Picture a crisp fall day in Columbus—Buckeye fever in the air, the Shoe packed with fans, and behind the scenes, some big-hearted donors making sure the players have what they need. Here’s who’s stepping up for Ohio State sports and those NIL packages, with a little warmth and personality.
1. Brian Schottenstein – The Hometown Hustler
Brian’s a Columbus guy through and through, a real estate whiz who bleeds scarlet and gray. He’s the kind of booster who doesn’t just write a check—he rallies the troops. Back in 2022, he teamed up with buddies to drop $550,000 on stars like C.J. Stroud and TreVeyon Henderson, making sure Ohio State’s top talent could shine. He co-founded The Foundation, and you can almost see him at a tailgate, grinning ear to ear, knowing he’s helping keep the Buckeyes in the game.
2. Cardale Jones – The Champ Who Came Back
Cardale’s that quarterback who led Ohio State to a national title in 2014, and he’s still got the team’s back. He’s another brain behind The Foundation, and in 2024, he pitched in with Mike Conley for a big donation—think of it like a high-five to the next generation of Buckeyes. On X, folks were buzzing about it, and you can bet Cardale’s out there telling old game stories while pushing for the kids coming up.
3. Mike Conley – The Quiet Star with a Big Heart
Mike’s an NBA pro who’s never forgotten his Ohio State roots. Picture him courtside, all calm and cool, but when it came time to help out, he teamed up with C.J. Stroud in 2024 for a hefty NIL donation. It’s the kind of move that says, “I’ve been there, and I want you to have your shot too.” Fans on X lit up about it—proof he’s still a Buckeye at heart.
4. C.J. Stroud – The Kid Who Keeps Giving
C.J.’s tearing it up in the NFL now, but he hasn’t left Columbus behind. That 2024 donation with Conley? That’s him tossing a lifeline back to the program that launched him. You can imagine him on the phone with old teammates, laughing about practice days, then saying, “Hey, let’s make sure these new guys get theirs.”
5. George Steinbrenner – The Legend in the Stands
George isn’t around anymore, but his name’s still on the band facility at Ohio Stadium. The late Yankees owner was a classic Ohio State donor—big personality, bigger wallet. He didn’t live to see the NIL craze, but his love for the Buckeyes laid the groundwork for today’s boosters. You can almost hear him barking orders from the afterlife, cheering on the team.
6. Rick Ricart – The Car Guy with Swagger
Rick’s the car dealer who rolls up with more than just a handshake. In 2023, he handed a wide receiver a Dodge Challenger—free lease, no strings. It’s the kind of flashy, fun move that screams NIL era, and you can picture Rick tossing the keys with a grin, saying, “Go get ‘em, kid.” He’s all about keeping the players happy and the program rolling.
7. THE 1870 Society Crew – The New Kids on the Block
This collective’s got folks like Matt Evans, Jason Priestas, and Eddie George behind it—guys who know what it’s like to wear the uniform. They’re chasing a wild $13 million-a-year goal for football and basketball. You can imagine Eddie, the old running back legend, sitting down with donors, swapping stories, and saying, “Let’s build something big for these kids.”
8. The Columbus Crew – Business Folks with Buckeye Pride
It’s not just individuals—Columbus businesses are in on this too. Think American Eagle, DSW, Value City Furniture—places you’d shop on a Saturday. They’re cutting deals with players through The Foundation, and it’s like the whole city’s pitching in. Brian Schottenstein’s out there shaking hands, convincing CEOs over coffee that this is how you keep Ohio State on top.
What’s It All About?
The Foundation kicked off in 2021, and it’s like the cool uncle of NIL collectives—top-tier (7th in the nation, per On3 in 2023) and all about mixing cash for players with some feel-good charity vibes. Picture their 2022 event: Ryan Day and Chris Holtmann chatting up fans, raking in hundreds of thousands. Then there’s THE 1870 Society, the scrappy newcomer with big dreams, trying to match the heavy hitters.
Back in the day, donors like Steinbrenner built the bones of Ohio State sports. Now, it’s guys like Brian, Cardale, and Mike, plus a whole community of boosters and businesses, keeping the spirit alive in this wild NIL world. They’re not just writing checks—they’re telling the players, “We’ve got you,” one car, one deal, one story at a time.
Exact numbers and full lists? Hard to pin down—collectives keep some cards close. But between old reports, X buzz, and the vibe around Columbus, this is the crew making it happen as of March 20, 2025. They’re the heartbeat behind the Buckeyes, and they’re doing it with a whole lot of love.
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