C.J. Stroud wants players to get revenue from new Big Ten TV deal

Ohio State football star C.J. Stroud thinks the players should see some of the Big Ten TV money.

With the Big Ten inking an unprecedented television contract with FOX, NBC, CBS and definitely not ESPN, Ohio State football star quarterback C.J. Stroud believes the players should see some of that revenue from the growing pie.

Stroud was a Heisman Trophy finalist last year and could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft should he decide to go pro after his redshirt sophomore season. However, he is looking out for the well-being of his fellow Big Ten players here, who absolutely should be getting a cut from this expanding TV revenue source. The question is not if, but how soon will they be getting a cut.

"“I definitely think it should be shared,” said Stroud to the Columbus Dispatch, “but if not, at the end of the day, we have the NIL space. We can do it that way. The new college world is turning around, and I’m here for it.”"

The Big Ten is seen as the second-best league in college football after only the SEC, but is certainly the most profitable. Stroud knows all in well that college football games are a spectacle to behold, but he does recognize the complexities of continuing to implement a dying system based on antiquated amateurism. The floodgates have been opened, but the water will have to find its level.

"“This game is amazing, especially the college atmosphere, because it does have amateurism to it,” continued Stroud. “That’s definitely a plus. But at the same time, I’m not 100 percent sure what our tuition is, but I’m sure it’s not the worth of what we’re actually worth. My mom has always told me to know my worth.”"

We are only in year two of the NIL era, but the can of worms was ripped wide open last July.

C.J. Stroud argues for Big Ten football players to see some of that new TV money

Admittedly, Stroud and his Big Ten football contemporaries are not going to see a penny from this. While he has every reason not to care, as he will be cashing them checks playing quarterback for some awful NFL team next season, this is about being a voice of reason in the ever-changing world of college sports. Never underestimate the power of the starting quarterback at Ohio State.

Stroud’s predecessor Justin Fields played an integral role in Big Ten football even being played during the COVID year. This player-driven movement may have helped set in motion the wonderful world of NIL, but eventually, we all know where this is heading. Major college football is going to break off from the NCAA. There should be a collective bargaining agreement in place in due time.

Ultimately, the college football world will look vastly different once the current TV deal the College Football Playoff has with ESPN expires after the 2025 season. This will allow other television partners to bid on games, as well as expand the playoff field well beyond the four-team format currently. By then, everybody will have a better understanding of NIL and we will be really cooking.

Players may deserve a slice of the Big Ten TV revenue pie, but red tape is going to get in the way.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.