BYU spends an estimated $25 million to $30 million on its 2026 football roster, according to The Athletic, among the highest in the Big 12 and well above the conference average of $18 million to $22 million. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is the Cougars’ highest valued player at $2 million, and BYU also landed five star quarterback recruit Ryder Lyons.
| Big 12 team | Estimated 2026 budget |
|---|---|
| Texas Tech | $38 million to $42 million |
| BYU | $25 million to $30 million |
| Arizona State | $19 million to $23 million |
| Colorado | $18 million to $21 million |
| Oklahoma State | $15 million to $19 million |
| Arizona | $13 million to $18 million |
Who BYU Pays
| Person | Role | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Bachmeier | QB | $2 million On3 valuation |
| Ryder Lyons | QB recruit | Five star signing |
| Kalani Sitake | Head coach | Reported near $9 million; BYU is private and does not disclose |
BYU has been one of the Big 12’s most aggressive spenders since joining the league, along with Texas Tech and Arizona State, and it beat Arizona earlier this season, a team The Athletic estimates spends about half as much.
Budget figures are from The Athletic as reported by Yahoo Sports; Bachmeier’s valuation is On3’s 2026 figure. Schools do not publish football payrolls, so these are estimates.
The Bottom Line
BYU spends an estimated $25 million to $30 million on its 2026 roster, among the most in the Big 12, with Bear Bachmeier at $2 million and five star Ryder Lyons in the quarterback room. The full lists are on most expensive rosters and NIL rankings by conference. Follow the Cougars on the BYU football schedule.