Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s 2024 national championship may have been a crowning achievement for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, but the celebration is being tempered by a concerning financial reality. While the program reached the pinnacle of college football, it now faces a staggering $38 million deficit that is raising questions about its long-term sustainability.
The Cost of Building a Champion
The Buckeyes’ championship run was no accident. It was the product of aggressive recruiting, strategic use of the transfer portal, and a heavy investment in NIL deals. Star additions like Jeremiah Smith and Will Howard helped Ohio State secure the title, but these high-profile moves came at a steep price.
Ohio State Athletics reported a nearly $38 million shortfall, with revenue falling to $255 million while expenses ballooned to $292 million. Despite the program’s deep pockets, this kind of financial gap cannot be ignored.
Can Ohio State Sustain Its Spending?
“Ohio State can’t keep operating like this year after year,” a Bulldogs insider noted. “They’ve got to tighten up because the transfer portal isn’t going to save them forever.” The Buckeyes’ estimated $20 million roster spend delivered results on the field, but it also left little room for future financial flexibility.
The road to the championship was not without obstacles. Ohio State narrowly avoided upsets against teams like Nebraska and suffered an early-season loss to Oregon. While the team improved defensively as the season progressed, lingering issues—particularly in short-yardage run defense—showed that even powerhouse programs have vulnerabilities.
Ryan Day’s Contract Under Scrutiny
Ryan Day’s seven-year, $87.5 million contract is another factor complicating Ohio State’s financial outlook. While Day delivered the program’s long-awaited national title, some believe his job security remains tenuous—especially if he continues to struggle against rival Michigan.
Michigan insider Anthony Broome was blunt in his assessment: “A couple more losses to Michigan, and they might run this guy out of town. That Natty will only buy so much time.”
For now, the championship has extended Day’s tenure, but the pressure to deliver sustained success is higher than ever. With financial challenges mounting and expectations remaining sky-high, Ohio State faces a pivotal moment. In Columbus, championships are the goal—but as this past season has shown, glory comes with a hefty price tag.
