Judge Dismisses Pryor NIL Lawsuit Against Ohio State

A federal judge has dismissed former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor's lawsuit seeking retroactive compensation for denied name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, ruling that the claims were filed outside the four-year antitrust statute of limitations and that Ohio State is protected by sovereign immunity. The court also determined that Pryor is ineligible for relief under the NCAA v. House settlement, which only covers athletes from 2016 to 2024, while Pryor played from 2008 to 2010. Judge Sarah D. Morrison noted Pryor did not offer a valid reason for the late filing. Pryor's lawsuit was part of a broader movement by former college athletes, including Reggie Bush and former Michigan players, seeking retroactive NIL pay for periods before the NCAA's 2021 policy change. The NCAA welcomed the decision and expressed hope that other similar lawsuits would also be dismissed. This ruling highlights the significant legal barriers faced by athletes seeking back pay for NIL use prior to July 2021.