The college football world is in the middle of a wild shakeup. Top programs like LSU, Miami, Texas, and Texas Tech are throwing around serious money to build teams that can win it all.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have changed everything. LSU, especially, has gone all-in, dropping a jaw-dropping $40 million in NIL cash to put together a roster that’s got everyone talking.
Let’s dig into LSU’s spending spree, the big-name players involved, and what all this means for the sport moving forward.
LSU’s Record-Breaking NIL Spending
LSU’s new head coach Lane Kiffin isn’t wasting any time making his mark. The program’s willingness to invest big has made waves across college football.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, LSU has already blown past the $40 million mark in NIL deals for their 2026 roster. Ten out of fourteen Power Four general managers and staffers told On3 that LSU’s spending is unmatched right now.
Key Acquisitions
The biggest headline? Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. He had plenty of options, but decided to follow Kiffin to LSU, reportedly landing an NIL deal in the $5 million range.
On3 puts Leavitt’s NIL value at about $4 million, which is wild for a college player. He’s easily one of the most valuable guys in the game.
LSU didn’t stop there. They also landed:
- Jordan Seaton: Former Colorado offensive tackle
- Princewill Umanmielen: Ex-Ole Miss pass rusher
These moves pushed LSU to the top of the transfer portal class rankings, at least according to 247Sports. On3 actually gives that title to Indiana after their championship run, so clearly, not everyone agrees on who’s number one.
The Broader Landscape of NIL Spending
LSU might be leading the charge, but they’re not the only school throwing money around. Miami, after making it to the national championship, has joined the big spenders.
Texas Tech and Texas are also making it clear they’re willing to pay to win. The arms race is on, and nobody wants to get left behind.
Miami’s Investment
Miami’s recent success has given them a boost in the NIL market. The Hurricanes have used their resources to chase after top recruits and transfers, and it’s keeping the competition fierce.
Texas and Texas Tech
Texas and Texas Tech aren’t sitting back. A Big Ten general manager summed it up: “Texas Tech just knows they can outspend you.” That’s the kind of confidence money can buy.
Implications for College Football
NIL money has turned college football into something that feels a bit like the pros. Financial firepower matters more than ever, but will it really lead to more wins?
Potential Risks
Big NIL deals bring in top talent, but they’re not a sure thing. Sometimes, teams that “win” the offseason with splashy signings end up falling flat once the games count.
The pressure can get intense. Coaches and players have to live up to the hype and the price tags, and that’s not always easy.
Future Outlook
As NIL deals become the norm, it’s hard not to wonder if the rich will just keep getting richer. Programs with the deepest pockets seem poised to dominate recruiting for a while.
Still, this is sports. Money helps, but it doesn’t promise anything. Surprises happen, and that’s what keeps it interesting.
Conclusion
LSU just dropped an eye-popping $40 million on NIL deals. That’s a move we haven’t really seen before in college football.
With Lane Kiffin calling the shots, the Tigers have pulled together a roster full of big names. Honestly, it looks like they could shake things up in 2026.
Other schools—Miami, Texas, Texas Tech—are throwing money around, too. But will all this spending actually win championships?
Everyone’s watching. Feels like college football might never look the same again.
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