Should Ohio State Start Breaking The Bank For Defensive Line Recruiting?
Should Ohio State Start Breaking The Bank For Defensive Line Recruiting?  
Podcast: The Buckeye Weekly Podcast
Published On: Fri Jun 20 2025
Description: Buckeye Weekly: Ohio State's NIL Strategy and Defensive Line RecruitingIn this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr from Buckeye Huddle discuss the recent commitment of four-star defensive end Luke Wafle to USC, who chose the Trojans over Ohio State and other top programs. The conversation revolves around Ohio State's approach to NIL offers and the broader implications for their recruiting strategy, particularly for defensive linemen. They delve into the debates among fans on message boards, Ohio State's historical recruiting abilities, and the potential impact of NIL regulations. They also discuss the importance of balancing culture and financial offers in recruiting and how Ohio State is poised to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. 00:00 Welcome to Buckeye Weekly 00:09 Recruiting Season Drama 00:56 NIL Offers and Ohio State's Stance 01:48 Ohio State's Recruiting Challenges 02:42 Historical Context and NIL Evolution 06:19 Impact of NIL on Team Culture 08:10 Defensive Line Recruiting Concerns 11:23 Evaluating Past Recruiting Decisions 17:19 Financial Realities and Future Strategies 21:51 Ohio State's Cautious Approach to Uncertainty 22:14 Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL on Recruitment 24:13 Challenges in Defensive Line Recruitment 28:55 Ohio State's Historical Success and Future Prospects 34:55 Strategic Recruiting in the South 38:47 Conclusion and Community Engagement