“Ohio State Football’s Shocking Choice for General Manager: A Bold Move That Could Change Everything!”

As the sun sets over the Ohio State campus, signaling the end of another rigorous spring practice, one can’t help but marvel at the dramatic turnaround of the Buckeyes. Just a season ago, whispers of change were echoing throughout Columbus after enduring four consecutive losses to arch-rival Michigan. Yet, the narrative has flipped on its head, with Ohio State marching triumphantly to claim the national title after defeating formidable opponents like Tennessee and Notre Dame. But wait—who’s making these pivotal decisions? Beyond the innovative strategies of head coach Ryan Day, it’s General Manager Mark Pantoni who has truly etched his name in Buckeye history, recently nabbing a lucrative contract extension that will keep him among the highest-paid GMs in collegiate football. With rumors swirling around quarterback battles and key recruitment strategies, the momentum is palpable as the Buckeyes prepare to make a splash in the upcoming season. So, how does Ohio State plan to maintain its winning streak amid the chaos of NIL deals and transfer portals? Stick around—this is just the beginning of an exhilarating ride to the next football season! LEARN MORE

Ohio State is still riding the highs of last season’s run to the national title.

It looked like there would be big changes on the horizon in Columbus after Ohio State lost to Michigan for a fourth consecutive season but all of that went out the window when the program ran the table and won the national title.

Ohio State beat Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame in the 12-team College Football Playoff to claim its first national title in a decade. 

Head coach Ryan Day got off the hot seat and got a new contract extension that will keep him in Columbus until at least the end of the 2031 season. 

After getting that out of the way in February, OSU gave out another big contract on Wednesday, this time to General Manager Mark Pantoni. On3’s Pete Nakos was first with the report.

This deal will make him one of the highest-paid GMs in college football.

Ohio State has agreed to a new contract with general manager Mark Pantoni, sources tell @On3sports.

A key architect of the Buckeyes' 2025 national title, the new deal will make him one of the highest-paid general managers in college football.

More: https://t.co/KLcsX7x7cV pic.twitter.com/GGxkt5p19p

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 9, 2025

He was a big part in helping OSU win the national title this past season and the school wants him around for the next several seasons. More and more schools have hired GMs to help head coaches since NIL and the transfer portal continues to get crazier each year. 

He helps the Buckeyes recruit those players out of the portal and helps them recruit players out of high school. 

The Buckeyes are currently in the midst of spring practice and have a big battle brewing at quarterback since Will Howard left for the NFL. They still have quite a bit of time to decide on a starter before their season opener against the Texas Longhorns on August 30.

Related: Ohio State Make Notable Staff Hire For 2025 College Football Season