Ohio State Accused of Illegally Accessing Catapult Film from Big Ten Teams
A bombshell allegation has surfaced in the world of college football, as reports indicate that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and his staff may have illegally accessed film from multiple Big Ten teams, including Penn State and Maryland, through the Catapult system—a widely used film analysis platform.
If true, these allegations could send shockwaves through the Big Ten and the national college football landscape, raising questions about competitive integrity, fair play, and potential NCAA violations. The situation is particularly ironic given Ohio State’s previous outcry against Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal, and it could have significant ramifications for the Buckeyes and their coaching staff.
What Is Catapult, and Why Does It Matter?
For those unfamiliar, Catapult is an advanced sports technology system that many college football programs use for film analysis, performance tracking, and data analytics. Teams upload their practice and game film to Catapult, which allows coaches to break down plays, analyze tendencies, and prepare for upcoming opponents.
However, access to this system is strictly controlled, with each team having its own private database that is not meant to be shared with other programs. If Ohio State staff members somehow accessed film from Penn State, Maryland, or other Big Ten programs, it could constitute a serious violation of conference and NCAA rules.
How Did This Allegation Surface?
The reports of Ohio State’s potential wrongdoing began circulating after insiders within the Big Ten suggested that Ryan Day and his staff had illegally accessed opponent film through Catapult. According to multiple sources, Ohio State was able to view practice film and game breakdowns from other teams, potentially gaining an unfair advantage in preparation.
One key aspect of the accusation is that Penn State and Maryland were among the primary teams targeted. This is particularly noteworthy because:
- Ohio State and Penn State have been the top two teams in the Big Ten East (outside of Michigan) for several years. Any extra knowledge of Penn State’s formations, play calls, and tendencies would give Ohio State a significant strategic advantage.
- Maryland has given Ohio State competitive games in recent years, and the Terps’ offensive schemes under Mike Locksley could have provided valuable insights for the Buckeyes.
The Hypocrisy After Michigan’s Sign-Stealing Scandal
The biggest storyline of the 2023 college football season was the Michigan sign-stealing controversy, which led to head coach Jim Harbaugh being suspended for three games and defensive analyst Connor Stalions resigning.
Ohio State was one of the loudest voices calling for severe punishment for Michigan, arguing that the Wolverines’ alleged illegal scouting tainted the integrity of the game. Ryan Day, in particular, was rumored to have been involved in reporting Michigan to the Big Ten and the NCAA, although he has denied these claims.
Now, if these allegations against Ohio State prove to be true, it would paint a very different picture of the Buckeyes’ moral high ground. Using illicitly obtained film from conference opponents would be just as serious—if not more so—than Michigan’s sign-stealing operation, given that it would require direct access to another team’s internal video database.
What Could Happen Next?
If the Big Ten or the NCAA decide to investigate Ohio State, there are several potential outcomes:
- A Formal Investigation – The Big Ten could launch an internal inquiry to determine whether Ohio State illegally accessed Catapult film. If evidence is found, the NCAA could get involved, leading to a much larger investigation.
- Possible Sanctions for Ohio State – If the allegations are proven, Ohio State could face:
- Suspensions for Ryan Day and involved staff members
- Fines or loss of scholarships
- Vacated wins if the film access was deemed to impact games directly
- Reputational Damage – Even if Ohio State avoids harsh penalties, the perception of hypocrisy after their stance on Michigan would damage the program’s credibility. Recruiting, media perception, and trust within the Big Ten coaching circle could all take a hit.
What Are Ohio State and Ryan Day Saying?
As of now, Ohio State has not publicly addressed the allegations, and Ryan Day has not made any comments regarding the situation. However, given the serious nature of the claims, it is likely that Ohio State will issue a response soon—especially if the Big Ten or NCAA initiate an investigation.
If the Buckeyes categorically deny the accusations, the next step would likely involve calls for transparency, including internal reviews of their use of Catapult and film access logs.
How Does This Affect the Big Ten Landscape?
This latest controversy could further shake up the power dynamics in the Big Ten. If Ohio State is found guilty of illicitly accessing other teams’ film, it could lead to:
- A fractured relationship with Penn State, Maryland, and other programs – These teams would have every right to feel betrayed and outraged if Ohio State gained an unfair advantage.
- A potential power shift in the conference – If Ohio State faces consequences, it could open the door for Michigan, Penn State, and even emerging teams like Washington and Oregon (joining in 2024) to gain ground.
- Increased scrutiny on film-sharing policies – The Big Ten may implement stricter controls on video access and cybersecurity to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Final Thoughts: A Scandal That Could Change Everything
If the reports about Ohio State illegally accessing Catapult film are accurate, this could become one of the biggest scandals in college football in recent years. It would not only cast doubt on the legitimacy of Ohio State’s recent success but also raise major ethical questions about Ryan Day’s program.
Furthermore, the irony of Ohio State being implicated in a competitive advantage scandal so soon after aggressively pursuing Michigan’s punishment is not lost on college football fans. If proven true, this could permanently alter the narrative around Ryan Day, Ohio State, and their standing within the Big Ten and the national landscape.
For now, all eyes will be on Columbus as the Buckeyes brace for the fallout of these serious allegations.