NIL money isn’t saving these 5 programs getting the worst return in college football this season
Texas Tech falters after spending
Texas Tech is described as a costly roster that has not played like a serious contender. The Red Raiders lost to Cincinnati, a program reported to spend far less, and their schedule had been considered among the easiest for a College Football Playoff contender.
The article says Texas Tech invested less in its defense than it did the previous year and has had quarterback problems. The loss to Cincinnati raises questions about whether the team is delivering results commensurate with its spending.
Michigan searches for answers
Michigan has struggled to score, topping 21 points only once, against UTEP. The Wolverines managed six points against Indiana, and the most expensive player on the roster was benched.
The defense has helped keep the team together, but the article points to losses against Indiana and Minnesota and a late Iowa drive as signs that spending has not solved key problems. It says the offense needs substantial improvement.
USC and Texas A&M disappoint
USC entered the season with a top recruiting class and major roster spending, but fell from the preseason top 15 to unranked. The team lost to Wisconsin and faces Ohio State, UCLA and Indiana, with its playoff hopes depending on winning out.
The article puts USC’s roster-building cost at roughly $40 million and says expectations included competing for national championships. Texas A&M, meanwhile, has the fifth-highest roster spend, according to The Athletic, but is not yet bowl eligible; quarterback Marcel Reed’s play is cited as a major issue.
Oregon’s quarterback concerns
Oregon is 4-3, and the article says quarterback play has held the team back from contending. It mentions the hopes of bringing back Dante Moore and pursuing Dylan Raiola, but provides no further detail on those plans.
The report characterizes Oregon as closer to firing Dan Lanning than winning a national championship. Its account ends there, without additional information about the program’s remaining schedule or spending.
Key points
- Cincinnati beat high-spending Texas Tech, raising questions about the Red Raiders’ results.
- Michigan’s offense has scored more than 21 points only once this season.
- USC fell from a preseason top-15 position to unranked despite major investment.
- Texas A&M is not bowl eligible, while Oregon is 4-3 with quarterback concerns.