6 College football teams reportedly over $40 million ahead of 2026 season

Six college football programs are reportedly carrying roster costs exceeding $40 million heading into the 2026 season, highlighting the growing financial disparity among elite college football teams. The figures reflect the rapidly escalating spending in the era of NIL deals and revenue sharing, which is reshaping how top programs compete for talent. The trend suggests a widening gap between the wealthiest programs and the rest of college football.