Urban Meyer to Ohio State: With NCAA Sanctions Looming, Can He Build Quickly?

Now that the Urban Meyer to Ohio State rumors have died down because they have been confirmed, we can look toward the football side of things and see just how quickly he can turn this program around. 

There's no question he will succeed at this prestigious program, because he was able to succeed everywhere he's been—even at Bowling Green, who's been terrible ever since Meyer has left the Falcons.

He's a proven winner, and he recruits with the best of them and will be able to convince several big-time players to become a Buckeye.

One thing that may slow down the rebuilding process is the decision that the NCAA makes. A decision is expected to be made within the next two weeks for what punishment Ohio State will face for the tattoos-for-memorabilia scandal.

The Buckeyes have already vacated the 2010 season, forfeited the 2011 Sugar Bowl payment and fired their former head coach Jim Tressel. They also removed five scholarships from the university for the next three seasons.

The NCAA shouldn't be as harsh on the university as they were on USC—but you never know.

The Buckeyes currently have 16 commits for the 2012 recruiting class, including one ESPNU 150 player in Adolphus Washington. There are several other players who are considering becoming a Buckeye, including 14 other ESPNU 150 players.

If the NCAA decides to ban Ohio State from a bowl game for a season, some of those recruits may decide to play elsewhere. A bowl ban is very unlikely, considering all of the things that Ohio State did to themselves, but it's still a possibility.

The loss of scholarships may hurt the Buckeyes as well.

Urban Meyer will recruit top players regardless because of his name alone. He also already has his spread-option quarterback in Braxton Miller. A lot of the pieces are already in place for Meyer to succeed right now, especially in a weak conference.

So, how quickly will he be able to turn things around?

Only time will tell, but the decision the NCAA makes will give us more information and make it a lot easier to answer that question.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]