In an era where every edge matters, two Big 12 programs are investing heavily in how they travel, and the results might surprise you.
According to recent data from Front Office Sports, the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Kansas State Wildcats led the Big 12 Conference in private jet spending for football this past year.
Arizona State topped the conference, spending $173,000 on private flights, while Kansas State followed at $113,000. On a national scale, those figures ranked No. 13 and No. 16 in the country, respectively.
When it comes to big spending in college football, programs with massive budgets, think SEC or Big Ten powers, typically dominate these types of lists. But Arizona State and Kansas State stepping into that space signals something important: both programs are prioritizing resources in ways that can directly impact performance.
Reducing wear and tear, improving recovery time, and creating a more efficient weekly routine can all contribute to on-field success. Private flights offer flexibility and comfort that commercial travel simply can’t match, especially during the grind of a college football season.
For Kansas State, it’s another example of a program that consistently maximizes its resources. The Wildcats have built a reputation for development and discipline, and investing in travel infrastructure adds another layer to that approach.
Arizona State, meanwhile, appears to be leaning into a more aggressive investment strategy. As the Sun Devils continue to establish themselves in the Big 12 landscape, committing resources like this suggests a willingness to compete beyond just recruiting and coaching.
Of course, spending money doesn’t guarantee wins. Still, in today’s college football environment, marginal gains can make a real difference, and programs are increasingly looking for every advantage they can find. So while private jet expenses may not grab headlines like recruiting rankings or NIL deals, they offer a glimpse into how programs are evolving behind the scenes.
And in this case, two Big 12 teams you might not expect are leading the way.
