Arizona is estimated to spend between $13 million and $18 million on its 2026 football roster, placing the Wildcats above only Iowa State, Cincinnati, Duke and Boston College among major-conference programs, according to a report from The Athletic summarized by azdesertswarm.com.
The Athletic gathered estimates from more than 70 people involved in college football while examining what power-conference programs spent on their rosters. The figures include spending connected to name, image and likeness arrangements and revenue sharing.
Roster expenses vary widely across the sport. Texas, Ohio State and Oregon were each estimated to be spending at least $50 million. Texas Tech was identified as the Big 12's highest spender, with an estimated roster budget of $38 million to $42 million. The average for Big 12 programs was placed at $18 million to $22 million.
Arizona's conference rivals were estimated to be spending more. BYU, which recently defeated Arizona, was listed at approximately $25 million to $30 million, while Arizona State was estimated at $19 million to $23 million.
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan discussed the program's investment during a Thursday appearance. “I think across the country, you’re seeing people make massive investments in college football,” Brennan said. He added that Arizona needs to invest at a comparable level to remain competitive and pursue conference championships.
