Ryan Day is acutely aware of the challenges posed by the transfer portal, which he likens to the Wild West. Just days after Ohio State celebrated its national championship victory, reports surfaced that rival programs are aggressively pursuing some of the Buckeyes’ standout players, offering lucrative deals to entice them away from Columbus. This situation raises critical questions about the integrity of college football and the measures in place to protect teams from poaching.
The tampering issue in college football
Day has voiced his concerns about the rampant tampering that is becoming a common practice across college football. On a recent episode of "The Dan Patrick Show," he expressed his belief that there must be a stronger focus on enforcing rules against such practices.
"One of the big issues that we have across the board in college football right now is enforcement," Day stated. "Until we start enforcing some of these rules, people can just call someone’s agents or someone’s parents and offer them a certain amount of money, and then it goes from there. And that’s just part of it."
This sentiment underscores the growing unease among coaches regarding the current state of player recruitment and retention. As teams become more aggressive in their pursuit of talent, the need for clear guidelines and enforcement becomes increasingly urgent.
High stakes for Ohio State’s stars
The stakes are particularly high for Ohio State, as some of its brightest talents are now being targeted. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, for instance, was reportedly offered a staggering $4.5 million by an undisclosed program. Similarly, other teams have shown interest in talented pass-catcher Carnell Tate, further highlighting the competitive landscape that Day and his staff must navigate.
"That’s one of the things, to me, that I think we have got to get addressed in college sports and college football is enforcement because, right now, there is virtually none," Day remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Ryan Day’s strategic use of the transfer portal
While Ryan Day is critical of the tampering issues plaguing college football, he has also adeptly utilized the transfer portal to enhance his roster. Last offseason, he made significant moves to secure some of Ohio State’s most impactful players through the portal. Notably, he brought in former Alabama safety Caleb Downs, who was the No. 1-ranked player at the time, and ex-Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins.
Downs made an immediate impact, earning accolades such as Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year, alongside being named a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus. His contributions were vital, as he totaled 81 tackles this season, ranking third on the team, while his two interceptions tied him for the Ohio State lead.
Judkins, on the other hand, was a force on the ground, finishing the season as the team’s leading rusher with 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns. His previous accolades at Ole Miss included being a two-time first-team All-SEC honoree, and he left the Rebels ranked second in their program’s history in rushing touchdowns with 31 and third in rushing yards with 2,725.
Looking ahead: Ohio State’s challenges
Despite the success of players like Downs and Judkins, CBS Sports college football analyst Josh Pate believes their recruitment paths differ significantly from the current climate. As other teams intensify their efforts to reach the level Ohio State has achieved, Day and his staff will face ongoing challenges in retaining their top talent.
The reality is that the landscape of college football is changing rapidly, and with it, the strategies employed by coaches and programs. The transfer portal has become a double-edged sword; while it provides opportunities for teams to enhance their rosters, it also opens the door for rival programs to lure away key players with enticing offers.
The future of college football
As Ryan Day navigates this complex environment, the conversation surrounding enforcement and tampering will likely continue to gain traction. Coaches, players, and fans alike are left wondering: what measures will be put in place to ensure a level playing field in college football? The answers remain unclear, but one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher.
In this evolving landscape, the need for clarity and fairness is paramount. As Ohio State looks to defend its national championship and maintain its status as a powerhouse, the focus will not only be on winning games but also on safeguarding the integrity of the program and its players. With the transfer portal and the allure of big-money offers reshaping the game, the future of college football hangs in the balance.
