UCF Football Has the Lowest Estimated NIL Cost in Big 12

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NIL is a weakness for the UCF Knights compared to the Big 12 competitors, as the roster has the lowest estimated NIL cost for the 2026 season.

UCF is reportedly spending $19.8 million on its overhauled roster. It is $100,000 less than the Kansas Jayhawks, and a whopping $13.5 million less than the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Texas Tech has the funds to remain at the top of the conference for several seasons. It replaced Heisman Trophy candidate linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, drafted by the Miami Dolphins, with Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine.

When the Knights lose talent, they have to scour the nation and non-Power Four conferences.

There are no official NIL estimations for players, but quarterbacks are the most expensive position in college football. Quarterbacks can cost anywhere from $1 to 3 million for a starter, according to The NIL Standard.

UCF did land a big name in Alonza Barnett III. Barnett carried the James Madison Dukes to the program's first College Football Playoff appearance as a No. 12 seed.

James Madison's historic season ended prematurely in a 51-34 loss to the No. 5-seeded Oregon Ducks. Barnett impressed against the 12th-best defense in the nation with 318 total yards (273 passing, 45 rushing) and three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing).

His dual-threat abilities fit coach Scott Frost's offensive scheme, giving the Knights the versatility they lacked last season. Frost said the team will go as far as Barnett takes them, and it's not surprising given the number of watch lists he's been named to this offseason.

The JMU transfer has been tabbed to the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien and Manning Award watch lists. UCF has a starting quarterback who can elevate the program past its consecutive losing seasons and 7-20 Big 12 record.

For every big-name signing, there are multiple contributors flying under the radar in Orlando. Frost and general manager Trent Mossbrucker prioritized experience and proven production during January's transfer portal, and they found the perfect matches at the FCS level.

Wide receiver Josh Derry, running back Landen Chambers and safety Ty Bartrum made the jump to the FBS. Running backs and safeties can range from $300,000 to $900,000, and wide receivers cost $400,000 to $1 million.

Each had dominant seasons at their previous programs. Derry, aka "Scary Derry," recorded 1,123 yards (14.78 yards per catch) and 13 touchdowns on 76 receptions en route to an All-CAA First Team honor last season at Monmouth.

Chambers rushed for 1,273 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns at Central Arkansas. Bartrum finished second on Harvard with 83 tackles (27 solo), forced two fumbles and recorded one interception.

A creative and intentional approach to the transfer portal is the ultimate workaround to UCF's NIL limitations. Frost and Mossbrucker have put together a talented squad that is also unproven, but that could work in their favor.

They have the talent to shock the Big 12 for the first time since joining the conference in 2023.

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