Welcome to the new world of college athletics. Name, image and likeness have changed the landscape of what was formerly amateur sports. Universities now have to be able to put together a competitive financial package to get athletes on campus as well as keep them for the duration of their college careers.
Ryan Day told us it would take a minimum of $13 million a year to keep the Buckeyes competitive. Ohio State has seen its fair share of recruits get snatched away because another school offered a bigger bag, as well as players entering the transfer portal looking for greener pastures. But it seems OSU has awoken from its slumber.
The Buckeyes have made a splash in recent weeks with the additions of some of the best players in the portal like Caleb Downs, Julian Sayin, and Quinshon Judkins. However, to keep that pace up, Ohio State has to replenish its cash reserves and now it looks like former players are getting in on the action.
One of OSU’s collectives, “The Foundation,” announced today that C.J. Stroud became the first former student-athlete partner to become a major donor. The Foundation did not say exactly how much Stroud gave but did list him as a Platinum Donor. A quick search on The Foundation’s website shows a Platinum Donor gives between $50,000 and $100,000.
ANNOUNCEMENT🚨Proud that CJ Stroud is our first former student athlete partner to become a major donor and “pay it forward” as he paves the way for those to come next. Thanks so much for your support of THE Foundation CJ. You are truly a Buckeye for life! https://t.co/htkLB83pbF pic.twitter.com/5LQF12LjMx
— THE Foundation (@TheFoundation1_) January 22, 2024
Anyone can be part of the effort to keep Ohio State competitive when it comes to NIL deals. We still like the idea of making a donation in the name of a friend who is a fan of an opposing school. What better way to support your school and get a little dig in at your rival?
Either way, C.J. Stroud is leading the way. After finishing one of the greatest NFL rookie quarterback seasons of all time, Stroud recognizes that without OSU he may not be where he is today. And now he’s saying thank you by allowing others to follow in his footsteps.
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