Ohio State is getting ahead of the game when it comes to the name, image, and likeness (NIL) train that is leaving the station.
In preparation for the inevitable rules and/or legislation that will make it possible for collegiate athletes to profit on their name, image, and likeness, the university has developed “THE Platform” in partnership with “Opendorse” it announced Tuesday.
The Opendorse program will be administered through the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute (EDSLI). Ohio State student-athletes will be able to take advantage of NIL educational programming via Opendorse Ready™ + Darlow Rules. The unique program is tailored specifically for Ohio State — hence “THE.”
“We are thrilled to offer our student-athletes Opendorse Ready + Darlow Rules,” said senior associate athletic director Carey Hoyt in a release. “We went through an extensive review of the companies offering NIL services and are confident we will provide our student-athletes with cutting-edge technology and the resources to maximize their NIL earning potential.”
A little about Opendorse Ready™, it is the elite NIL education solution in college athletics. The program provides student-athletes with industry-proven assessment, education, and performance tools to understand, build, and protect their personal brands.
📢 Announcing: THE Platform™
This unique program through the @EDSLInstitute provides our student-athletes with education & resources to capitalize on their name, image and likeness (NIL).
➕ https://t.co/1e5cHATnLi | #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/RpBMS7mbZM
— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) May 25, 2021
Having facilitated endorsement opportunities with thousands of professional athletes, Opendorse has built Ready on a foundation of tangible insights and data from a decade of athlete marketing experience.
“Gene Smith and the Ohio State Athletics leadership have been committed to building the very best program for their student-athletes from day-one of the NIL discussion,” said Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence. “THE Platform may not be the first program announced in college sports, but I fully expect it to set a standard of its own. I’m incredibly proud to introduce Opendorse to Ohio State Athletics and empower Buckeye student-athletes to develop the skills to succeed today and long beyond their time on campus.”
NIL legislation has yet to go into effect, but there’s no longer any doubts about it being a part of collegiate athletics as early as this year, and likely isn’t going anywhere. Ohio State is doing its part in getting ready to set itself and student athletes up for success as the landscape of amateur athletics changes forever.
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