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4 of Wisconsin Badgers' Big Ten rivals among biggest NIL spenders in college football

The Wisconsin Badgers are getting out-spent by other Big Ten powerhouse schools who rank among the biggest spenders on their college football rosters, according to On3.
Lorin Cox|
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Wisconsin Badgers

When the Wisconsin Badgers are competing against top Big Ten programs on the recruiting trail, it's pretty likely they're getting out-spent.

On3 college football reporter Pete Nakos surveyed coaches, administrators and agents around the country to find out which teams are spending the most on their rosters.

Four Big Ten teams landed in the Top 10.

Texas was the top school overall, but it's no surprise that Ohio State and Oregon weren't far behind at No. 3 and 4.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the Buckeyes will spend upwards of $35 million on their football roster this season.

The Ducks have the backing of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, so financial support is not hard to come by around there.

Both Michigan and USC tied for seventh in On3's survey.

Nakos said freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is expected to make over $12 million on his multi-year deal with the Wolverines as the No. 1 recruit in the country.

The Trojans have evidently stepped up their spending, too, in recent months as Lincoln Riley has felt a little more pressure on his job security.

Penn State also received votes in the survey but did not rank in the Top 10.

The big spending from these other schools makes it all the more impressive when the Badgers can attract quality opponents away from their conference rivals.

It also makes it less surprising when a recruit chooses one of the higher-spending schools instead.

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Lorin Cox
LORIN COX

Lorin Cox is the managing editor of Wisconsin Badgers on SI. He has been covering Badgers sports since 2014, when he was an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin. He previously wrote for the Wisconsin State Journal, NBC Sports Chicago and USA Today Sports Media Group, and he is a former analyst for Pro Football Focus.

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