Robert Griffin III Sends NIL Warning to College Football After Ohio State’s Championship Win

21 Jan 2025, 12:01 by Nick Meyer · The Fresno Bee

Robert Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy in 2011 with the Baylor Bears during a simpler time in college football when NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) payments to players were not part of the popular sport's landscape.

On Monday, Griffin III shared several tweets on Ohio State's national championship game win, including a stern warning for the college football world in light of the rapidly changing parameters for winning the College Football Playoff.

Griffin mentioned a Buckeyes offseason transformation that included a now-famous spending spree that netted coach Ryan Day key transfers in his quest to bring home his first national title.

Ryan Day embraces Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork after the Buckeyes title win. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Moral of story for college football," Griffin III wrote. "Spend $20 million on your roster."

The post was viewed nearly two million times as of Tuesday morning as fans reacted to Griffin III's comment.

"Texas spent more," one fan wrote with a picture of a Buckeyes player after their win over the Longhorns.

"And still lose to Michigan!!!" another fan wrote.

"College football is ruined for the foreseeable future," another fan wrote.

"It'll be $50 million within two years," another added. "TV and booster money is endless."

The Buckeyes outgained the Irish 445 yards to 308 on the night, staving off a late comeback attempt after controlling most of the game.

Spending money in the transfer portal paid huge dividends for both title game participants, as Notre Dame star and former Duke transfer Riley Leonard starred for the Irish with nearly 300 total yards and three touchdowns.

"Notre Dame had more transfers," one fan pointed out.

This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 4:01 AM.