Eric Boggs
In one of the most revealing and forward-looking press conferences in recent Ohio State memory, new athletic director Ross Bjork stood at the center of a changing college sports landscape and made clear that the Buckeyes intend to lead the way. Over the course of a candid 75 minutes, Bjork not only addressed the fallout from the House v. NCAA settlement and the dawn of the revenue-sharing era but unveiled the bold, calculated steps Ohio State is taking to navigate—and shape—the new normal.
Central to this proactive approach is the launch of the Buckeye Sports Group, a strategic partnership with Learfield designed to bring NIL under direct university oversight. This move consolidates the efforts of collectives like The Foundation and 1870 under one umbrella, creating a streamlined marketing agency that connects athletes with businesses while maintaining institutional control and compliance. At a time when NIL chaos has rattled programs across the country, Ohio State is seeking structure and sustainability.
The Buckeyes are also launching the Center for Sports Intelligence and Strategy—more of a concept than a physical space, but a data-driven initiative nonetheless. Its mission? To equip coaches and administrators with analytics in areas ranging from scholarship allocation and NIL spending to opponent scheduling and contract negotiations. Bjork described it as a game-changing resource meant to ensure consistency and optimization across all 36 varsity sports.
That number—36—is not negotiable. Despite the new financial pressures revenue sharing presents, Bjork reaffirmed Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining its full roster of sports. In the first year of revenue sharing, $18 million will be distributed among football, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball. The cap, originally $20.5 million, was reduced due to Ohio State’s addition of 91 scholarships, a move Bjork said reflects the university’s dedication to opportunity across the board. Football, as expected, will receive the lion’s share, but Title IX compliance ensures that female athletes will also see meaningful participation in the system.
Bjork was clear: this isn’t about throwing money at players—it’s about alignment, integrity, and progress. With collectives now required to prove “valid business purposes” behind deals, Ohio State is positioning itself as a compliant, transparent leader in the new NIL world.
Of course, tradition still matters in Columbus, and that includes enhancing the fan experience. Bjork acknowledged frustration over Ohio State’s overload of noon kickoffs due to FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff deal, calling for more flexibility in game scheduling. He even confirmed that he’s been pushing for marquee night matchups, such as the 2025 Ohio State-Texas game potentially moving to Sunday night.
On the national stage, Bjork is also taking a measured stance amid the chaos surrounding the future of the College Football Playoff. As SEC commissioner Greg Sankey champions a 16-team format with four automatic bids each for the SEC and Big Ten, Bjork urged patience and collaboration. He believes the public infighting among conferences is unproductive and that real progress will come only through private, cooperative dialogue among commissioners.
The 5-11 model—four auto-bids to power conference champions plus 11 at-larges—is one alternative being floated, but Bjork says no model has been finalized and cautioned against turning the CFP debate into political theater. “Let’s play it out where the authority lies,” he said, expressing confidence in Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and his peers to work toward a solution before the December 1 deadline.
This wasn’t just a policy press conference. Bjork took time to honor two key Ohio State figures whose careers are nearing their end. Deputy AD Janine Oman will retire next June, and longtime sports information director Jerry Emig will step down in March. Bjork offered heartfelt praise for both, particularly Emig, whose grace and professionalism have been constants in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and Ohio Stadium press box for decades.
Off the field, Bjork also shared some celebratory news: Ohio State posted its best academic year ever across all sports and raised over $80 million in fundraising, reinforcing the holistic success of Buckeye athletics.
As the Buckeyes move into this new era, Ross Bjork isn’t just reacting—he’s building. He’s embracing innovation while defending Ohio State’s core values. He’s making data a priority but keeping tradition close. And above all, he’s reminding the college athletics world that in Columbus, the standard never slips. The future of Buckeye athletics isn’t just in good hands—it’s in visionary ones.
