IS RYAN DAY'S $13 MILLION NIL GOAL FOR OHIO STATE FOOTBALL ATTAINABLE?

IS RYAN DAY'S $13 MILLION NIL GOAL FOR OHIO STATE FOOTBALL ATTAINABLE?

IS RYAN DAY'S $13 MILLION NIL GOAL FOR OHIO STATE FOOTBALL ATTAINABLE?

As an arms race around name, image and likeness has swept college football, Ohio State coach Ryan Day laid out an objective for his program.

Addressing about a hundred businesspeople at an event held on campus earlier this month, Day pointed to $13 million as the sum of money needed to keep the roster together.

If the Buckeyes players collectively accumulate eight figures through endorsement deals and other marketing opportunities each year, they will be more likely to remain in Columbus instead of transferring to other schools.

That was the case Day made to the audience at the Covelli Center.

In a particularly turbulent era for the sport with a surge in player movement due to the transfer portal combined with sudden money-making opportunities, roster retention has been a paramount concern for teams.  

Day’s comments made instant headlines, a rare instance in which a coach had been outspoken about the dollar amount needed in NIL money to be raised for a program.

The estimate also set off a bit of curiosity among fans and observers about the likelihood of such an eye-popping total materializing. Is Day’s $13 million goal realistic?

Ohio State Coach Ryan Day said $13 million in contributions would be needed to keep his roster together. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch

“It just depends on how many people are willing to get involved and help athletes procure NIL deals,” said Peter Schoenthal, the chief executive of Athliance, an NIL management firm that works with schools and booster collectives. “And when I say NIL deals, I don't mean we're just paying athletes. I mean actual marketing dollars where they’re using their name, image and likeness to promote businesses and individuals.”

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