Barstool Sports personality Dan “Big Cat” Katz took the example of the Texas Tech Red Raiders to explain why money doesn’t mean everything in college football while defending NIL as a booster to his alma mater. According to The Athletic, Texas Tech is among the biggest spenders in the Big 12, with an estimated $38 million to $42 million roster budget in 2026, fueled by super donor Cody Campbell. Despite this, the Red Raiders went down against unranked Cincinnati last week.

On On3’s “Andy & Ari” show on Wednesday, Katz highlighted that, despite all the money that NIL can provide players and fans complaining that the big spending unfairly tips the scales, Texas Tech has been unable to replace elite defensive talent like David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez this year.

“Texas Tech this year is a perfect example that money cannot buy everything,” said Katz, a Wisconsin alum who said that he donates to the Badgers’ football team. “You can have all the money in the world. (Edge rusher) David Bailey (No. 2 pick, New York Jets) doesn’t grow on trees. (Linebacker) Jacob Rodriguez (No. 43 pick, Miami Dolphins) doesn’t grow on trees. You can spend money on the wrong guys, and it’s like, you can have a great defense, they all get drafted and to replicate that is very hard to do. It’s roster building in every pro sport. That’s no different.”

Katz argued that though money is important, roster construction and culture fit also play a big role in driving results.

Texas Tech HC Doesn’t Have Answer For Red Raiders’ Cincinnati Upset

Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire struggled to explain the then-No. 8 Red Raiders’ shocking 37-24 loss to unranked Cincinnati on Saturday.

“I’ve been doing this a long dang time, and I can’t think of a game that was as frustrating as what I was just a part of,” McGuire said via Rivals. “I’m as frustrated as I think I’ve ever been in my 32 years of coaching by what we did today.”

Texas Tech (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) entered the game as one of the best defensive units against the run. However, Bearcats running back Cole Tabb exposed the Red Raiders by rushing for 173 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown. The Bearcats (5-2, 2-2) finished with 255 rushing yards. The Red Raiders’ 12 penalties and three turnovers didn’t help, either.

“We’ve been one of the least penalized teams in the country, and we had 12 penalties today,” McGuire added. “We had three turnovers today that led to points, and whenever you do that, you’re not going to win.”

Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond threw for 227 yards but lost a fumble and threw an interception. As a result, the Red Raiders’ offense relied heavily on field goals.

No. 13 Texas Tech’s next game is against No. 22 Arizona (6-1, 3-1) in Lubbock on Saturday.