Jim Tressel Resigns: 5 Possible Consequences for Ohio State Football

As the news of Jim Tressel's resignation shakes the world of college football, Buckeye fans are left pondering the future of their football program.

In 10 years at Ohio State, Tressel compiled a record of 106-22, including wins in nine of his 10 games against archrival Michigan and a national championship in 2002.

Prior to the team's Sugar Bowl win against Arkansas, reports surfaced of players, including star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, receiving improper benefits and selling memorabilia. Tressel had knowledge of the players' wrongdoing and did not report it to the NCAA or Ohio State, and he was scheduled to be suspended the first five games of the 2011 season to match that of his players.

As one of the biggest coaching names in college football, Tressel's resignation could have an impact on the Buckeyes, the Big Ten and beyond.

Loss of Recruiting Commits

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthe

Jim Tressel was one of the most loved coaches in college football, and players loved playing for him. His current players have continuously showed admiration for their coach through Twitter and interviews, and the outpouring of support has continued throughout the day of his resignation.

However, with Tressel out, high school players who have been looking forward to playing for The Vest may decide that Ohio State is not where they want to play football in college.

Ohio State is still a football powerhouse and a great destination for top recruits. However, a lot of that came from the atmosphere Tressel created.

If big-time recruits shy away from Ohio State, the team's success could waver.

No More "Tressel Ball"

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators leaves the field after play against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

One of the biggest concerns for the Buckeyes after the 2011 season will be finding a replacement for Tressel beyond interim coach Luke Fickell.

If the Buckeyes decide not to retain Fickell as their long-term coach, a high-profile name such as Urban Meyer could land on the sidelines at Ohio Stadium.

Any new offensive system outside of Tressel will be a drastic difference from what has been in place at Ohio State for the last 10 years. Tressel ran a conservative style, focused on special teams and field position.

If a candidate like Meyer is hired, the Buckeyes could be looking at a spread offense that would make Woody Hayes roll over in his grave.

Ohio State Will Avoid More NCAA Punishment

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COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Assistant Head Coach Luke Fickell speaks to the media during a press conference before the start of Spring practices at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center at The Ohio State University on March 30, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. Fickell wil

As Luke Fickell takes over for Tressel, Ohio State may have avoided stiffer penalties from the NCAA.

The NCAA's main concern with the Buckeyes was Tressel's failure to report the infractions committed by the six players, and with Tressel gone the Buckeyes could have seen the last of the NCAA's punishments levied against their football program.

However, the opposite may be true as well. With reports surfacing about players getting deals on cars and an article in Sports Illustrated set to be published regarding the football program's culture, Tressel's resignation could be a small blip before Ohio State's fall from greatness.

Changing of the Guard in the Big Ten

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Nebraska Cornhusker fans cheer on their team against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Sooners beat the Cornhuskers 23-20. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Ohio State football has dominated the Big Ten in recent years, winning at least a share of the conference championship in the last six seasons.

However, the Big Ten will absorb Nebraska for the 2011 season and add a conference championship game to the schedule.

Tressel's resignation could leave the Buckeyes in a state of flux, giving teams like Nebraska, Wisconsin and Michigan State the opportunity to jump to the forefront of the Big Ten conversation.

Tressel was a mark of consistency in his coaching tactics and success, and a loss of that consistency could hurt the Buckeyes in the short term.

Buckeyes Will Continue Winning

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates the Buckeyes 31-26 victory against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Pho

The decision by Tressel to resign could be a good thing for Ohio State. Without Tressel's shadow looming over the team as it heads into the 2011 season, the Buckeyes will be able to focus solely on football.

With his resignation, Ohio State was able to make this only a Jim Tressel problem and not something that would affect the university.

Although Buckeye fans will be sad to see him go, Tressel's ongoing problems with the NCAA now have nothing to do with the university and instead follow the coach out of Columbus.

The Buckeye players can continue their winning ways without Tressel and with clear heads.