Although name, image and likeness benefits for college athletes have created a new set of challenges for his athletic department, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith believes working through those challenges is worth it for the opportunities it has created for the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s athletes have benefitted from NIL as much as anyone in the country; as of Jan. 23, 225 different Ohio State athletes had made a total of $2,985,559 in total NIL compensation, more than any other school. That has helped those athletes support themselves and their families – and for athletes who aren’t on full scholarships, it’s helped them cover their costs of attending Ohio State – which Smith said makes him feel good. “It’s really never been stress for me on NIL. It’s been about learning. It’s been about making sure we educate our student-athletes the right way,” Smith said last week. “It’s warming, it…
Continue Reading: Gene Smith Happy Ohio State Athletes Are Benefitting from Name, Image and Likeness, But Believes National Regulation is Needed
