to his team is commendable, but the pressure to enhance their NIL offerings is palpable.
As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how these financial dynamics play out on the field. Will Ohio State’s investment lead them to a national championship? And how will Penn State respond in the ever-competitive NIL race? The answers will shape the future of college football as we know it.
