College Football's Money Game: FCS Buyouts Under Scrutiny

Guarantee games, where major college football programs pay smaller FCS teams to play them, remain a fixture despite criticism. Power conference teams, expanding to nine-game league schedules, still target seven home games for revenue. FCS opponents offer a cheaper alternative to Group of 5 teams, with average guarantees around $525,000 compared to $1.43 million. This financial arrangement benefits both sides, providing essential funds for FCS athletic departments.

The competitive gap between power conferences and FCS teams has widened, with FBS teams rarely losing to FCS opponents. Data shows a near-perfect record for FBS teams against FCS opponents, with average margins of victory exceeding 30 points. Factors like the transfer portal and NIL compensation have further consolidated talent within top programs, making historic upsets like Appalachian State's win over Michigan less likely.

Despite the competitive imbalance, the financial incentive ensures these games continue. FCS commissioners acknowledge the money is significant for their budgets. While television networks might prefer games spread throughout the season, and some suggest earlier scheduling, the core economic drivers suggest these matchups are here to stay. The system, though imperfect, is seen by many as functional for all involved institutions.