Mr. Beast Plans Nine-Figure Investment in G5 College Football Program

Casey Halston

Published: February 7, 2026 1:06 AM ET

Mr. Beast Plans Nine-Figure Investment in G5 College Football Program

In a bold move that could reshape college football, Mr. Beast, the celebrated YouTuber, is contemplating a significant investment in a Group of Five (G5) college football program. The rumored amount is a staggering $100 million, aimed at transforming East Carolina University (ECU) into a national contender.

Mr. Beast’s Potential Nine-Figure Investment in ECU

Mr. Beast, whose real name is James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson, has amassed a following of 456 million subscribers on YouTube, along with a net worth of approximately $2.6 billion. His interest in this investment stems from his roots in Greenville, North Carolina, the home of ECU.

Origins of the Idea

The proposal began when Joshua Owings of The Real Oshow suggested on social media that Mr. Beast fund a G5 team’s quest for a national championship. The idea quickly gained traction and excited college football fans.

Owings proposed that an investment in ECU could not only lead to significant financial gains but also capture the interest of sport enthusiasts everywhere. Mr. Beast later shared Owings’ post, illustrating his intrigue by questioning if he should undertake such a project.

Impact of a $100 Million Investment

If Mr. Beast proceeds with this investment, it could revolutionize ECU’s football program. Current estimates suggest that universities like Texas and Oklahoma State had roster-related expenses of $40 million and $20 million, respectively, in recent seasons. A $100 million budget for ECU could sustain the program for several crucial years.

ECU’s Football Program on the Rise

ECU’s football prospects have been improving under head coach Blake Harrell, who previously guided the team to a commendable 14-5 record. The Pirates won two Military Bowls against Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) teams, marking a rare success in their storied history.

ECU has a seating capacity of 51,000 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
The program boasts a $25 million indoor facility for training.
In 2025, ECU secured three First Team All-American Conference selections, although they will leave for other teams in 2026.

Local Connections and Influences

Mr. Beast’s ties to ECU run deep, shaped by his upbringing in the area. He graduated from Greenville Christian Academy High School in 2016. This personal connection likely fuels his desire to bolster the local college football scene, even though he did not attend the university.

Donaldson has previously collaborated with ECU, contributing to community initiatives, including a credentialing program aimed at nurturing future talent in the creator economy. His engagements with the university, including a recent $20,000 gift to an ECU student, emphasize a committed relationship that could support further investment.

The Future of G5 Programs

The potential for Mr. Beast’s financial backing highlights a broader trend in college athletics where G5 programs strive for relevance amidst Power Five competition. ECU, like Indiana before it, demonstrates that strategic investments can lead to astonishing turnarounds, but they require substantial resources.

As discussions continue, the college football world watches closely. Will Mr. Beast turn his philanthropic vision into reality? Only time will reveal his next move in the pursuit of greatness for ECU football.