Roster dollar race: Texas leads The Athletic’s Power 4 spend estimates
TL;DR
The Athletic released estimated 2026 roster budgets for every Power 4 program, showing a budget range from about $8M to $55M. In the SEC, Texas tops the list with an estimated $45-55M, followed by LSU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Tennessee; Arkansas sits around $22-25M (33rd nationally). The figures come from athletic revenue, booster donations, and other sources and reflect resources available to assemble the 2026 roster.
- The Athletic ranks every Power 4 team by estimated roster budget Saturday Down South
- Does your college football roster cost $8M or $50M? Here's our report on 68 teams - The Athletic The New York Times
- Ohio State, Texas, Oregon Top The Athletic's CFB Roster Spending Estimates in New Report Bleacher Report
- A Rolex, a private jet and a mid-camp raise: Inside college football's portal nightmares USA Today
- Oregon NIL Budget Leaves No Doubt on Ducks' Expectations Sports Illustrated
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