The landscape of college football is changing once again. Power conferences are taking significant steps toward controlling athlete compensation policies rather than leaving them in the hands of the NCAA.
According to Ross Dellenger's recent article, a new entity is being formed to oversee athlete compensation, aiming to create a fair and regulated revenue-sharing system. Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork was named as a committee member who has been helping build this framework. This change would have notable implications for programs like Ohio State, which is known for its compliance and ethical standards.
Ever since the 2010 Tattoogate, Ohio State has been known for maintaining a strong compliance department and adhering to NCAA rules. The school has prioritized self-reporting any violations, which has resulted in less strict penalties.
The proposed changes would benefit Ohio State, allowing the program to operate within a framework that promotes fairness and transparency. With a large compliance department and a commitment to doing things the right way, Ohio State stands to thrive under these new regulations.
One of the key aspects of the proposed shift is the creation of a new enforcement arm to police violations related to a salary cap for athlete compensation. This would replace the often slow and controversial process of NCAA investigations, streamlining the way infractions are handled. The new entity will feature a cap management system, an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) clearinghouse, and an investigative and infractions unit to ensure that programs stay within the rules.
For Ohio State fans, this is a positive development, as it means the playing field in college football will become more level. Teams that play within the rules, like Ohio State, will no longer be at a disadvantage compared to programs that have been willing to push the boundaries.
This change could also address the recent sign-stealing scandal involving Michigan. With this new system in place, programs like Michigan have engaged in breaking scouting and recruiting rules that don't deal with the financial aspects of college football.
While Ohio State does spend a significant amount of money on NIL, the program does not have a public identity of engaging in exorbitant spending and possible tampering like some other schools, such as Miami, Oregon, and Michigan. These programs have become known for relying heavily on NIL deals to attract talent, sometimes at the expense of building a strong culture and player development.
In contrast, Ohio State has built its success on a foundation of development, culture, and doing things within the rules. The proposed changes would ensure that NIL spending is regulated, preventing schools from overspending on recruits and creating a more balanced playing field.
This new enforcement structure is also expected to help the NCAA maintain control over issues like tampering, which has become a growing problem in college football. As NIL and tampering rules have become more difficult for the NCAA to enforce, this shift in power to the conferences could lead to more effective policing of these issues.
Ohio State, which prides itself on building a program on development, character, and integrity, would benefit from this increased enforcement, as it would help maintain the integrity of the sport.
In Ross Dellenger's article, he outlines the potential penalties for programs that violate the new rules, including school fines, reductions in revenue-share pools, and suspensions for coaches and administrators. This level of accountability is a welcome change for Ohio State fans, who have watched as some programs have seemingly skirted the rules without facing significant consequences. By holding programs accountable for their actions, this new system would create a fairer and more competitive environment in college football.
In conclusion, the proposed changes to how athlete compensation is regulated in college football would be a boon for Ohio State. With its strong compliance history and commitment to doing things the right way, Ohio State is well-positioned to thrive under the new regulations.
The shift in power from the NCAA to the conferences will lead to stricter enforcement of rules, ensuring that programs like Michigan, which have been involved in recent scandals, face the consequences of their actions. Ohio State fans can look forward to a more level playing field and a fairer product on the field as college football continues to evolve.
As Dellenger highlights, "The settlement’s goal is to shift the payments to athletes from unwieldy outside entities — such as boosters — to the schools themselves," creating a more transparent system that benefits both athletes and institutions. If the settlement is approved, Ohio State fans can rest assured that their program will continue to operate with integrity and success.