Why Ohio State embracing NIL is good for all sports

The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a new athletic director starting in July. Gene Smith is retiring after serving in that position for almost 20 years. Ross Bjork is his successor and will start July 1. While we don’t know how Bjork will handle some situations, we know how he feels about the Buckeyes using NIL.

NIL is mostly thought of as a tool to help Ohio State football or basketball players make money off their name, image, and likeness. Most people think of it in just those two sports. NIL isn’t just limited to those sports or even men’s sports. NIL is good for all of the sports they have.

Ohio State embracing NIL gives everyone opportunities

Bjork’s embracing of NIL helps non-revenue sports athletes generate some extra money for themselves, which is never a bad thing. Golfers, hockey players, volleyball players, and many other athletes can get some money that will help them along their collegiate journey. The addition of Bjork makes it even better for those athletes.

Because Ohio State has an athletic director who not only doesn’t hide from NIL but wants to be at the forefront of it, these non-revenue athletes can take advantage of NIL money even more. I think that’s a good thing for everyone. It also helps recruiting in those sports. Athletes want to go where they can get the most NIL money.

Ultimately, I think Bjork is a net positive for the entire athletic department. We don’t know how he’ll do with hirings and firings but embracing NIL is a good start. Like it or not, NIL is here to stay. The Ohio State Buckeyes need someone who understands that. The NCAA sure doesn’t and hasn’t helped out with rules at all.

I think Ohio State sports will continue to be great in all aspects thanks to NIL.