Former Ohio State Star Chris Olave Inks Massive Extension with New Orleans Saints

Chris Olave just landed one of the biggest paydays of his career. The former Buckeye wide receiver has agreed to a four-year extension with the New Orleans Saints that could be worth up to $132 million, including $90 million guaranteed. The average annual value comes in at $33 million, and the deal keeps him in New Orleans through the 2030 season.

Olave, who Ohio State fans remember well after he went 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, just wrapped up his best pro season yet, one that earned him second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. It's another example of a former Buckeye receiver getting paid handsomely at the next level, and there's no shortage of those lately.

Contract Details and Timeline

Before the new money kicks in, Olave still has to play out 2026 on his fifth-year option, worth roughly $15.5 million. Once the extension actually starts in 2027, it'll place him among the league's better-paid receivers, currently good for sixth in average annual value.

Getting to this point wasn't quick. Reports indicate the two sides worked through negotiations that dragged into the start of training camp. In the meantime, Olave scaled back his practice reps, a "hold-in," while the deal got hammered out. Now that it's done, he's expected to be back at full speed with the rest of the team.

Want the quick rundown on what this means for the Saints? This reaction video from Locked On Saints breaks it down well:

Olave's Path from Columbus to New Orleans

Olave made his name at Ohio State between 2018 and 2021, developing into one of the most productive pass-catchers the program has seen. He left Columbus as the school's all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 35, and he wasted little time carrying that success into the NFL, putting together three 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years.

2025 was easily his best year yet. He hauled in a career-high 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns across 16 games, becoming only the second player in Saints history to crack the 100-reception mark in a season, joining Michael Thomas in that club.

It hasn't all been smooth sailing health-wise, he's dealt with multiple concussions during his career and a blood clot that sidelined him for the final game of last season. That he bounced back and still put up career numbers likely played a big part in convincing the Saints he's worth locking up long-term.

What It Means for Buckeye Fans

Ohio State just keeps churning out top-tier wide receiver talent, and Olave's new deal is the latest reminder of that. Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and others have already cashed in big, and the program's reputation as a receiver factory for the NFL keeps growing.

For more on former and current Buckeyes making waves in the pros, keep checking in with BrutusReport.com.

Looking Ahead

With his contract situation squared away, Olave can turn his full attention to 2026 and the Saints' offense, which is still taking shape around him. At 26, he's heading into his prime years with financial security locked in and a clear role as the focal point of New Orleans' passing attack.

Buckeye Nation will be keeping an eye on him as he continues building on an already strong NFL career.

Sydney Mobley to Ohio State: The Next Chapter for a Buckeye

Big Walnut High School standout Sydney Mobley is heading to the Ohio State women’s basketball program, and she’s not waiting around to get there. The five-star forward/center made her commitment official earlier this month, picking the Buckeyes over finalists Illinois and Virginia Tech. Even bigger news for the program: Mobley is reclassifying into the 2026 class, meaning she’ll be wearing Scarlet and Gray as early as the 2026-27 season.

From Sunbury Star to Columbus Commit

The 6-2 local product has been turning heads for years thanks to a rare mix of size, skill, and feel for the game. As a junior, she carried Big Walnut on deep postseason runs and picked up Ohio Ms. Basketball honors along the way. Reclassifying means she’ll graduate early and step onto campus right away, giving head coach Kevin McGuff an immediate jolt of size and talent for his roster.

Watch Sydney Mobley dominate in this highlight reel from her high school career:

Sydney Mobley leads Big Walnut to State Final 4 (27 & 10)

What Mobley Brings to the Buckeyes

She’s honestly far more than just a big frame down low — Mobley can step out and smack the shots in, bully her way to the rim , and grab rebounds against anybody like it’s nothing. Her game keeps rounding out, mixing raw physicality with that kind of touch, plus the perimeter comfort that’s weirdly hard to find in a player her size. For a program chasing Big Ten titles, and some national relevance, landing someone with her talent — along with her hometown ties — is a serious get .

Buckeye fans have been hoping for a while that a talent like this would stick around Ohio instead of leaving. Mobley’s decision delivers exactly that, and then some.

The Reclassification Impact

Jumping into the 2026 class fast-tracks Mobley’s college career, and it also gives Ohio State an extra year to build around her, which is a welcome wrinkle for roster planning. It’s just another sign there’s some real momentum forming for the women’s program heading into next season. And really it keeps up Ohio State’s hot streak on the recruiting trail too, across both the men’s and women’s programs, with no slowing down.

Why Ohio State? A Dream Come True

Mobley grew up in Sunbury surrounded by Buckeye Nation, so this one runs deep. Between her own comments and her family’s, it’s clear the idea of playing in front of hometown fans at Value City Arena was too strong to pass up. This isn’t just another commitment on the board — it’s a full-circle story for a player Ohio State offered years ago, one who took her time and landed right where it always seemed she might.

For more on Ohio State recruiting developments, check out our recent piece on LJ Smith’s surprise reclassification.

BrutusReport will continue tracking Mobley’s transition and everything else happening in Buckeye athletics. Welcome to Columbus, Sydney — the next chapter is going to be fun.

Mike Conley is heading to Boston. The veteran point guard has agreed to a one-year deal with the Celtics, setting up a milestone 20th NBA season at age 38. That puts him in rare company — only 13 other players in league history have ever played that long.

Conley's journey has taken him from Memphis, where the Grizzlies drafted him fourth overall back in 2007, to a stint with the Utah Jazz, and most recently three and a half seasons in Minnesota. Now he's bringing all that experience — the playmaking, the leadership, the championship pedigree — to a Celtics backcourt built to contend.

Few players in the league match his reputation for consistency and professionalism. He's picked up four NBA Sportsmanship Awards along the way, and after all these years, the Ohio State alum is still showing what it takes to last in a league that chews up careers.