When Urban Meyer joined Ohio State in late November 2011, the Big Ten Conference was facing a low point. The top-ranked team in the BCS standings from the conference was Wisconsin at No. 10, and the conference had not secured a spot in the national championship game for four consecutive seasons. Additionally, Penn State was dealing with a scandal that led to the firing of Joe Paterno.
Despite the financial gains from the Big Ten Network, other aspects of the conference, like recruiting budgets, facilities, and coaching salaries, were lacking. In 2012, ESPN’s national recruiting rankings did not list any Big Ten teams in the top 5.
Urban Meyer’s arrival provided a much-needed boost to the conference, especially in recruiting. During his tenure at Ohio State, he won three conference championships and seven division titles, boasting an impressive 54-4 record in conference games.
Ohio State’s athletic director, Gene Smith, highlighted Meyer’s impact on both the university and the Big Ten during Meyer’s retirement announcement. Smith emphasized how Meyer’s presence raised the bar for football programs in the conference.
Meyer’s influence was particularly evident in recruiting, where he disregarded traditional Big Ten norms. In 2013, Meyer’s first recruiting class was ranked No. 3 by ESPN, showcasing his immediate impact on bringing top talent to Ohio State.
