Saturday, April 25, 2026
FOS Expands to TV More Details

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Fernando Mendoza Will Arrive in Unique Raiders Situation

The top pick enters the league with high intrigue and higher expectations.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson is selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the number 13 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rams’ Surprise Ty Simpson Selection Raises Questions

The Rams already have reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback.
Nov 22, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Paige Shiver: U-M Athletics Leadership Was Aware of Sherrone Moore Affair

The ex-Wolverines staffer told GMA school officials “didn’t do anything about it.”

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.

Job Postings Paint Picture of Cal’s New Content Venture After Layoffs

The laid-off employees were encouraged to apply to the new content studio.
Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth Wednesday night at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Jan. 7, 2026
April 22, 2026

Gov. Beshear Slams Kentucky’s New $1M Job for AD

Beshear said athletic director Mitch Barnhart’s new job has “no defined duties.”
Jul 31, 2024; Colombes, France; United States defender Madeleine Zimmer (9) and Australia defender Karri Somerville (20) during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.
April 24, 2026

Proposed NCAA Five-Year Rule Could Squeeze Olympic Sports

Olympic athletes and coaches don’t think the proposed rules considered them.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson (9) makes catch for a touchdown against Indiana Hoosiers defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
April 21, 2026

Latest Dispute Over NIL Go Could End Any Semblance of a Salary Cap

The heart of the current issue is over the definition of “associated entities.”
April 20, 2026

The QB Class That Reshaped a New Era of College Football

College football’s transfer portal and revenue-sharing picked up in 2025.
April 20, 2026

Top Transfer Audi Crooks Picks Oklahoma State in Surprise Move

Crooks played her first three seasons at Iowa State.