Ohio State is making a public plea for fans to provide additional support to its NIL collectives.
In Ohio State’s first direct call for fans to donate to collectives, athletic director Gene Smith urged Buckeye faithful to partner with the collectives that have helped the university's student-athletes engage in name, image and likeness opportunities, saying the organizations need more financial support to remain at the forefront of NIL in collegiate athletics.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes,” Smith said in a statement. “Excellence within our programs and remarkable experiences for our student-athletes will always be the standard at Ohio State, while competing for championships, academic excellence and graduating, and preparing for life after sports are our goals.”
Smith expressed that the NCAA has provided member athletic departments across the country with recent guidance updates for how schools can be involved with NIL activities involving their student-athletes, allowing Ohio State to make a public push for donations to collectives.
With the desire to keep Ohio State as one of the nation's leaders in NIL opportunities, Smith asked fans to provide “additional support” to the three collectives currently supporting Ohio State athletes: Cohesion Foundation, The Foundation and The “O” Foundation.
Since college athletes were first permitted to receive NIL benefits on July 1, 2021, collectives that fund deals for athletes have become increasingly relevant in college athletics – particularly football – in the last two seasons, especially with recruiting and because of the transfer portal’s increased popularity.
“Many of our Buckeyes are taking advantage of this, and we are committed to supporting our current and future student-athletes while building strong, competitive programs,” Smith said in his statement. “We welcome your help in keeping Ohio State at the top of the college athletics landscape.
“The Ohio State Department of Athletics thanks Buckeye Nation for its support.”
Thanks to collectives for their support! https://t.co/bznUfgd3wu
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) December 8, 2022
