At Ohio State’s level of competition, the sports program had evolved into a highly efficient and demanding machine, The Chronicle reported. The athletics budget was $79 million, highest in the country, and it returned at least that much to the university. But operating the “sports factory” involved costs that went beyond the financial. For the athletes, we observed, academic achievement came second to on-field success, especially in the major sports, in which grades and graduation rates lagged behind those of other students. “I do happen to think very large, but there isn’t a top Division I athletics program that doesn’t,” said Andy Geiger, the athletic director. “The way we’re managing this program is consistent with our heritage.” Since then, Ohio State’s annual spending on athletics has reached $154 million but is only third-highest in the country.
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