League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Transactions

College football teams spending over $50 million on rosters this season

Sports Illustrated • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

College football teams spending over $50 million on rosters this season

Summary

As college football approaches the 2026 season, teams are significantly increasing spending on player rosters. A survey by Sports Illustrated reveals that Power 4 and notable Group of 6 teams are investing heavily in their players. Insiders, including coaches and athletic directors, confirm a trend towards higher budgets for recruiting and maintaining talent. With this financial shift, expectations for team performance and program success are also rising. The ongoing changes could reshape the competitive of college football.

Source Links

Sports Illustrated

Key Details

•Survey shows college football teams are spending more than $50 million on rosters.
•Power 4 and Group of 6 teams are highlighted in the spending increase.
•Coaches and athletic directors acknowledge the trend towards higher budgets.
•The financial shift is set to reshape team competitiveness this season.

Latest Updates

11:00 AMSports Illustrated — Welcome to College Football’s $50 Million Era: Inside the Roster Spending Explosion - Sports Illustrated

What they're saying

"
SI surveyed insiders to find out what teams are really spending on players. Here’s a look at the Power 4 and notable Group of 6 teams.
— Sports Illustratedby Bryan Fischer

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAF College Sports