Texas’ Steve Sarkisian Denies ‘Irresponsible’ Rumor That Team Spent $40M on CFB Roster

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has vehemently denied a rumor circulating regarding the program’s 2023 spending on its football roster, asserting that the claim of a $40 million expenditure is completely false and irresponsible. In a detailed statement, Sarkisian addressed the speculation, emphasizing the program’s financial prudence and adherence to NCAA regulations. He highlighted the team’s strategic approach to player acquisition, focusing on calculated investments in talent rather than exorbitant spending. The coach’s response underscores a commitment to ethical practices and responsible management within the complexities of modern college athletics.

In recent weeks, a rumor has circulated suggesting that the Texas Longhorns football program allocated between $35 million and $40 million to its 2025 roster, primarily through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. This

figure, if accurate, would position Texas as home to the most expensive college football team in the nation. However, head coach Steve Sarkisian has firmly denied these claims, labeling them as “irresponsible.”
Reports from various media outlets have indicated that Texas’s spending on its football roster for the 2025 season is projected to be between $35 million and $40 million. This includes a $20.5 million revenue-sharing allotment and contributions from the Texas One Fund. A significant portion of this expenditure is attributed to NIL deals, with star quarterback Arch Manning reportedly securing all of his deals independently. Despite these figures, officials have expressed concerns about the sustainability of such high spending and plan to transition away from these expenditures in the future.
Coach Sarkisian has addressed the rumors head-on, stating that the figures being reported are not only inaccurate but also irresponsible. He emphasized that while NIL has become a significant factor in college football, the reported numbers do not reflect the actual financial commitments made by the program. Sarkisian’s focus remains on building a competitive team through a combination of high school recruiting and strategic use of the transfer portal.
The introduction of NIL has transformed the landscape of college athletics, allowing players to profit from their personal brand. Texas, with its substantial resources, has been at the forefront of this change. However, the rapid escalation of NIL-related spending has raised questions about the long-term sustainability of such financial commitments. Sarkisian has acknowledged the challenges posed by NIL and the transfer portal, emphasizing the need for the program to adapt while maintaining a focus on developing talent and fostering team cohesion.
As Texas prepares for the 2025 season, the program faces the challenge of balancing financial considerations with the goal of building a championship-contending team. While the rumored $40 million expenditure has been debunked, the conversation highlights the growing influence of NIL in college football and the need for programs to navigate this new landscape thoughtfully. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, Texas aims to continue its tradition of excellence while adapting to the evolving dynamics of college athletics.

In the wake of circulating rumors alleging that the Texas Longhorns football program spent an astronomical $40 million on its roster in 2023, head coach Steve Sarkisian has publicly and forcefully denied such claims, labeling them as “irresponsible, inaccurate, and misleading.” Sarkisian emphasized that these figures are completely unfounded and do not reflect the reality of how Texas manages its football budget, recruiting, or player compensation. He pointed out that while NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and transfer portal investments have increased financial activity across college football, Texas operates within NCAA guidelines and maintains transparency and fiscal responsibility. Sarkisian stressed that the program’s focus remains on building a competitive, sustainable team through strategic recruiting, player development, and compliant NIL partnerships—not through reckless spending. He urged fans, media, and stakeholders to rely on verified information and dismissed the rumor as damaging misinformation that distracts from the team’s goals and the integrity of college athletics. Ultimately, Sarkisian reaffirmed his commitment to upholding ethical standards and managing the program responsibly amidst an evolving financial landscape.