Incoming Ohio State University Athletics Director, Ross Bjork, anticipates significant transformations in college sports. Taking over from the retiring Gene Smith, Bjork, who previously led Texas A&M’s athletics department, expressed his eagerness to start the new role in July. Addressing reporters in Columbus, he acknowledged the challenges posed by evolving collegiate athletic landscapes, such as the athlete transfer portal and name-image-likeness rules. Emphasizing the need for clarity, Bjork sees the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference as leaders in navigating these changes.
Responding to questions about the possibility of the Big Ten and SEC evolving into a “super conference,” Bjork didn’t rule out the idea, highlighting the need to shape the future considering factors like TV contracts and NCAA proposals. He believes a tipping point may occur in the next three to five years, urging action to consolidate high-resource programs around a new financial and governance model.
With oversight of Ohio State’s 36 Division One sports programs, Bjork expressed a desire to maintain the current number and acknowledged the need to familiarize himself with sports like fencing and field hockey. Acknowledging the pressure in football and men’s basketball, which generate the most revenue, he plans to collaborate closely with Buckeye Football Head Coach Ryan Day, leaving ultimate strategy and roster decisions to Day.
While looking forward to the challenge, Bjork’s official approval from the university’s Board of Trustees is pending at the February meeting, before officially assuming the role in July.
