So let’s look at some financial figures in the college wrestling world. We’ll start with the team that spent the most in 2025 and they’re also the best.
1. Penn State: $7.87 million
The No. 1 program in college wrestling is also the top-spending program in terms of expenses. Penn State has good reason for its spending, considering Cael Sanderson’s run of national championships for the team and individuals since his arrival in State College.
2. Oklahoma State: $5.06 million
The David Taylor era is paying off with the financial investment. You could argue that Oklahoma State is college wrestling’s second-best program right now.
3. Iowa: $4.02 million
The Hawkeyes may have underperformed based on fan expectations, but this is still one of the premier programs in college wrestling. Iowa brought another NCAA team trophy back to campus in March and had another NCAA finalist in Mikey Caliendo (165), keeping their streak alive.
4. Ohio State: $3.18 million
Ohio State has a great mix of young and veteran talent going into next year once again. The investment in this college wrestling program has certainly paid off in Columbus.
5. Nebraska: $3.06 million
Nebraska’s rise over the last two years amongst the college wrestling elite has been fascinating to watch. The Huskers have developed really well under Mark Manning, but also attacked the transfer portal when necessary.
Nebraska had two finalists in Christopher Minto (174) and Antrell Taylor (157), who won a title in 2025, back in March. This offseason, their big transfer addition was 2025 NCAA champion Vince Robinson (125) from NC State.
6. Rutgers: $3.02 million
New Jersey’s premier college wrestling program went from the verge of being cut nearly 20 years ago to a must-see attraction during dual meet season. The NCAA Tournament hasn’t been kind to Rutgers over the last two years, as it has missed out on putting a wrestler on the All-American podium.
7. Virginia Tech: $3.01 million
If you want to talk about a team that has generated a lot of buzz in college wrestling, it’s Virginia Tech.
8. Michigan: $2.98 million
The Wolverines are the highest-spending college wrestling team under the $3 million threshold.
9. Iowa State: $2.69 million
Iowa State’s college wrestling program underwent some major changes this offseason.
10. Arizona State: $2.66 million
Arizona State rounds out the top 10 of college wrestling programs that had the most operating expenses over the course of 2025. T
College Wrestling: Top 25 teams in operating expenses
11. Minnesota: $2.24 million
12. Oklahoma: $2.24 million
13. Oregon State: $2.17 million
14. NC State: $2.10 million
15. Illinois: $2.08 million
16. North Carolina: $2.02 million
17. Maryland: $1.95 million
18. Wisconsin: $1.90 million
19. Purdue: $1.86 million
20. Indiana: $1.81 million
21. Virginia: $1.75 million
22. Michigan State: $1.68 million
23. West Virginia: $1.56 million
24. Appalachian State: $1.46 million
25. Wyoming: $1.35 million
