Roster dollar race: Texas leads The Athletic’s Power 4 spend estimates
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.