TSU's Reggie Barlow: HBCUs Deserve $1 Million Minimum for Money Games

Tennessee State University head football coach Reggie Barlow is calling for a significant shift in how HBCUs approach compensation for so-called “money games” against major college football programs, arguing that schools should demand at least $1 million to take the field against Power Four opponents.

Barlow’s comments came on Monday following Edward Waters University President Zachary Faison’s recent remarks about the economics of money games. Faison had questioned whether the financial return was worth the cost after Edward Waters played Jackson State, saying the school would look to maximize its net revenue from future scheduling opportunities.

“I think Faison, there at Waters, that if you’re going to do it, you want to maximize, like he said, they would want to net and clear at least a minimum of $1 million,” Barlow said, adding his endorsement to the approach.

The issue hit close to home for the Tigers coach. Just days earlier, Tennessee State traveled to face No. 3 Georgia on Saturday, receiving $600,000 to play in a game that ended 63-3 in favor of the Bulldogs. Barlow contrasted that figure with reports he had seen about Georgia paying UMass $1.9 million for a game.

Beyond the Check: NIL and Rising Costs

For Barlow, who played in the NFL before transitioning to coaching, the conversation extends far beyond the initial payout.

“If you’re going to play those type games, especially when you’re playing SEC big-time opponents, I think that dollar amount should be no less than a million dollars,” Barlow said.

The former NFL player acknowledged that the financial landscape has changed dramatically since his playing days, when NIL and collectives were not part of the college football equation. Today, he believes money from guarantee games can play a larger role in helping programs fund scholarships and NIL initiatives.

If you’re going to go and put your guys in harm’s way versus teams like that, I do think a good portion of that should come back to your NIL and your collectives.

Physical Realities of the Competition

Barlow also emphasized the physical toll these matchups take on players from smaller FCS programs facing SEC opponents.

“You are putting them up against guys that are bigger, stronger,” Barlow said, stressing the physical disparity that can exist in these contests.

While the Tennessee State coach said he does not shy away from playing major-conference opponents, he believes schools should be properly compensated for the mental, physical and emotional demands placed on their players.

“I could write a book on that. I’ve been a part of it,” Barlow said. “You want to be rewarded if you’re going to put your team in those type of situations.”

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.