Ohio State's non-conference slate will cost the program nearly half a million dollars this season.
According to a report from Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch, game contracts indicate the Buckeyes will pay six non-conference opponents coming to the Schottenstein Center a combined total of $455,000 in 2023-24.
Oakland, which Ohio State will open the season against at home on Nov. 6, will receive the highest payout at $95,000. Merrimack (Nov. 15), Western Michigan (Nov. 19), Central Michigan (Nov. 29) and Miami (Ohio) – which the Buckeyes will either play on Dec. 5 or 6 – are all set to collect $90,000 from the program.
Ohio State will also host Texas A&M as the first installment of a home-and-home series on Nov. 10, but the Aggies won't receive payment for the appearance.
The Buckeyes will be paid a total of $275,000 for two non-conference matchups at neutral sites this season. Ohio State will make $250,000 for its CBS Sports Classic matchup on Dec. 16, likely against UCLA although an opponent has yet to be officially announced, and $25,000 for its Dec. 30 meeting with West Virginia at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.
