SKULL SESSION STUNNER: Ohio State’s 2025 Roster Valued at $35M, Peyton Manning Backs C.J. Stroud, and Izzy Rodriguez Shines with Goal in International Debut

The ever-evolving world of college athletics has entered a new era, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Ohio State University. A program already steeped in tradition, prestige, and excellence has now become a central talking point in the national sports conversation for reasons that extend far beyond wins and losses. The Buckeyes’ projected 2025 football roster is reportedly valued at a staggering \$35 million, marking an extraordinary milestone in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. This revelation, layered with Peyton Manning’s public defense of former Buckeye quarterback C.J. Stroud and the triumphant international debut of Ohio State women’s soccer star Izzy Rodriguez, paints a rich and vivid picture of a program thriving on multiple fronts. It is a testament to how Ohio State continues to adapt, excel, and inspire in an age where college athletes are no longer just campus icons but national brands.

The \$35 million valuation of the 2025 Ohio State football roster is not only eye-popping—it’s transformative. Just a few years ago, the idea that student-athletes could legally command such figures would have been met with disbelief or even skepticism. Yet today, it stands as a reflection of the rapidly changing dynamics in collegiate sports, where NIL has rewritten the rulebook. This figure doesn’t just account for raw talent or potential NFL prospects; it encapsulates marketability, endorsement value, social media presence, and the power of the Block “O” on a national scale. The Buckeyes, known for their extensive alumni base and national fan following, are in a unique position to leverage NIL opportunities that can outmatch most other programs. And while some critics fear this shift undermines amateurism, others see it as a long-overdue correction to a model that profited off players for decades without compensation. For Ohio State, the \$35 million valuation doesn’t just mean they’re loaded with talent—it means they’re at the forefront of a movement redefining college football.

But while the financial dynamics of the program are under scrutiny and celebration, the Buckeye family continues to rally around one of their own: C.J. Stroud. Once doubted by many critics during his college days and even questioned early in his NFL journey, Stroud has silenced detractors with his poise, maturity, and elite-level performance on the professional stage. And now, none other than Hall of Famer Peyton Manning has stepped forward in his defense, praising the young quarterback not only for his football IQ but for his resilience and leadership. Manning, who has long served as a voice of authority on all things quarterbacking, lauded Stroud as someone who “plays the position the right way,” highlighting his ability to command the offense and lead under pressure. Stroud’s rookie campaign with the Houston Texans opened eyes, but it’s this type of validation—from a legend like Manning—that resonates on a deeper level. For Buckeye fans, it’s both vindication and celebration. Watching Stroud blossom in the NFL while remaining humble and grounded reflects positively on the values instilled in him during his time in Columbus. Manning’s public endorsement adds another layer of respect to Stroud’s growing legacy and serves as a shining example for current Ohio State players about the level of greatness they can aspire to.

Amid these high-profile developments in football, the Ohio State women’s soccer program found a reason to celebrate on an international level. Izzy Rodriguez, a former Buckeye standout and tenacious defender, recently made her debut for the El Salvador women’s national team—and what a debut it was. Not only did Rodriguez earn her first cap, but she also scored a goal, cementing her arrival on the global stage with style and authority. It was a moment that transcended sport. Representing one’s country is a pinnacle few athletes reach, and doing so while contributing on the scoresheet is a dream come true. Rodriguez’s success serves as a testament to the hard work, discipline, and skill she cultivated during her time at Ohio State. More importantly, it sends a powerful message about the growing international impact of the Buckeyes across all sports. Rodriguez, who has always worn her pride and passion on her sleeve, showcased what it means to carry the Buckeye standard into uncharted territory. Her goal wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a symbolic nod to the global reach of the program and the caliber of athletes Ohio State continues to produce across all disciplines.

What ties all these developments together is the notion of legacy—one that continues to evolve in new, compelling ways. The \$35 million roster valuation isn’t just a financial headline; it reflects the prestige, reach, and influence that Ohio State commands in this new era. It signals to recruits, families, and fans that Columbus isn’t just a college town—it’s a gateway to the national spotlight and global stage. It also underscores the immense responsibility the university holds in navigating this shifting terrain with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to its athletes’ holistic development. NIL may be the present and future of college sports, but so is the need for mentorship, leadership, and education. Ohio State appears to be striking that balance by investing not just in facilities and recruitment, but also in media training, brand management, and personal development resources. The program understands that a \$35 million roster requires more than just talent—it demands stewardship.

Peyton Manning’s defense of C.J. Stroud fits neatly into that narrative. Stroud represents a generation of athletes who have had to grow up fast in a world that judges them relentlessly, both on and off the field. His calm demeanor, sharp mind, and elite skill set earned him admiration, but his journey wasn’t always easy. Manning’s support isn’t just about football mechanics—it’s about recognizing a young man who has matured into a franchise cornerstone, who has answered every challenge with class. For Ohio State, Stroud’s success and Manning’s words of praise validate the program’s ability to produce not just NFL talent, but leaders who embody character and perseverance. It’s a reminder to current and future Buckeyes that greatness doesn’t come without adversity, and how you respond to criticism often defines your trajectory.

Then there’s Izzy Rodriguez—whose journey from Columbus to international stardom serves as a different, but equally inspiring, example of what it means to be a Buckeye. Her goal in her debut match didn’t just light up the scoreboard—it lit a fire in the hearts of young athletes across the globe who dream of making an impact on the international stage. Rodriguez’s story is one of persistence and belief, and her success is a celebration not only for Ohio State but for every young girl who has looked up to her. As NIL and national attention continue to focus on football and basketball, stories like Rodriguez’s offer a vital reminder of the depth and diversity of Ohio State’s athletic excellence.

This trifecta of developments—an unprecedented roster valuation, a legendary endorsement of a Buckeye quarterback, and a breakout international debut by a women’s soccer star—signals that Ohio State is not just keeping pace with the future of college athletics. It is helping to shape it. From the biggest stages of the NFL to international soccer pitches to the ever-expanding world of NIL, Buckeye athletes are making their mark, setting standards, and rewriting expectations. For fans, alumni, and stakeholders, it is a time of pride and possibility. For the athletes, it is a call to action—to not only seize the opportunities before them but to build something lasting, meaningful, and transformational.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. The scarlet and gray still evoke memories of Woody Hayes, Archie Griffin, and script Ohio—but today, they also represent million-dollar valuations, international goals, and NFL stardom. It’s a new era, with new rules, new icons, and new benchmarks for success. Yet the core remains unchanged: hard work, loyalty, grit, and excellence. The same values that lifted Stroud in his darkest moments and carried Rodriguez to international acclaim are the ones that will guide this \$35 million roster toward greatness. And whether it’s on the gridiron, on a global pitch, or in front of microphones and cameras, one thing is clear—Ohio State is not just participating in the future of sports. It is leading it.