In this episode, Chimdi and Bryant unpack the implications of the recent NCAA settlement and what it means for the future of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college sports. As private equity begins to enter the collegiate athletics space, they explore how this shift could reshape team dynamics, recruitment strategies, and athlete compensation. The conversation highlights the tension between preserving tradition and embracing innovation—and how programs that strike the right balance will emerge as long-term winners.

Takeaways

• The NCAA settlement marks a major turning point in NIL policy and athlete compensation.
• Private equity’s entry into college sports could accelerate commercialization—and create both risks and rewards.
• Programs rooted in strong tradition must evolve to remain competitive in the changing landscape.
• Transparency, adaptability, and leadership will be crucial for athletic departments going forward.
• This new era offers both opportunities and challenges for athletes, coaches, and institutions alike.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap

01:53 NCAA Ruling and Settlement Overview

03:10 Impact of Private Sector on College Sports

06:27 The Future of College Football Funding

10:16 Power Dynamics in College Football

13:57 NIL Evaluation and Regulation

20:52 The Role of Tradition In College Football

25:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

Keywords

Ohio State, NIL, private equity, NCAA, recruitment strategies, commercialization of football, college football, traditions, premium seating, Bleav In Buckeyes, Power 5 conference, Big Ten, college sports, Innis riling, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning,

In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa are joined by Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports for a deep dive into the shifting college football landscape. The trio tackles hot-button topics like the controversy around Big Noon Kickoff, the ripple effects of the College Football Playoff expansion, and the ascendant power of the SEC and Big Ten. They share candid thoughts on scheduling frustrations, how media decisions are affecting fan experience, and what the future may hold for the governance and structure of the sport. It's a must-listen for fans trying to make sense of the future trajectory of college football.

Takeaways

• The Big Noon kickoff has sparked controversy among fans and teams.
• Ohio State attempted to move their game to a night slot but faced opposition from Texas.
• Home field advantage is perceived to be greater during night games.
• Fans are frustrated with the scheduling decisions made by networks like Fox.
• The expansion of the college football playoffs could lead to more teams participating but may dilute the quality of games.
• The SEC and Big Ten are pushing for more representation in the playoffs.
• There is a growing divide between top-tier programs and the rest of college football.
• The balance of power in college football conferences is shifting.
• Fans want to see more night games for high-profile matchups.
• The future of college football may involve more consolidation among top programs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:29 Big Noon Kickoff Controversy

10:59 Game Scheduling Dynamics

16:22 College Football Playoff Expansion Discussion

19:58 NIL Player Compensation

22:51 SEC vs. Big Ten Power Dynamics

28:40 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Keywords

Ohio State, Texas, Big Noon, College Football, Playoff Expansion, SEC, Big Ten, Ryan Glasbego, Front Office Sports, Sports Media, Fox, Ryan Glasspiegel, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, NIL, college football playoffs, power conferences, Buckeyes, Brett Bielema, college football playoffs

Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa are joined by Ben Axelrod of Awful Announcing to break down Ohio State’s 2025 schedule, including the controversial noon kickoff vs. Texas. They explore the ripple effects on fan experience, recruiting, and the Horseshoe atmosphere — plus Urban Meyer’s scheduling legacy and what the new College Football Playoff means for the Buckeyes. Tune in right here, on the Bleav in Buckeyes podcast!

01:41 Discussion on College Football Season and Game Scheduling

08:04 The Impact of Game Timing on Atmosphere and Viewership

10:52 Urban Meyer’s Influence and Pressure on Game Scheduling

18:30 Ohio State's Performance and Expectations for the Upcoming Season

25:16 Changes in College Football Playoff Format and Its Implication

In this episode, Bleav in Buckeyes bring on guest, Jim Cavale the founder of Athletes.org). The episode dives into the rapidly changing world of college athletics, breaking down the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on student-athletes and the industry as a whole. Bryant and Chimdi learn more about Athletes.org, a groundbreaking initiative designed to give college athletes a seat at the table through collective representation and bargaining. From the financial realities of college sports to the true value of athlete contributions, the discussion covers powerful insights on why it's time for athletes to have a stronger voice in shaping their futures.

