Lane Kiffin Takes Subtle Shot At Ryan Day, Ohio State Before Week 1

It might be game week, but Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is still on social media, creating some buzz. This time at the expense of Ohio State and Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.

On Monday, Kiffin tweeted an ESPN story by Jake Trotter that discloses how Day and the Buckeyes constructed a "national championship or bust" roster with $20 million in NIL funds.

In typical Kiffin fashion, he tweeted the link without any added context to his nearly 685,000 X (formerly Twitter) followers.

In the story, Trotter outlines how Day and recently retired athletic director Gene Smith pushed boosters to provide more cash for the Buckeyes' NIL efforts.

Ohio State made a big splash in the transfer portal this offseason, signing All-American safety Caleb Downs (Alabama) and All-SEC tailback Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss). The Buckeyes also brought in a pair of former blue-chip recruits from the Crimson Tide in quarterback Julian Sayin and center Seth McLaughlin. Additionally, former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard joined the team and will start the season opener.

“Day’s vision became a reality. Buoyed by a name, image and likeness war chest this year of $20 million, according to Bjork, the Buckeyes struck gold in the transfer portal,” Trotter wrote.

The Rebels have been efficient in the transfer portal themselves under Kiffin. Ole Miss signed 25 transfers this offseason, headlined by former five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolan (Texas A&M), former four-star safety Trey Amos (Alabama) and former four-star edge Princely Umanmielen (Florida).

Kiffin's subtle jab at Day and AP No. 2 Ohio State could come full circle if the two meet in the 12-team College Football Playoff later this season. The Buckeyes (-650) lead playoff odds with AP No. 6 Ole Miss (-130) not far behind, according to FanDuel.

The Rebels will open the 2024 season at home against Furman while Ohio State welcomes Akron. Both matchups will take place on Aug. 31.

Related: Georgia Loses Major Piece For Season Opener Against Clemson