Ohio State solidified its place in the National Championship with a decisive 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, securing yet another College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinal win. While the Buckeyes’ on-field success was undeniable, their triumph also highlighted the growing debate over the fairness of CFP earnings distribution between conference-affiliated teams and independents like Notre Dame.
A Historic Night for Ohio State
In a game marked by electrifying moments and a commanding performance, Ohio State earned its spot in the title game against Notre Dame. But beyond the glory, the victory delivered a significant financial boost to the Big Ten.
According to Front Office Sports, Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl win contributed $6 million to the Big Ten’s CFP earnings, bringing the conference’s total CFP payout to an impressive $46 million this season. This windfall comes after a banner year for the Big Ten, which saw four teams—Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, and Indiana—make the playoffs. Penn State led the way with $14 million in earnings from their CFP Semifinal run.
Payout Disparities Highlighted
Despite Ohio State’s success, the financial rewards they receive as a conference member are considerably less than those of independent programs like Notre Dame. Ohio State’s total playoff payout stands at $20 million, the highest among Big Ten teams. However, due to the conference’s revenue-sharing model, the Buckeyes will only retain $2.5 million from their semifinal win, with the rest distributed among the Big Ten’s 18 member schools.
In stark contrast, Notre Dame’s status as an independent allows them to keep their full playoff earnings. The Fighting Irish’s Orange Bowl victory over Penn State propelled them to their first National Championship appearance since 2013 and brought their total playoff earnings to $20 million—all of which they retain. Notre Dame earned $4 million for making the CFP, another $4 million for reaching the quarterfinals, and $12 million for their semifinal win.
Reigniting the Debate
The financial disparity between conference-affiliated teams and independents has long been a contentious issue. Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl victory has once again brought this debate to the forefront. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether powerhouse programs like Ohio State truly benefit from being part of a conference when it comes to playoff financial rewards.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their showdown with Notre Dame in the National Championship, the discussions surrounding CFP payouts are unlikely to subside. Whether the current system will see changes in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the contrast in earnings between conference teams and independents will continue to be a hot topic in college football.