Takeaways

• NIL deals are often misrepresented as true endorsements.
• The majority of NIL funding comes from donors, not brands.
• College athletics is facing a financial bubble that may burst soon.
• Athletes need to collectively bargain to gain fair compensation.
• The current system lacks transparency in athlete valuation.
• There is a significant disparity in revenue sharing among college sports teams.
• Collective bargaining could help address Title IX concerns in sports funding.
• The establishment of athletes.org aims to unify athlete representation.
• Athletes must be involved in negotiations to ensure their interests are met.
• The future of college sports may require a restructuring of leagues and media deals.

00:00 Introduction to NIL and College Athletics
05:03 The Role of Athletes.org in College Sports
12:01 Understanding NIL Deals and Their Impact
16:05 The Financial Landscape of College Athletics
20:59 Challenges in Representation and Negotiation
26:56 Funding the Future of College Athlete Representation

Keywords

NIL, college athletics, athletes.org, Jim Cavale, collective bargaining, college football, athlete representation, transfer portal, sports economics, NCAA, Ohio State, Bleav In Buckeyes, collective bargaining, union, player representation, shared revenue, media deals, performance deals, tv contracts, Fox Big Noon, Congress, athlete negotiations, Big Ten, SEC, business of college sports, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, Jim Cavale

In this episode, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa discuss various topics surrounding Ohio State football, spanning from the upcoming matchup against Texas and the implications of game scheduling to the departure of Jim Knowles.
The duo also explores how NIL is reshaping the future of college football governance, and why game day atmospheres still matter more than ever. Tune in as they pull back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes pressures faced by coaches and players in today’s high-stakes landscape.

Takeaways

• Chimdi's cousin is a promising young athlete with speed.
• Ohio State's first game against Texas is highly anticipated.
• Fans prefer night games for a better atmosphere.
• Jim Knowles left Ohio State under pressure for a new opportunity.
• Negotiating contracts during playoffs is challenging.
• The need for governance in college football is critical.
• NIL has drastically changed the college football landscape.
• Players should have a say in governance decisions.
• The transfer portal complicates team dynamics.
• The future of college football playoffs is uncertain.

00:00 Family and Future Stars
01:50 Ohio State vs Texas: Game Day Expectations
10:26 Jim Knowles: Pressure and Career Moves
19:41 The Future of College Football Governance

Sound Bites

"Speed kills, man."
"Don't blow up our season."
"Show me that you love me."

Keywords

Ohio State, Texas, college football, Jim Knowles, NIL, Big Ten, game day, governance, Ryan Day, Big Noon Kickoff, primetime, transfer portal, Kyle McCord, college football playoffs, College Game Day, Fox, Fox Sports, SEC, NCAA

In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa dive deep into the heart of the offseason, tackling the ever-shifting college football landscape. From the impact of NIL deals and the wild world of the transfer portal to evolving recruitment strategies and the hot topic of revenue sharing, they break down how these changes could reshape team dynamics and competitiveness. The duo also explores the growing role of contractual obligations for players—and, of course, they don’t hold back when it comes to the latest controversies surrounding Michigan football. It’s an unfiltered, insightful conversation every Buckeye fan won’t want to miss.

Takeaways

• Chimdi feels almost back to his playing form after years of rehab.
• NIL budgets are skyrocketing, with Texas leading at $40 million.
• The transfer portal allows teams to acquire proven players quickly.
• Penn State struggles to produce star receivers despite strong recruiting.
• The transfer portal is a significant equalizer in college football.
• Michigan's self-imposed suspensions raise questions about accountability.
• Recruitment strategies are crucial for maintaining team competitiveness.
• Ohio State's consistent investment keeps them at the top of college football.
• Contractual buyouts for players could impact recruitment decisions.
• The landscape of college football is rapidly changing with NIL and transfer dynamics.

