Ohio State has long been a target of criticism from rival teams and coaches, but the latest salvo comes from an unexpected source—Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. In recent days, Kiffin has taken aim at the Buckeyes, not for their on-field performance, but for their off-field spending, particularly in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
Ohio State, known for its powerhouse football program, reportedly spent a staggering $20 million on NIL this offseason, assembling what many consider a “national championship or bust” roster. This figure, highlighted in an ESPN article, caught the attention of Kiffin, who shared the piece on his Twitter account, subtly drawing attention to the Buckeyes’ lavish spending.
How Ohio State built a $20 million, 'national championship or bust' roster – via @ESPN App https://t.co/HF9OAXKRf3
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) August 26, 2024
When asked about his decision to retweet the article, Kiffin, never one to shy away from controversy, remarked that he found the piece “interesting.” He then elaborated on his thoughts during a media session, suggesting that Ohio State’s NIL spending is at the “extreme high end” compared to other programs.
Kiffin’s comments come as no surprise to those familiar with his outspoken nature, but they also underscore a growing conversation in college football: the escalating arms race of NIL budgets. While the specifics of Ohio State’s NIL expenditures remain unconfirmed, it’s clear that the Buckeyes are pulling out all the stops this season. The pressure on head coach Ryan Day is immense, especially after three consecutive losses to arch-rival Michigan and with Michigan fresh off a national championship win.
Lane Kiffin on Ohio State's reported $20M NIL Roster Value:
“I would definitely think, from my knowledge, that would be the extreme high end.”https://t.co/zEH7gamvsl pic.twitter.com/sjR8oDNUby
— On3 (@On3sports) August 28, 2024
The Buckeyes’ ambitious spending spree has brought in top-tier talent, including big-name transfers like Caleb Downs, Will Howard, and Quinshon Judkins, as well as retaining key players who could have gone pro. But with great investment comes great expectation. Ohio State’s boosters and fans are desperate for a return to glory, and anything short of a national title this season could be seen as a massive failure.
Kiffin’s critique, while pointed, reflects a sentiment that could become more common if Ohio State doesn’t deliver on its lofty goals. The college football world is watching closely, and if the Buckeyes falter, they might find themselves the subject of ridicule for failing to convert their significant financial investments into on-field success.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ohio State to see if their high-stakes gamble pays off. And if it doesn’t, you can bet that voices like Kiffin’s will only grow louder.
