From CFB-HQ On SI · · 3m
College Football Teams' Spending Ranges
New chart reveals top college football teams spend up to $54 million.
In brief
New chart reveals top college football teams spend up to $54 million. Ohio State leads with a $49 million to $54 million estimated roster budget, five times higher than Boston College's $8 million to $13 million range. Originally reported by CFB-HQ On SI.
New Chart Shows Spending Gap
College football's roster-building arms race now carries a price tag approaching $54 million.
Ohio State Leads Budget Range
Ohio State owns the highest estimated range at $49 million to $54 million after reporters gathered figures for 68 Power Four teams and Notre Dame from more than 70 sources this summer.
Ohio State Sets Budget Ceiling
The Buckeyes lead a market that has a low point of Boston College's estimated range of $8 million to $13 million. Using the middle of each range, Ohio State's budget is nearly five times larger.
Oregon and Big Ten Spend
Oregon also is believed to be spending around $50 million, placing the Big Ten powers in a tier few programs can reach. Miami is operating near that level while holding an estimated advantage of $15 million to $20 million over every other ACC team.
Budget Includes Specific Funds
The figures cover money available to assemble each 2026 roster, including athletic department revenue, booster contributions and program-controlled funds. They exclude independent income, such as endorsement agreements outside school control.
Why Spending Matters Now
College football’s most carefully guarded secret is the amount of money flowing to the players on each roster. So we reached out to 70 sources across the sport.
SEC and Big Ten Spending
Eleven of the 20 biggest spenders come from the SEC, while six are in the Big Ten. The SEC's average estimated range sits between $33 million and $38 million. The Big Ten follows at $27 million to $31 million.
Conference Budget Gaps
The differences grow beyond the richest leagues. The ACC's average range is $21 million to $25 million, while the Big 12's is $18 million to $22 million. Twelve of the Big 12's 16 teams have ranges beginning below $20 million.
Texas Tech and Alabama
Texas Tech stands apart in that league at an estimated $38 million to $42 million, although it still trails Notre Dame and Texas A&M. Alabama shares Texas Tech's range, while Georgia checks in lower at $31 million to $34 million.
Indiana's Budget Challenge
Indiana's $36 million to $40 million estimate also challenges the idea that the Hoosiers won a national championship with a modest operation. Its budget now ranks among the Big Ten's five largest.
The main idea
Ohio State leads with a $49 million to $54 million estimated roster budget, five times higher than Boston College's $8 million to $13 million range.
