LSU has assembled the most expensive roster in college football entering the 2026 season, according to multiple Power Four general managers surveyed by On3’s Pete Nakos. The Tigers’ total payroll exceeds $40 million following an aggressive spending spree during the winter transfer portal window under new head coach Lane Kiffin.
Ten of 14 personnel staffers identified LSU as the top spender in college football.
“We’re going to have multiple rosters over $40 million in college football this season,” one Power Four general manager told On3.
The Tigers ranked No. 2 in the On3 Team Transfer Portal Rankings after landing 40 transfers. Their haul included Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and Ole Miss EDGE rusher Princewill Umanmielen.
“They got the most expensive roster in the sport,” one SEC general manager said.
Leavitt’s deal reportedly reached the $6 million range. That places him alongside Brendan Sorsby of Texas Tech and Darian Mensah of Miami among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the portal cycle.
Seaton commanded between $3 million and $6 million alone, according to SEC NIL operators. The offensive tackle is viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL draft.
Texas, Texas Tech and Miami were frequently mentioned among other high-dollar programs this cycle.
Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Indiana were also cited as active bidders in several recruiting battles.
Revenue sharing is now fully implemented across college football. The new financial structure has created what sources describe as a rapidly escalating arms race across the sport.
For Kiffin and LSU, the investment brings championship expectations in Baton Rouge. The Tigers are betting that their record-setting spending will translate to on-field success in what’s becoming college football’s new financial frontier.
