The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly put a strain on Ohio State's athletic budget, but as of now, all 37 of the school's varsity sports are safe.
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith announced at his Thursday press conference that at this point in time, Ohio State is avoiding eliminating any sports or implement pay cuts for coaches.
That doesn't mean cuts won't be made somewhere. Smith said the school is working off of a two-month budget that has been approved by the Board of Trustees. As they get a better understanding of the future, they'll make a more definitive long-term budget that will likely have to include fewer expenditures somewhere.
"We have to do some work on our budget," Smith said. "We've got a lot of work to do as we ultimately make some decisions."
Smith's announcement comes a day after Stanford, one of the largest and most prestigious athletic departments in the country, announced it will cut 11 of its 36 varsity sports following the 2020-21 athletic season.
Stanford said its model for supporting 36 varsity sports was not sustainable and that the athletic program was projecting an operating deficit of more than $12 million in 2021. Ohio State is currently the only athletic program in the country that sponsors more sports than Stanford.
Obviously, the situation is still fluid and cuts may still be made, especially if there is no football season to boost revenue, but as of now, Ohio State will move forward with all 38 of its varsity sports.
