Ryan Day’s future in Columbus might just be hanging on a thread, and that thread ain’t made of silk—it’s woven from cold, hard cash. You know, that sweet NIL money everyone’s been yapping about. Because if you thought winning a natty and shushing Michigan was enough to shut the critics up, you’re dead wrong. Ryan Day may have planted the Buckeyes’ flag on top of the college football mountain, but if the money train derails, that reign might be shorter than a TikTok trend.
Just when Ohio State thought they had their swagger back after bodying Marcus Freeman’s squad to snag a national championship, former Buckeye linebacker Anthony Schlegel crashed the celebration with a serious reality check. On March 21st, Schlegel took to his podcast, ‘The Bobby Carpenter Show w/ Anthony Schlegel,’ and dropped some knowledge about how Ohio State’s NIL game is looking more like a charity drive than a moneymaking machine. And the former linebacker didn’t mince words.
“We really want to be a good football school, and we really want to be a good hockey school and a good like, what are those? Because you guys also got to remember, you’re also competing against teams in the SEC that have 17, 16, 18, sports… We have 36,” Schlegel ranted. “That money goes all over the place. And what’s the main driver of all that revenue, people? It’s 150,000% football.”
Schlegel’s point? While the SEC schools are throwing all their chips on football, Ohio State’s got its hands in so many sports it’s like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. With NIL funds reportedly around $20 million, the Buckeyes might have one of the most stacked rosters in college football. But as Schlegel pointed out, it’s not about the number—it’s about how you spend it.
College sports ain’t cheap, and when the money’s flowing into programs like rowing, fencing, or gymnastics, it’s bound to ruffle some feathers. Now, don’t get it twisted—those sports are legit, and the athletes put in serious work. Nobody’s saying they should get the boot. But let’s talk about the bigger picture. How are these programs being run? What’s the long-term plan?
Anthony laid it out straight: “We’re having these side columns because I got money going to rowing or fencing or gymnastics, like, those are real… Those are real things. So again, not saying that those sports should be gone. I completely believe in the student-athlete experience in college. It’s just how we do those, what those coaches do, and what is that plan moving forward.” It’s not about cutting sports—it’s about making sure every dollar is pulling its weight and that college athletics actually makes sense for everyone involved.
“Shaking the can ain’t gonna work anymore, people. And that’s kind of where we are. You guys know, shaking the can is this, like, ‘Hey, I just need some more donations.’ Hey, I just—no, man. Like, go get it. You know what I mean? Like, think of other ways of generating revenue.” And he’s not wrong. The man’s calling for a whole new approach. It’s like he’s trying to wake Ohio State up from a coma before the SEC sharks smell blood in the water.
He even pitched the idea of the university owning its own brand and licensing instead of relying on third-party companies like Learfield. Because apparently, leaving your bread in someone else’s toaster isn’t exactly a recipe for success. The big question here: Can Ohio State keep their grip on the college football throne when their funds are stretched thinner than their patience with Michigan? Because if they don’t tighten up their NIL game, Day’s seat might get hotter than a Friday night on High Street. Sure, he’s a natty-winning coach now, but the way Schlegel’s talking, that crown could get snatched quicker than a phone at a packed concert.
The NIL monster looming over Ryan Day and Columbus
Now, if you’re thinking, ‘Well, they’ve got money, right?’ Sure. But when you’re fighting for the throne, having money isn’t enough—you need to know how to flex it. And with the NIL scene blowing up faster than the resale market for Yeezys, every dollar counts. Schlegel made it crystal clear: “Is it worth getting 30 million right now when I could potentially go hire the right people and make 50?” That’s the real talk Ohio State’s boosters need to hear. It’s not just about keeping up with the Joneses—it’s about straight-up out-hustling them.
Because let’s be real, the SEC isn’t sleeping. Schools down south are pumping out NIL deals like mixtapes on SoundCloud. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s out here trying to feed 36 different sports on a budget that’s barely covering their football ambitions. It’s like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops. And Schlegel’s not just barking for the sake of it. He’s trying to drop some business logic on folks who’ve been too caught up in tradition to notice the game has changed. His suggestion? Stop leasing the brand and start owning it. Start treating NIL like the business it is instead of an awkward cash flow hustle. That’s the difference between staying at the top and becoming another cautionary tale.
Now, it’s all eyes on Ohio State. Are they going to tighten up their NIL strategy and give Ryan Day the support he needs to keep this momentum rolling? Or are they about to find out the hard way that having the talent is only half the battle—keeping it is the real grind? Ryan Day got his natty. Now it’s time to see if Ohio State’s got the cash flow to back it up.
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