Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order on Monday that allows colleges in the state to pay student-athletes directly for their name, image and likeness (NIL).  

The executive order stems from a $2.78 billion settlement entered by the NCAA that would allow higher education institutions to compensate their student-athletes for their NIL. The settlement was granted preliminary approval by a judge on Oct. 7, with a final hearing set for Apr. 7, 2025.  

The executive order was written to be effective immediately and will allow schools to compensate or offer compensation to athletes for their NIL directly.   

Before the order, athletes were only allowed to earn NIL compensation from third parties, such as collectives or sponsorships.  

According to the executive order, compensation cannot come from funds provided by the state of Ohio. The executive order is set to expire once the settlement is approved and comes into full effect. 

Falcon Media Sports Network has reached out to BGSU Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe for comment.