COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gene Smith and Ryan Day recently had a meeting where the athletic director expressed his commitment to football. Ohio State has always prioritized football, but Smith wanted to elevate the program further, especially after three consecutive losses to Michigan before his upcoming retirement this summer.
Smith presented Day with a list of potential donors that the Buckeyes needed to reach out to. He emphasized the importance of Day taking the lead in these conversations, given his role as the head football coach.
Aside from securing donations, the program needed upgrades to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Smith plans to propose these changes to the Ohio State board in May before retiring on June 30. He also supported any coaching changes Day deemed necessary, resulting in an increase in the assistant salary pool to $11.4 million from $9.3 million last season.
Furthermore, Ohio State needed to ramp up its approach to name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. After a cautious start, Smith and Ohio State embraced NIL more aggressively, with Day spearheading these efforts.
Most notably, Ohio State managed to retain most of its junior class, with players like Denzel Burke citing the desire to compete for a national championship and avenge their losses to Michigan as key factors in their decision. Additionally, the implementation of NIL played a crucial role in retaining players who may have otherwise entered the NFL Draft.
GO DEEPER
After an embarrassing Cotton Bowl loss, Ohio State donors went on a spending spree
Ohio State also bolstered its roster through the transfer portal, adding key players like Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins, and Will Howard. The success in the portal was a result of increased alignment at all levels within the program, emphasizing the importance of NIL in recruiting and player retention.
As Ohio State continues to excel, there are ongoing discussions about sustaining this success and addressing potential challenges such as donor fatigue. Collectives like The Foundation and The 1870 Society are exploring innovative ways to raise funds and engage with donors beyond traditional methods.
Returning for senior season
| Player | Pos | Career starts | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Denzel Burke |
CB |
35 |
All-Big Ten first team |
|
TreVeyon Henderson |
RB |
29 |
All-Big Ten first team |
|
Donovan Jackson |
G |
26 |
All-Big Ten first team |
|
JT Tuimoloau |
DE |
25 |
All-Big Ten first team |
|
Emeka Egbuka |
WR |
22 |
All-Big Ten second team (2022) |
|
Jack Sawyer |
DE |
16 |
All-Big Ten second team |
|
Tyleik Williams |
DT |
12 |
All-Big Ten second team |
GO DEEPER
From head coach to play caller: Chip Kelly hits the practice field at Ohio State
Ohio State’s momentum is a culmination of various factors, including strategic roster management, enhanced recruiting efforts, and a proactive approach to NIL. The program’s commitment to sustained success and evolving fundraising strategies position it as a contender for future championships.
As Gene Smith prepares to pass the torch to Ross Bjork, the focus remains on solidifying Ohio State’s football dominance and ushering in a new era of prosperity.(Top photo: Jason Mowry / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)