00:00 Offseason Reflections and Personal Updates
01:41 NIL and Transfer Portal Dynamics
06:31 Team Strategies and Recruitment Trends
09:49 NIL Impact on College Football
13:23 Transfer Portal Controversies
21:36 Michigan's Ongoing Scandals and Suspensions

Keywords

NIL, college football, transfer portal, recruitment, team building, revenue share, player contracts, Michigan football, Ohio State, competitive landscape, Ryan Day, Sherrone Moore, capitalism, transfer portal, Buckeyes, Big Ten Football, Akransas, Madden Iamaleava, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, Bleav In Buckeyes, Buckeye Football, off-season, Michigan, TTUN

The Bleav in Buckeyes hosts, Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa, delve into the recent 2025 NFL Draft, shining a spotlight on Ohio State players. They analyze the success of Buckeyes in the first and second rounds, the implications of their selections, and the overall impact of the draft on the team's future. The dialogue also meanders through the tales of undrafted players, the latest transfer news, and the shifting strategies in the art of evaluating quarterbacks in today’s dynamic NFL landscape.

Takeaways

• Chimdi enjoyed the draft more than expected due to Ohio State's presence.
• Ohio State had a strong showing with four first-round picks.
• Donovan Jackson's versatility helped him secure a first-round spot.
• Emeka Egbuka is a valuable asset for any quarterback.
• JT's second-round selection reflects his talent despite earlier doubts.
• Judkins and Henderson both benefitted from sharing carries at Ohio State.
• Jack Sawyer's fit with the Steelers is promising for his career.
• Undrafted players still have opportunities in the NFL.
• The importance of the senior bowl in evaluating talent is crucial.
• Money plays a significant role in player transfers in college football.

00:00 Draft Day Excitement
01:14 Ohio State's First Round Success
03:19 Key Players and Their Draft Impact
07:50 Second Round Picks and Their Potential
11:04 Late Round Picks and Team Fit
16:03 Quarterback Draft Dynamics
20:40 Evaluating Quarterback Prospects
27:06 NCAA Transfer Portal Trends

Keywords

NFL Draft, Ohio State, Buckeyes, Chimdi Chekwa, Bryant Browning, college football, player analysis, draft strategy, NFL prospects, football commentary, Ryan Day, Will Howard, Quinn Ewers, Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, Tyleik Williams, Denzel Burke, Josh Simmons, Ty Hamilton, Jt Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Cody Simon, Lathan Ransom, Jordan Hancock, Donovan Jackson, Shedeur Sanders, 2025 Draft, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterbacks, transfer portal, defensive tackle, Texas, Senior Bowl, Pro Day, NFL Combine

In this episode of Bleav in Buckeyes, hosts Bryant Browning and Chimdi Chekwa discuss the excitement surrounding the NFL Draft, focusing on Ohio State's prospects and the potential for breaking draft records. They navigate the apprehensions surrounding the defensive line and the transformative influence of the transfer portal on team dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of building a strong team culture and contrasts the coaching approaches of Ohio State and other programs. The episode wraps up with quick hits on various college football topics.

Takeaways

• It's an exciting week with the NFL Draft approaching.
• Ohio State has a strong group of draft prospects this year.
• The Buckeyes could potentially break the draft record for players selected.
• Concerns exist about the defensive line's performance and depth.
• The transfer portal is a critical factor in team building.
• Maintaining a strong team culture is essential for success.
• Coaching approaches can significantly impact player development.
• Opportunities for young players must be created and recognized.
• The contrast between Ohio State's culture and others is notable. Quick hits on various college football topics wrap up the discussion.

00:00 Draft Week Excitement
02:50 Ohio State's Draft Prospects
06:07 Defensive Line Concerns
09:20 Transfer Portal Dynamics
18:02 Building a Winning Culture
19:53 Contrasting College Football Cultures
29:50 Quick Hits and Wrap-Up

Keywords

NFL Draft, Ohio State, college football, transfer portal, player development, coaching, defensive line, recruiting, team culture, Buckeyes, Ryan Day, Colorado, Deion Sanders, Jordon Seaton, NIL, Matt Patricia, Matt Guerrieri, defense, Bryant Browning, Chimdi Chekwa, Bet Online, scholarship players, commitments, walk-ons, coaching