In this wacky world that is the 2026 college football season, and it has been wacky, a high roster payroll through NIL won't guarantee you a thing.
But it does help.
According to Michigan head football coach Kyle Whittingham, the Oregon Ducks and Dan Lanning are a prime example of this.
"He really does a great job recruiting and It doesn't hurt that you have $50+ million dollars at your disposal to, in essence, outbid everybody," Whittingham said this as his Michigan team prepares to face Oregon at Autzen Stadium State on Saturday. "Not everybody, but a lot of people. But that's not his fault. That's a credit. I mean, that's a credit to their program and their dedication and desire to win and the support they have. NIL is the name of the game in recruiting these
days. It’s shifted so much."
But let's not kid anyone. Michigan and their football program aren't exactly in the poorhouse. While college football teams do not disclose the roster payroll, it's estimated that Michigan is doling out $39 million, which isn't exactly a chump change. The Wolverines are 4-3 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten. They're dealing with a brand-new coaching staff and some lackluster quarterback play.
Michigan is also coming off an embarrassing loss to rival Michigan State, so Whittingham might not have been in the best of moods during his press conference.
While having a high-NIL payroll is nice and we'll get superior talent in the door, it doesn't guarantee wins. Teams such as LSU, Texas, and Ohio State have high NIL payrolls, and those teams are still struggling. NIL won't prevent injuries or lack of execution on the field. While Oregon has been hit with injuries, the Ducks have been able to come together and play a better brand of football down the stretch of the season.
Lanning loves to find motivational quips to get his team ready to play on Saturday. Whittingham's. comments will surely be one of those this week.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Michigan's Kyle Whittingham comments on Oregon's NIL spending prowess
