The Ohio State football program has been on a hot streak, landing a number of available players in the transfer portal.
Among the highlights are five-star Alabama safety Caleb Downs, five-star Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, and five-star Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin.
They also added to the quarterback room with Kansas transfer Will Howard while beefing up the offensive line with Alabama starting center Seth McLaughlin.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the school’s NIL fund and one famous alum who helped provide some cash.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was announced as a Platinum Donor of THE Foundation.
ANNOUNCEMENT🚨Proud that CJ Stroud is our first former student athlete partner to become a major donor and “pay it forward” as he paves the way for those to come next. Thanks so much for your support of THE Foundation CJ. You are truly a Buckeye for life! https://t.co/htkLB83pbF pic.twitter.com/5LQF12LjMx
— THE Foundation (@TheFoundation1_) January 22, 2024
THE Foundation — which was started by Brian Schottenstein and former national championship-winning quarterback Cardale Jones — is the top NIL arm for the Buckeyes.
As a Platinum Donor, Stroud donated between $50,000-$100,000.
While it takes a lot more to land the quality of talent as the Buckeyes did, it certainly helps. And knowing that the likely Rookie of the Year is on board moving forward, it could encourage other big donors to keep the ball rolling.
Whatever happens, Ohio State is a serious contender, and they have proved they are not afraid to write checks to get the talent in Columbus.
Let’s just see if it pays off with success on the field.