What to know about Ohio's NIL approval, from OHSAA rules to Buckeyes football recruit reason

Billy Heyen

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What to know about Ohio's NIL approval, from OHSAA rules to Buckeyes football recruit reason image

The Ohio High School Athletic Association is bringing NIL to Ohio.

Name, image and likeness deals can now be signed by high school athletes in the Buckeye State after a referendum was passed by the OHSAA. The association announced the news Monday after the vote concluded on Friday, Nov. 21.

There are a lot of implications to work through here.

Did OHSAA approve NIL?

Yes, the OHSAA has officially approved NIL deals.

The vote was 447 schools in favor, 121 against and 247 abstained. 

Voting ran from Nov. 17 to Nov. 21.

“We would like to thank our member schools for taking ownership of this NIL bylaw proposal,” OHSAA executive director Doug Ute said in a press release. “Whether our schools or individuals agree with NIL at the high school level or not, the courts have spoken on this issue across the country that the NCAA and high school athletic associations cannot prevent a student-athlete from making money on their NIL.” 

Ohio is the 45th state to allow NIL at the high school level.

MORE: Jeremiah Smith injury updates are top of mind in Ohio

How will NIL work in Ohio?

Name, image and likeness deals will work similarly in Ohio to the way they do around the country and in college sports.

This is how the OHSAA explained it in a release:

"The new bylaw goes into effect immediately, meaning that OHSAA student-athletes can now enter into agreements and be compensated for their name, image and likeness through appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and/or the use of branding based on their public recognition or notoriety. The bylaw also establishes reporting procedures and limitations so that students do not jeopardize their eligibility as it relates to the OHSAA’s recruiting and amateur bylaws."

Who is Jamier Brown?

Ohio State football recruit Jamier Brown made a big impact on the NIL vote in Ohio.

Brown is the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2027 class, and he plays at Wayne High School in Dayton.

He and his mother filed a lawsuit in October challenging the lack of NIL in Ohio.

“My family is getting by, but being able to use NIL would take some weight off my mom and me by helping cover things like tutoring, training and travel, which help me grow as both a student and a football player,” Brown said, via ESPN's Pete Thamel.

What states have high school NIL?

There are now 45 states with NIL allowed for high school athletes, including Ohio.

Alabama, Mississippi and Hawaii explicitly prohibit it. Michigan and Wyoming are both undergoing disputes about it similar to what Ohio just had.

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Editorial Team