College Station, Texas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Utah State University’s athletic program is poised to secure more than $3 million from two upcoming ‘money games’ against Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. The significant financial boosts are essential for the program’s budget amidst rising collegiate athletics costs. Coach Bronco Mendenhall emphasizes the importance of balancing high-stakes games while maintaining team morale and roster stability. With a history of profitable matchups, Utah State aims to enhance its competitive edge and pursue conference championships, despite challenges posed by scheduling such games.
College Station, Texas – Utah State University’s athletic program is set to earn over $3 million this month from two high-profile “money games” against distinctly formidable opponents: Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. This arrangement offers a significant financial boost, which is crucial for the program’s overall budget amid the escalating costs of collegiate athletics.
On September 16, Utah State will receive $1.65 million for facing Texas A&M at Kyle Field, a game that will showcase the Aggies, currently ranked No. 19 in the nation. Later, on September 27, Utah State will secure an additional $1 million from Vanderbilt for another game. These financial arrangements have become a staple for many smaller athletic programs, providing the necessary revenue streams to sustain operations.
In recent years, Utah State has engaged in several similar matchups that yielded substantial financial returns. Last year, the program earned $1.91 million from playing Alabama and $1.45 million from a game against USC. In 2023 alone, the university generated $1.65 million from a game played against Iowa. The fiscal incentives from these “money games” have proven beneficial for Utah State, allowing them to compete in a landscape where resources are increasingly scarce.
Despite the financial benefits, head coach Bronco Mendenhall has expressed caution regarding scheduling multiple high-stakes games in a single season. He aims to limit Utah State to one money game per season, as an overabundance could potentially undermine the team’s roster stability and overall confidence. Currently, Utah State does not have two money games scheduled for any upcoming seasons, but future years may see adjustments based on financial needs and strategic goals.
Mendenhall remains focused on achieving a conference championship and stresses that his team’s success should not be solely dictated by financial arrangements. During the recent week, Utah State’s defense showcased its strength by limiting UTEP to just 16 points, a promising effort as they prepare to face a more challenging opponent in Texas A&M. However, the Aggies will pose a tougher challenge, particularly with the absence of starting safety Ike Larson, who is serving a six-game suspension.
Texas A&M enters this matchup coming off a 42-24 win against UTSA and will aim to stripe a victory against Utah State. The game will be broadcasted on the SEC Network starting at 11:45 a.m. central time this Saturday. Weather forecasts indicate a partly sunny day with temperatures expected to reach the 80s, creating an athletic-friendly environment for the teams to compete.
Mendenhall believes in leveraging these matches as learning experiences despite the inherent risks of playing against more prestigious programs. He acknowledges the necessity of including these financial games to ensure smaller programs like Utah State remain financially viable while continuing to develop their competitive edge.
Background Context
The concept of “money games” has long been a subject of discussion in collegiate athletics, particularly for smaller programs struggling to maintain funding and competitive balance. Utah State’s strategy reflects broader trends in college sports, where financial partnerships are increasingly paramount amidst rising operational costs. While money games present financial advantages, they also come with the potential for risks concerning player health and team morale if not managed prudently.
FAQ Section
Utah State Athletic Program Money Games FAQ
What are money games in collegiate athletics?
Money games refer to nonconference matchups where smaller athletic programs play against larger programs in exchange for financial compensation, providing revenue that supports their overall athletics budget.
How much will Utah State earn from their upcoming games?
Utah State is set to earn $1.65 million from Texas A&M and $1 million from Vanderbilt, totaling over $3 million for the month.
Are there any risks associated with money games?
Yes, playing multiple money games in a single season can potentially harm team morale and roster stability, which is why some coaches prefer limiting such matchups.
Why does Utah State prioritize conference championships?
The focus on winning conference championships is essential for long-term program success and recruitment, as it elevates the team’s profile while forming a foundation for future competitiveness.
Key Features Overview
| Event | Date | Opponent | Financial Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State vs. Texas A&M | September 16 | Texas A&M | $1.65 million |
| Utah State vs. Vanderbilt | September 27 | Vanderbilt | $1 million |
| Previous Earnings – Alabama | 2022 | Alabama | $1.91 million |
| Previous Earnings – USC | 2022 | USC | $1.45 million |
| Previous Earnings – Iowa | 2023 | Iowa | $1.65 million |
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman: Texas A&M Football
- Wikipedia: College Football
- KSL Sports: Utah State & Texas A&M History
- Google Search: Utah State vs Texas A&M
- Deseret News: Money Games
- Google Scholar: Money Games College Football
- Sports Illustrated: Texas A&M Players
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- National Football Post: Texas A&M vs Utah State
- Google News: Texas A&M vs Utah State
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