January 28, 2025

Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Calls Out NCAA Over Tampering Allegations

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has publicly criticized the NCAA for its lack of enforcement regarding tampering in the college football transfer portal. His comments come in the wake of rumors that highly sought-after wide receiver prospect Jeremiah Smith was offered $4.5 million to enter the transfer portal.

Smith, a highly touted 2024 recruit who had committed to Ohio State, has been the subject of increasing speculation surrounding tampering attempts from rival programs. In a press conference, Day expressed frustration with the NCAA’s inability to address such issues, stating that these kinds of financial offers undermine the integrity of college football and create an uneven playing field for teams that follow the rules.

“There’s got to be accountability,” Day said. “We can’t continue to let this happen in our game. It’s taking away the spirit of college football and the recruiting process. If the NCAA isn’t going to enforce rules, it leaves programs like ours at a disadvantage.”

Day specifically referenced reports claiming that Smith, a five-star recruit, was allegedly offered $4.5 million by a rival school to transfer. While Smith has yet to confirm or deny the allegations, the rumors have stirred the college football community and raised concerns about the escalating influence of money in recruiting and transfers.

The NCAA has struggled to keep pace with the evolving landscape of college sports, especially since the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, which allow athletes to profit off their personal brands. However, the governing body has been criticized for its lack of oversight in policing tampering and illegal inducements.

As the situation surrounding Smith unfolds, Day’s comments shed light on growing frustrations within college football as coaches and programs wrestle with the increasing influence of money in recruiting and transfers, calling for stronger enforcement from the NCAA.

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