College Football Rosters Exceed $40 Million, Led by LSU and Miami

A recent CBS Sports poll indicates that multiple college football programs have crossed the $40 million threshold in roster spending for the 2026 season. This trend follows comments made by Indiana coach Curt Cignetti last year, which were initially met with skepticism.

Among the top spenders, LSU has emerged as a leader, with projections suggesting their roster could exceed $50 million. New head coach Lane Kiffin has significantly reshaped the team, attracting high-profile transfers. Miami is also noted for its aggressive spending, particularly on quarterback Darian Mensah, who left Duke for a lucrative deal.

Other notable programs include Texas, which is believed to be close to the $40 million mark, and Oregon, known for its financial backing from Nike co-founder Phil Knight. The landscape of college football spending is rapidly evolving, with many teams adapting to the new financial realities of the sport.