Illinois football faces Ohio State amid significant spending gap
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 1:59 AM
Last updated Sep 26, 2026
Illinois will visit Ohio State on September 26, 2026, as the two teams prepare for their matchup. The Buckeyes hold a substantial financial advantage over the Illini, with their roster valued between $49 to $54 million, compared to Illinois' $19 to $23 million. This disparity raises questions about Illinois' spending priorities, particularly following a recent $100 million donation pledged by donor Larry Gies. Despite notable renovations to the stadium, Illinois remains near the bottom of the Big Ten in roster spending.
- •Illinois has not beaten Ohio State since 2007.
- •Ohio State's roster spending is significantly higher than Illinois'.
- •Illinois' NIL spending ranks low compared to other Big Ten programs.
- •Larry Gies' donation has led to major stadium upgrades.
- •The spending disparity may impact Illinois' future recruitment.
- 1:59 AMYahoo Sports — The Big Ten’s money gap: Comparing Illinois and Ohio State football
"Illinois will visit Ohio State, a program with a lot more money than the Illini.
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