On only a few hours of sleep since his Buckeyes were crowned national champions on Monday night, Ohio State coach Ryan Day knows next year is closing fast. And not just because the Buckeyes start the 2025 regular season against the Texas Longhorns in a high-profile home opener on Aug.

Much was made about the approximately $20 million Ohio State spent in name, image and likeness money to put the team together, but with a few exceptions, the money went toward the Buckeyes keeping their own players in school for another season, rather than leaving for the NFL Draft.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day becomes the fourth coach in 2024-25 to earn at least $1 million in on-field performance bonuses