When the news first broke that Ohio State was bringing Grambling State to Columbus, the numbers being thrown around felt like a typo. Most people assume these small-school "guarantee games" follow a set script: a big school writes a check, a small school takes a beating, and everyone goes home happy. But the actual math behind the Ohio State vs Grambling State deal is a bit weirder and a lot more strategic than your average "buy game."
Honestly, if you're looking for the short answer: Ohio State paid Grambling State $1 million for their matchup on September 6, 2025.
But that’s only half the story. You've got to look at why that number matters, especially since the Buckeyes actually saved money by making this switch. Originally, Ohio State was supposed to play UConn in that slot. They had a contract to pay the Huskies $1.95 million. By pivoting to Grambling, the Buckeyes effectively cut their payout nearly in half, even after paying UConn a $650,000 cancellation fee.
The Breakdown of the $1 Million Guarantee
For an FCS program like Grambling, a million-dollar check is life-changing. It’s not just "travel money." It’s funding for the entire athletic department. Most FCS teams usually see payouts in the $400,000 to $600,000 range when they play FBS giants. Grambling’s $1 million payday put them in an elite tier, matching what Notre Dame paid Tennessee State back in 2023.
It was a record-setting figure for an HBCU program. Grambling's head coach, Mickey Joseph, was pretty blunt about the reality of the situation leading up to the game. He basically told reporters that everyone knew why the game was being played. You don't walk into the Horseshoe against the #1 ranked team in the country expecting a fair fight; you walk in to secure the future of your program's budget.
The game itself went about how you’d expect. The Buckeyes won 70-0. It was a lopsided affair that reignited the "is this even worth it?" debate among fans. But for Grambling, that $1 million represents new equipment, better facilities, and the ability to keep their other sports programs afloat.
🔗 Read more: Peru Soccer Next Game: Why It’s Basically Do or Die for La Blanquirroja
Why Ohio State Saved Money (The UConn Factor)
You might wonder why a powerhouse like Ohio State would care about saving a few hundred thousand dollars. In the modern era of NIL and revenue sharing, every penny is being counted.
The Buckeyes' 2025 roster cost is estimated at roughly $33.5 million. That is a staggering amount of money. By swapping a $1.95 million UConn game for a $1 million Grambling game, the Buckeyes cleared up significant cap space, so to speak. Even with that $650,000 penalty paid to the Huskies for backing out, Ohio State came out ahead by about $300,000.
- Original UConn Payout: $1.95 million
- Grambling Payout: $1 million
- UConn Buyout Fee: $650,000
- Total Cost for the Slot: $1.65 million
That $300,000 difference might seem like pocket change to a program that generates over **$250 million** in annual revenue, but it’s indicative of a larger trend. Big-time programs are looking for ways to maximize home dates while minimizing the "guarantee" cost.
The Cultural Impact of the Game
It wasn't just about the money, though. This was only the second time in history that Ohio State played an HBCU. The first was back in 2013 against Florida A&M (a game OSU won 76-0, coincidentally).
The Grambling "World Famed Tiger Marching Band" was a massive draw. Many fans in Columbus were just as excited to see the halftime show as they were to see the Buckeyes' defense. This "entertainment value" is part of what justifies the $1 million price tag. When you bring in a legendary brand like Grambling, you aren't just buying a win; you're buying an event that sells tickets to people who might otherwise skip a "cupcake" game.
Is the "Money Game" Era Ending?
There’s a lot of talk in college football circles that these games might disappear. With the College Football Playoff expanding and the Big Ten moving to a 9-game conference schedule, there are fewer slots for these non-conference blowouts.
Plus, the new revenue-sharing rules that started in July 2025 mean schools are now directly paying athletes. Experts like Steve Hogan have pointed out that attendance at these types of games is dipping. Fans aren't as willing to pay $100+ per ticket to watch a 70-point blowout.
However, for now, the $1 million guarantee remains the gold standard for top-tier FCS schools. It provides a massive infusion of cash to the SWAC and other conferences while giving the Buckeyes a "tune-up" game before the grueling Big Ten slate begins.
Practical Insights for Fans and Analysts
✨ Don't miss: Bucs and Falcons Game: What Most People Get Wrong About the NFC South Collapse
- Check the Contract: Payouts for non-conference games are public record for state schools like Ohio State. If you see a weird matchup on the schedule, it’s almost always driven by a "guarantee" fee.
- Watch the Buyouts: Schools often cancel games years in advance. The "saving" usually comes from finding a cheaper opponent (like an FCS school) to replace a more expensive Group of Five opponent.
- Follow the Band: In HBCU matchups, the financial value is often tied to the halftime performance, which helps maintain ticket sales even if the game is expected to be a blowout.
If you’re tracking how your favorite team is spending its budget in this new era of college sports, keep an eye on the "liquidated damages" clauses in these contracts. They’re becoming just as important as the game-day scores themselves.