Recruiting rules can be very complicated to remember. There are a bunch of them in the NCAA handbook and it’s hard to keep them straight. There are some that everyone knows. Those are the ones that create major violations if they are violated. You know, like the ones Michigan is alleged to have done during COVID? The Ohio State football program doesn’t have that issue.
The Buckeyes obviously try to stay away from those types of violations at all costs. Those types of violations can lead to severe scholarship restrictions, coaches getting suspended, and even having games vacated. Those are the types of penalties reserved for Level I violations. Ohio State did have some recruiting violations that they self-reported on Tuesday, but all are minor.
Ohio State football program self-reports Level III violations
The Buckeyes self-reported violations on Tuesday that were minor in nature. They included Brian Hartline meeting Chris Henry Jr. while he was on campus and a recruit having a graphic made up after visiting the school. Again, none are major. Any penalties that will come from this are expected to be extremely mild if any come at all.
The Buckeyes do a very good job of following the rules. Gene Smith has also self-reported violations many times. There have been times when I wish he wasn’t so forthcoming, namely after Tattogate. That cost Ohio State a national championship. Nonetheless, it makes sense to report these minor violations.
Ryan Day and his staff still need to be more careful. Violations still aren’t ideal. But in my mind, if you don’t have a few minor violations every now and then, you aren’t trying very hard. The Ohio State Buckeyes will continue to be elite in all sports because of their recruiting efforts. Forgetting some dumb rule in a large handbook is bound to happen.
The Ohio State football program will keep their preparations going for Spring practice next week.
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