Alabama, Indiana, and Texas Tech miss college football's top spending list

Despite notable performances in recent seasons, Alabama, Indiana, and Texas Tech did not make the list of the highest spending teams in college football for 2026. Alabama, under Nick Saban, has relied on recruiting while spending less than rivals, recording about $19.7 million in roster costs over the past three seasons. Indiana's recent success came with moderate spending, including strategic portal acquisitions, but they still lag in overall investment. Texas Tech, known for significant NIL spending, sits just below the threshold of top spenders due to a notable player's salary timing. These teams will need to reassess their financial strategies as competition intensifies.

• 7:22 PMCBS Sports — Why Alabama, Indiana and Texas Tech (yes, really) didn't make college football's top spending list