Ryan Day’s runaway success in player acquisition underscores USC’s NIL problem

Ryan Day had a bad 2023 at Ohio State, but it doesn’t matter. He’s cleaning up in 2024. Why can’t USC be more like this?

The Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day had a frustrating 2023 season. They lost again to Michigan. Then they lost their bowl game to Missouri. Their offense didn’t look good. Quarterback Kyle McCord not only transferred; he transferred to Syracuse, an indication that Ryan Day missed the mark at quarterback this past year.

Keep in mind, too, that Ohio State and Ryan Day look even worse in light of how well C.J. Stroud has played in the NFL with the Houston Texans. Day and Ohio State lost twice to Michigan with Stroud as their quarterback. All of this should give recruits and transfer portal prospects good reason to not go to Ohio State. Yet, Ryan Day is winning competitions for the best talent in the country.

As Buckeyes Wire notes, Day just landed elite Alabama portal prospect Caleb Downs:

“The offseason has been fantastic for Ohio State football fans thus far and it just got even better as it was recently reported that former Alabama safety Caleb Downs is committing to Ohio State.

“The news broke on Friday evening and was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Buckeye fans all across social media have already expressed their excitement with the announcement and rightfully so as Downs is a massive addition for the Buckeyes.”

Recruits surely aren’t saying to themselves, “Wow, I just have to play for Ryan Day; it’s my dream come true.” No, let’s be honest: Ohio State is almost surely bringing the bag for these prospects with a robust NIL operation.

USC is getting left behind. It’s another sign of how the Trojans aren’t yet in prime position to compete for these top players. It’s a problem which has to get fixed, and soon.

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