Before Saturday’s game in Columbus, the article cites The Athletic’s $49 million-$54 million valuation of Ohio State’s 2026 roster and estimates Illinois’ at $19 million-$23 million. It says the gap gives the Buckeyes greater flexibility to recruit and retain players.
The comparison puts Ohio State atop the Big Ten in roster spending and Illinois fourth from last, ahead only of Minnesota, Iowa and Purdue. The article says Illinois is last in Big Ten NIL spending. It also notes that Larry Gies pledged $100 million to Illinois Athletics last fall; more than a fifth had gone to the scoreboard and other stadium visual upgrades. The scoreboard alone cost just over $20.9 million.
The author argues Illinois should prioritize spending on players as roster costs rise, and says the Protect College Sports Act is idle in Congress. The article notes that Ohio State’s roster was valued at $20 million when it won the College Football Playoff title two years earlier.
