The Ohio State football program has always had some of the best facilities in college football. That is something they have priced themselves on over the last couple of decades. Before NIL came along, it was a major recruiting pitch. It still is, although it's less effective than it once was.
A big part of the overall football facilities is the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. That is where the Buckeyes do their training and get better throughout the year. It's also where the players spend most of their time in the offseason, so it's a big part of the success of the team.
While Ross Bjork has done some questionable things in his short time as athletic director, he's also done some good. On Thursday, he announced that the university will have a massive renovation of the Woody, which will cost a substantial amount of money.
Ross Bjork announces Ohio State football renovation
Bjork announced that the renovation will begin 18 months from now, which is quite a long time. They are also still trying to find the financing to fully complete the project. Based on what Bjork is describing about the current state of the Woody, it sounds like it's a much-needed renovation.
When describing the current state of the Woody, Bjork mentions that not everyone can fit into the current team meeting room. That seems like something that should have been fixed long ago. The Ohio State Buckeyes will now be expanding that room, as well as the locker room and Ryan Day's office.
Having the best facilities in the country is something that the Buckeyes are aiming for. They will accept nothing less. With how much money the athletic department is making, it's no surprise that they are pouring it back into the football program. The Shoe is undergoing renovations, as well.
Ross Bjork isn't doing all good things for Ohio State football
While this is a good thing that Bjork is doing, not everything he is considering is good news for the program. He refuses to forbid the idea of signing naming rights over for the Shoe, which would be a disaster. Not only would that undo over 100 years of tradition, but it would be a blatant money grab.
If Bjork is looking for financing, he can look elsewhere. They will likely be adding a jersey patch soon, which is something other programs have adopted. That will cause very little interference on the uniforms, which are perhaps the best in all of college football.
There are plenty of private donations that the athletic department could get, as well. Every year, the football department brings in either the most or the second-most money of any program in the country. With that access to capital, there is no reason why Ohio State shouldn't be one of the best teams every year.
That's exactly what they are, and they should be that again this year. As long as Bjork doesn't make any stupid moves, that's the way it will stay over the next decade.
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