Eric Boggs
The landscape of college football recruiting continues to evolve, and as programs vie for top-tier talent, ethical boundaries often become blurred. Recent reports indicate that the Oregon Ducks have taken their pursuit of elite players to a new—and potentially questionable—level. According to a well-placed source on Bucknuts, Oregon has directly contacted multiple current Ohio State Buckeyes in an effort to lure them into the transfer portal with lucrative NIL deals.
If true, this blatant tampering underscores the increasingly cutthroat nature of modern college football recruiting. Oregon’s approach, as described by the source, is not only aggressive but financially extravagant. The Ducks allegedly offered some Buckeyes double their expected market value in NIL deals, a move that suggests desperation following their humiliating loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
Oregon’s transition into the Big Ten has positioned them as a major competitor to Ohio State. While USC, Washington, and UCLA have also joined the conference, Oregon appears to be the most immediate threat to the Buckeyes’ dominance. Their well-funded athletic department and commitment to high-level recruiting suggest they are determined to establish themselves as a perennial powerhouse in the Midwest-driven conference.
From the moment Oregon was announced as a future Big Ten member, many analysts, including this one, predicted a long-term battle between the Ducks and the Bucks. The first year in the conference played out largely as expected, with Oregon securing a home victory over Ohio State, only for the Buckeyes to return the favor in the Rose Bowl. This back-and-forth dynamic could define the next decade, and Oregon’s aggressive roster-building tactics indicate they are fully aware of the stakes.
The NIL era has created a Wild West atmosphere in college football. Programs with deep pockets and strong donor collectives have found ways to leverage NIL opportunities to secure commitments and entice transfers. While paying players is no longer a violation under NIL regulations, tampering—contacting players already under scholarship at other institutions—is still against NCAA rules.
However, the enforcement of those rules remains murky at best. The NCAA has historically lacked the ability (or willingness) to penalize programs for tampering. Recent high-profile cases, such as Tennessee’s alleged recruiting violations, have resulted in little to no substantial punishment. Given this precedent, Oregon’s apparent willingness to toe the line makes sense from a strategic standpoint—if there are no real consequences, why not push the boundaries?
Despite Oregon’s attempts to poach talent from Columbus, Buckeye players have remained committed to the program. A telling response came from Ohio State’s social media circles, where one user quipped, “Imagine offering someone double the money and still getting turned down—sad Ducks.” Another added, “We’re a blue blood. Kids come here for the culture, not the money.” The Buckeyes have built their program on tradition, excellence, and player development, and it appears those values continue to resonate with their roster.
It’s unlikely that Oregon will face any repercussions for its recruiting tactics, but that doesn’t mean Ohio State fans will forget. This saga only adds fuel to the fire of a budding Big Ten rivalry that could define the conference in the coming years. With Oregon’s deep NIL resources and Ohio State’s storied tradition, the battle between the Ducks and Buckeyes will be one to watch for seasons to come.
As for now, Ohio State fans can take solace in the fact that their players—despite tempting financial offers—remain loyal to the Scarlet and Gray. The Buckeyes will continue to do things the right way, relying on their strong culture and player development rather than throwing money at the problem. Time will tell if Oregon’s strategy will pay off, but in the eyes of Buckeye Nation, it reeks of desperation rather than dominance.
One thing is certain: the next time these two teams meet on the field, there will be no shortage of motivation on either sideline.
