How Cardale Jones and a prominent Ohio State booster are creating new name, image and

On Jan 12, 2022

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The influence of name, image and likeness revenue on programs from Texas A&M to Jackson State affected the 2021 recruiting cycle.

By either NCAA rule or state law, those opportunities must be set up without the assistance of the schools. Two prominent individuals associated with Ohio State football are taking up that cause.

Brian Schottenstein, President of Schottenstein Real Estate Group whose family has been a major contributor to OSU athletics, and Cardale Jones, the Buckeyes’ national championship-winning quarterback, are starting a 510c3 non-profit to bring NIL revenue to athletes through charitable endeavors.

Jones’ 10 Talents firm, which helps athletes manage their NIL opportunities, may be the managing partner. They said they hope to have their non-profit operation by the OSU Spring Game in April.

Schottenstein and Jones said the yet-unnamed venture will operate under the direction of a board. The board will decide by what criteria the fund will be distributed.

Schottenstein said individual OSU fans will be able to contribute to the NIL fund, in addition to businesses and other organizations. They held a series of interviews with media outlets Monday, trying to spread the word for an endeavor that could entice potential future Buckeyes since the school cannot publicize such opportunities.

“It can be used as a recruiting tool just like any other public information for a university,” Jones said. “Everything we’re doing will be public because we’re a public company. If it helps them with a particular decision for their school, I guess that’s a benefit for Ohio State.

“At the end do the day, we still have to do it right.”

Both Jones and Schottenstein testified before an Ohio House of Representatives committee last year in favor of Senate Bill 187. That bill, introduced by Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg), eventually bogged down when lawmakers attached a controversial transgender sports proposal.

With uncertainty as to whether the NCAA would enact its own rule on NIL prior to the July 1 enactment date of laws in some individual states, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s signed an executive order that mirrored Antani’s bill.

The past fall season was the first held in which athletes could earn NIL income without jeopardizing their eligibility. Jones said he has already seen athletes benefit.

“They’re able to help their families back home or have a little breathing room with their lack of income,” Jones said. “It definitely helps.”

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