Ohio State Update: CFP Debate, NIL Lawsuit Dismissal, $36M in Research Grants, DEI Policy Changes, and Summer Events in Columbus

Hello, Buckeyes! It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and here's what's happening at Ohio State University. At the recent Big Ten Media Days, Commissioner Tony Petitti highlighted concerns about the conference's nine-game schedule potentially affecting College Football Playoff (CFP) eligibility. He proposed expanding the CFP to 16 teams, granting four automatic bids each to the Big Ten and SEC. However, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey opposes this idea, favoring the current 12-team system. Despite winning the 2024 national title, Ohio State enters the 2025 season ranked second in the Big Ten preseason poll, trailing Penn State due to roster changes. Coach Ryan Day emphasized the team's focus on building a new legacy. A U.S. District Court in Ohio dismissed a class-action lawsuit led by former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor against the NCAA and the university. Pryor alleged violations of antitrust law by prohibiting student-athletes from profiting from their names, images, and likenesses (NIL). The court ruled that the lawsuit was filed beyond the four-year statute of limitations and that Ohio State, as a public institution, is immune under state sovereignty protections. This weekend, Columbus is buzzing with activities. The Ohio State University Marching Band, known as TBDBITL, will perform at Columbus Commons during Picnic with the Pops. Music and food enthusiasts can enjoy the Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest, featuring live blues performances and delicious ribs. Indie rocker Lucy Dacus is set to perform outdoors at Kemba Live, and the Columbus African Festival at Genoa Park celebrates African traditions and heritage. For a unique experience, The Funny Bone is hosting a Shrek-themed drag brunch. Additionally, the Ohio State Fair is in full swing, offering new attractions and family-friendly entertainment. Ohio State University has been awarded $26 million by the National Science Foundation to establish a new research center. This funding aims to advance scientific discoveries and enhance the university's research capabilities. In other news, the university has adjusted the mission statements of several alumni groups to comply with a new state law banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public colleges. This change has sparked frustration among alumni organizations, with some members expressing concerns about the erasure of their specific missions. The university is reviewing these changes to ensure compliance while addressing the concerns raised. Ohio State is leading a $10 million effort, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to bridge the gap between agricultural research and practical farming applications. Collaborating with Central State, Lincoln University, and the University of Missouri, the project aims to translate sustainable agriculture practices into real-world farming solutions. The initiative began on July 1, with plans to build infrastructure and partner with farmers over the next six months. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Buckeyes!