The Athletic estimates Wisconsin's 2026 football roster budget at $27 million-$31 million, eighth in the Big Ten and 23rd among Power Four teams plus Notre Dame. Nebraska and Penn State rank just above Wisconsin, at sixth and seventh, respectively.
Ohio State leads the Big Ten estimates at $49 million-$54 million; Iowa and Purdue are lowest, at $16 million-$20 million each. The Athletic says half its Big Ten estimates are below $25 million and the league's top-to-bottom spending gap is wider than the SEC's. It also notes the Big Ten has won three straight national championships with three different programs.
