Could the Ohio State Buckeyes face sanctions from the Big Ten or the NCAA? The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of college football’s most prominent institutions, may face scrutiny after recent punishments against the Oregon Ducks and Penn State Nittany Lions. Speculation is growing as the Big Ten and NCAA focus on compliance and enforcement, attempting to address suspected breaches across member schools.
According to reports, the NCAA is currently examining multiple programs for possible breaches, notably those involving recruitment techniques, name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, and academic requirements. While no official statement has directly accused Ohio State, the team’s high profile and recent success have unavoidably brought them into the spotlight.
The punishments against Oregon and Penn State were based on claims of improper benefits and recruiting misconduct. Oregon was penalised for providing unauthorised NIL agreements to recruits, while Penn State was punished for failing to report illegal advantages offered by boosters. These prosecutions represent a renewed commitment by the NCAA and leagues to ensure that programs follow the rules, regardless of their reputation or history.
Ohio State has historically taken a proactive approach to compliance issues. The university maintains a robust compliance department to educate athletes and staff on NCAA laws, with the goal of preventing breaches before they occur. However, due to the increased monitoring in collegiate athletics, even minor transgressions may receive major notice.
Fans and observers alike are speculating whether the NCAA’s investigations will include the Buckeyes, especially considering the cutthroat nature of recruitment and NIL deals in previous years. “Ohio State is a powerhouse, and with that comes a level of scrutiny most programs don’t experience,” according to one expert. “Even if they’re operating above board, the current climate makes it difficult to avoid being dragged into the conversation.”
For the time being, Ohio State’s administration remains dedicated to transparency and compliance with NCAA laws. Athletic Director Gene Smith recently remarked, “We take compliance very seriously and will continue to fully cooperate with any enquiries or reviews.”
As the NCAA’s investigations continue, the Buckeyes will undoubtedly strive to protect their reputation while navigating the pressures of an ever-changing collegiate sports scene. It is unclear whether Ohio State will join the list of sanctioned programs, but the implications would be felt throughout the Big Ten and beyond.