• Loading stock data...
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Tune in Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Stadium Sophistication. Register now

The Real Cost of College Football Recruiting

Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
*This piece first appeared in the Front Office Sports Newsletter. Subscribe today and get the news before anyone else.

Ever wonder what it costs to actually land a top recruiting class?

Thanks to Andy Wittry of Stadium, the picture is at least a little bit clearer. 

How much do schools spend?

Due to the fact that some institutions are private and others don’t have to report expenses thanks to state record laws, here’s a look at the 5 schools who spent the most on recruiting last season based on information available.  

1. Georgia – $2,626,622
2. Texas – $1,823,307
3. Clemson – $1,790,976
4. Texas A&M – $1,710,101
5. Florida State – $1,581,347

What do they spend it on?

At a program like Oregon, recruiting expenses in 2018 included everything from $96,520.00 spent on software subscriptions/licensing services to $272,580 on air travel. 

Does spending more = better classes?

Usually. According to Wittry, there’s a negative relationship between spending and class ranking. That means, the more a school spends on recruiting, the lower (better) its recruiting class ranking will be.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 2, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Jaguars Choose Orlando for 2027 Home Games: Report

EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville will be closed for renovations.

NCAA Warns Schools Government Shutdown May Affect Fall Championships 

The 2025 fall championships require more than 1,000 trips.
Aug 30, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; A detail view of a helmet worn by LSU Tigers offensive tackle Ory Williams (77) with a sticker on it to commemorate the 20th anniversary of hurricane Katrina during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium

LSU Clarifies Athletics Leadership After Another Week of Confusion

LSU has named a permanent athletic director and university president.

Featured Today

TUCSON, ARIZ. -- Resurfacing and painting of the new floor at McKale Center.

The Business of College Basketball’s Signature Courts

Signature floors are a creative—and increasingly expensive—corner of college sports.
Aug 6, 2025; Sandy, UT, USA; Queretaro defender Edson Partida (22) watches the ball during the second half of the game against Real Salt Lake at America First Field
November 8, 2025

Mexican Soccer Is the Next Frontier for American Investors

Liga MX is an appealing proposition with big potential upside.
G League
November 6, 2025

Is College Basketball About to Raid the G League?

Two G Leaguers have gone back to college. More could follow.
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium
November 1, 2025

College Football’s Coach Buyout Bonanza: All Your Questions Answered

Schools owe their fired coaches millions in buyouts—and it isn’t over.
Nov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Solomon Vanhorse (18) rushes during the half quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium.
November 5, 2025

CFP Rankings Show How Complicated Prize Money Shift Could Play Out

Conferences will still get paid big this year for their champions.
Harlem Berry 22, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
November 6, 2025

LSU Names New President, but Athletic Leadership Still in Question

The new university president has already contradicted himself.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

On Location is redefining the Olympic experience by creating lasting connections beyond the Games.
Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Alabama State Hornets guard Amarr Knox (1) shoots the ball against Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena.
November 5, 2025

NCAA and Federal Gambling Probes Loom Over Men’s College Basketball Season

Some schools have not yet been publicly named, the NCAA told FOS.
November 4, 2025

March Madness Could Still Expand in 2027 Despite Fan Pushback

The NCAA could add four or eight teams to the tournaments in 2027.
November 4, 2025

College Hoops Accounts for Nearly 30% of Revenue-Sharing Payments

Men’s and women’s basketball account for nearly 29% of revenue-sharing money.
November 3, 2025

First Set of CFP Rankings Could Signal Committee’s New Priorities

New this year is the CFP’s move to straight seeding.