In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa get real about where college football is headed — and how Ohio State fits into it all. From the impact of NIL deals on player value to behind-the-scenes funding shifts in the athletic department, they break down what’s really going on.

They also tackle the College Football Playoff expansion drama, why recruiting is getting wilder, and how programs like Ohio State can stay dominant. Plus, they show love to a legend as Lee Corso heads into his final GameDay season.

Takeaways

• The Ohio State Athletic Department is committed to retaining all 36 varsity sports.
• NIL deals are changing the financial landscape for college athletes.
• Content creation is essential for promoting lesser-known sports.
• The future of college sports funding is uncertain but crucial for maintaining programs.
• Playoff expansion in college football is likely to happen for financial reasons.
• Player valuation in the NIL era is complex and varies by individual brand.
• The Big Ten and SEC are in a strong position for playoff expansion.
• Engagement with the community is vital for the success of all sports.
• The impact of media contracts on game scheduling is significant.
• Lee Corso's legacy in college football is celebrated as he retires from College Game Day.

00:00 Introduction and Father's Day Reflections
01:40 NCAA Changes and Ohio State's Athletic Future
05:34 The Business of College Sports
09:56 NIL and Player Valuation
18:29 College Football Playoff Expansion
25:12 Recruiting Updates and Lee Corso's Legacy

Keywords

Ohio State, college football, NIL, sports funding, player valuation, playoff expansion, recruiting, Lee Corso, Big Noon Kickoff, Big Ten, SEC, College Football Playoff, College Game Day, Ross Bjork, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, Bleav in Buckeyes, women's volleyball, college football, college baskteball, athletic department, business of college sports, brand deals,

In this episode, Chimdi and Bryant unpack the implications of the recent NCAA settlement and what it means for the future of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college sports. As private equity begins to enter the collegiate athletics space, they explore how this shift could reshape team dynamics, recruitment strategies, and athlete compensation. The conversation highlights the tension between preserving tradition and embracing innovation—and how programs that strike the right balance will emerge as long-term winners.

Takeaways

• The NCAA settlement marks a major turning point in NIL policy and athlete compensation.
• Private equity’s entry into college sports could accelerate commercialization—and create both risks and rewards.
• Programs rooted in strong tradition must evolve to remain competitive in the changing landscape.
• Transparency, adaptability, and leadership will be crucial for athletic departments going forward.
• This new era offers both opportunities and challenges for athletes, coaches, and institutions alike.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap

01:53 NCAA Ruling and Settlement Overview

03:10 Impact of Private Sector on College Sports

06:27 The Future of College Football Funding

10:16 Power Dynamics in College Football

13:57 NIL Evaluation and Regulation

20:52 The Role of Tradition In College Football

25:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

Keywords

Ohio State, NIL, private equity, NCAA, recruitment strategies, commercialization of football, college football, traditions, premium seating, Bleav In Buckeyes, Power 5 conference, Big Ten, college sports, Innis riling, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning,

In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa are joined by Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports for a deep dive into the shifting college football landscape. The trio tackles hot-button topics like the controversy around Big Noon Kickoff, the ripple effects of the College Football Playoff expansion, and the ascendant power of the SEC and Big Ten. They share candid thoughts on scheduling frustrations, how media decisions are affecting fan experience, and what the future may hold for the governance and structure of the sport. It's a must-listen for fans trying to make sense of the future trajectory of college football.

Takeaways

• The Big Noon kickoff has sparked controversy among fans and teams.
• Ohio State attempted to move their game to a night slot but faced opposition from Texas.
• Home field advantage is perceived to be greater during night games.
• Fans are frustrated with the scheduling decisions made by networks like Fox.
• The expansion of the college football playoffs could lead to more teams participating but may dilute the quality of games.
• The SEC and Big Ten are pushing for more representation in the playoffs.
• There is a growing divide between top-tier programs and the rest of college football.
• The balance of power in college football conferences is shifting.
• Fans want to see more night games for high-profile matchups.
• The future of college football may involve more consolidation among top programs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:29 Big Noon Kickoff Controversy

10:59 Game Scheduling Dynamics

16:22 College Football Playoff Expansion Discussion

19:58 NIL Player Compensation

22:51 SEC vs. Big Ten Power Dynamics

28:40 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Keywords

Ohio State, Texas, Big Noon, College Football, Playoff Expansion, SEC, Big Ten, Ryan Glasbego, Front Office Sports, Sports Media, Fox, Ryan Glasspiegel, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, NIL, college football playoffs, power conferences, Buckeyes, Brett Bielema, college football playoffs