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Greenville Today
By the People, for the People
YouTube Star MrBeast Urged to Fund ECU Football
Analyst Joel Klatt says $100 million donation could turn East Carolina into a title contender
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Football analyst Joel Klatt has publicly called on YouTube star MrBeast, who is estimated to be worth over $1 billion, to donate $100 million to the East Carolina University football program. Klatt believes this massive influx of funding could transform ECU into a national championship contender.
Why it matters
ECU has historically struggled to compete at the highest levels of college football, but a huge donation from a wealthy alum like MrBeast could provide the resources needed to recruit top talent and build a championship-caliber program. This would be a major boost for the school and the local Greenville, North Carolina community.
The details
Klatt discussed the idea on his daily show, noting that MrBeast, who briefly attended ECU before dropping out to build his YouTube empire, is from the Greenville area and could be enticed to invest heavily in his alma mater's football team. With new NCAA rules allowing for lucrative name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, a $100 million donation could allow ECU to 'buy a championship' by attracting elite players.
- ECU completed a 9-4 season in 2025 under first-year head coach Blake Harrell.
- Klatt discussed the idea of MrBeast funding ECU on his show on February 17, 2026.
The players
MrBeast
A YouTube megastar estimated to be worth over $1 billion, who briefly attended East Carolina University before dropping out to build his online empire.
Joel Klatt
A college football analyst who hosts a daily show and has publicly called on MrBeast to donate $100 million to the ECU football program.
Blake Harrell
The head coach of the East Carolina Pirates, who led the team to a 9-4 record in his first full season in 2025.
What they’re saying
“So can ECU go win a national championship? And he by the way responded with should I do this? Jimmy, we're on YouTube, you should absolutely do this. I think it would be amazing. And we will celebrate that to know end. Because every program that commits to winning, I'm here for.”
— Joel Klatt, College Football Analyst (YouTube)
What’s next
If MrBeast were to donate $100 million to ECU football, the school would likely be able to quickly assemble a roster capable of competing for a national championship, especially with the new NIL rules allowing them to attract top talent.
The takeaway
This proposal highlights the growing influence of wealthy alumni in college sports, and how a massive donation from someone like MrBeast could completely transform the fortunes of a program like ECU. It also raises questions about the role of money in college athletics and whether this type of 'buying a championship' is good for the sport.
