Ohio State’s $35 Million Roster, Peyton Manning Backs C.J. Stroud and Izzy Rodriguez Shines with Goal on International Debut
College football is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and nowhere is that transformation more evident than in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been one of the most recognizable and successful programs in the country, but the financial realities of modern college football have taken center stage, with estimates suggesting that maintaining Ohio State’s 2025 football roster could cost around $35 million in player compensation through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements and retention incentives.
The number, first reported by On3 and confirmed by multiple insiders within the Ohio State athletic department, underscores the aggressive financial arms race underway in the college football landscape. Programs with championship aspirations are no longer simply recruiting based on tradition, facilities, or coaching pedigree alone—money matters, and for Ohio State to keep pace with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Texas, significant NIL resources are essential.
At the heart of the projected $35 million figure is the challenge of retaining top-tier talent in an era defined by transfer portal freedom and NIL bidding wars. Ohio State, like other blue-blood programs, faces constant external pressures to keep its roster intact. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive linemen—positions that traditionally drive NFL draft boards—are particularly susceptible to outside offers. Insiders note that more than a dozen Buckeye players already command individual NIL valuations exceeding $500,000, with some star names approaching or eclipsing the million-dollar mark.
The Buckeyes’ 2025 roster is stacked with NFL prospects, elite transfers, and returning veterans poised to make a national title run, making the price tag both necessary and inevitable. Star quarterback Devin Brown, expected to be one of the most prominent figures on the team, will likely be among the highest compensated. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s nationally renowned receiver corps—continuing the tradition established by the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson—represents another significant slice of the NIL budget.
Though critics often frame this new financial environment as unsustainable or detrimental to the purity of college athletics, others argue it’s a natural progression for a billion-dollar industry built on the labor and star power of young athletes. For Ohio State, it’s simple—pay to compete, or risk falling behind.
Beyond the economics, Buckeye Nation also found reason for pride this week thanks to a strong endorsement of one of its most famous recent alumni, C.J. Stroud. The former Ohio State quarterback, now the face of the Houston Texans, has silenced doubters with his rapid ascent in the NFL, but he’s still not immune to critics questioning his long-term ceiling.
Enter Peyton Manning, a Hall of Fame quarterback, two-time Super Bowl champion, and one of the sharpest minds in football. Manning recently defended Stroud during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” offering insight into why he believes Stroud is already among the league’s elite young passers.
Manning praised Stroud’s poise, accuracy, and decision-making, all traits that were on full display during Stroud’s sensational rookie season in 2023, when he threw for over 4,100 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The performance earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and solidified his status as the cornerstone of Houston’s rebuilding efforts.
“C.J. reminds me of the guys who understand how to slow the game down,” Manning explained. “He’s never flustered, he processes defenses quickly, and he throws an incredibly catchable ball. That’s what you look for in a franchise quarterback.”
Manning, who has worked with Stroud at quarterback summits and privately studied his tape, dismissed the pre-draft critiques suggesting Stroud’s success at Ohio State was inflated by the system or elite supporting talent. Instead, Manning pointed to Stroud’s composure under pressure and advanced football IQ as indicators of sustainable success.
Buckeye fans, still basking in Stroud’s NFL rise, view Manning’s praise as further validation of Ohio State’s ability to develop pro-ready quarterbacks. Following a long era where critics questioned whether OSU signal-callers could thrive in the NFL, Stroud’s success—alongside the emergence of players like Justin Fields—has begun reshaping that narrative.
While Ohio State football headlines often dominate the news cycle, another Buckeye made international waves this week—Izzy Rodriguez, former standout for Ohio State women’s soccer, marked her international debut with a goal, signaling a bright future on the global stage.
Rodriguez, who played for the Buckeyes from 2017 to 2021 and was known for her versatility and leadership, made her first appearance for the Mexican women’s national team during a friendly against Colombia. The 25-year-old defender not only held her own against seasoned international competition but also found the back of the net with a clinical finish off a set piece in the 63rd minute.
The goal sparked celebrations both in Mexico and among Buckeye fans, many of whom have followed Rodriguez’s journey from Columbus to the professional ranks and now to the international stage. Her debut performance earned praise from Mexico’s coaching staff, who highlighted her composure, tactical awareness, and attacking instincts.
Rodriguez’s rise reflects the broader growth and impact of Ohio State’s women’s soccer program, which continues to produce high-level talent capable of competing at the sport’s highest levels. Her success also serves as inspiration for current Buckeye athletes balancing academic demands with athletic aspirations of playing professionally or representing their countries.
For Rodriguez, the moment was both personal and symbolic—a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and belief in her abilities. After the match, she reflected on her journey during a postgame interview.
“This has always been my dream,” Rodriguez said, beaming. “To wear this jersey, to represent my heritage, and to score on my debut—it’s surreal. I couldn’t have done it without the foundation I built at Ohio State and the support of my teammates and coaches.”
Her international breakthrough adds another layer to Ohio State’s rich legacy of developing athletes who excel beyond the college arena. Whether it’s football, soccer, basketball, or other sports, the Buckeyes have consistently produced competitors who thrive on the biggest stages, both domestically and internationally.
As summer continues, the focus in Columbus remains firmly on the football program’s preparations for the 2025 season. With one of the most talented rosters in the nation, immense NIL resources in play, and sky-high expectations, Ohio State enters the upcoming campaign with everything to prove—and everything to protect.
The $35 million roster estimate is not merely an arbitrary number; it represents the tangible investment required to contend for championships in a hyper-competitive environment. It’s a reflection of market realities, driven by athletes’ newfound earning potential and the escalating costs of retaining elite talent.
Some fans have expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of such spending, but university officials and athletic department leaders maintain that strategic partnerships, donor support, and booster-driven NIL collectives can keep Ohio State competitive. Moreover, the success of alumni like Stroud and Rodriguez only enhances the Buckeyes’ recruiting pitch, signaling to future stars that Columbus is a launching pad for greatness.
From the gridiron to the global soccer pitch, Ohio State’s brand continues to shine, powered by ambitious athletes, passionate supporters, and a willingness to embrace the evolving landscape of college sports. The road ahead is expensive, but the potential rewards—a national championship, global recognition, and athletic excellence—make every dollar worth it in the eyes of Buckeye Nation.
