Ohio State Buckeyes are about to make their National Championship roster look rather cheap in 2025

The Ohio State Buckeyes just had 14 players drafted from their National Championship team. That roster, which went on to win it all, reportedly cost Ohio State around $20 million. This season, the Buckeyes are about to make that look like a bargain.

Ohio State returns its two best players—wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs—who are undoubtedly among the highest-paid athletes in college football. But the Buckeyes are expected to nearly double last year’s roster spending. Every recruiting class that is brought in takes a big bag of cash, as well as many transfer portal commitments. 

Ohio State’s 2025 roster is going to be an expensive one 

We’re now in an era of college football where players can earn hundreds of thousands—or even millions—through NIL deals. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Buckeyes are projected to spend close to $35 million on their roster this season.

“This season, the Buckeyes will be making closer to $35 million—and they won’t be alone. Payrolls at the highest-paying football programs will be between $30 million and $35 million, according to a person familiar with a top booster collective.”