Pryor’s NIL Lawsuit Against Ohio State Dismissed

Judge Cites Sovereign Immunity and Statute of Limitations

A legal battle waged by former Ohio State quarterback **Terrelle Pryor** concerning name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation has concluded. A judge has thrown out Pryor’s lawsuit against Ohio State University, the NCAA, and the Big Ten conference.

Key Legal Obstacles

The court’s decision hinged on two primary factors. Firstly, it was determined that Ohio State benefits from “sovereign immunity,” a legal protection for governmental entities. Secondly, **Pryor’s** claims were found to fall outside the established four-year statute of limitations applicable to antitrust litigation.

Pryor’s OSU Career and NIL Ambitions

**Pryor**, who played for the Buckeyes from 2008 to 2010, was a standout athlete, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2008. His lawsuit highlighted the substantial earnings he believed he would have garnered as a prominent college football star prior to the 2021 NIL rule changes.

Before July 2021, collegiate athletes were prohibited from profiting directly from their personal brand. **Pryor**, a native of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, amassed impressive statistics during his tenure, including 6,177 passing yards and 57 touchdowns, alongside 2,164 rushing yards and 17 rushing scores.

Broader Context of Athlete Compensation

The case underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate athlete compensation. For comparison, in the 2023 fiscal year, the average annual earnings for Division I athletes who signed NIL deals reached approximately $3,600, illustrating the financial opportunities now available (Source: The Athletic, 2024).

**Pryor** departed Ohio State before his senior season and was subsequently selected by the Raiders in the 2011 supplemental draft.