The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college football has drastically reshaped how teams build their rosters, protect recruits, and approach the offseason.
Now, with players able to earn compensation and utilize transfer portals, team rosters are changing more frequently than ever. Many teams invest significantly in these portals to enhance their competitiveness.
Last season in the SEC, the Ole Miss Rebels made the biggest splashes in the transfer portal, but this past offseason, Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers made noteworthy moves.
It wasn’t a cheap endeavor. Kelly has shared just how much his program expended, drawing comparisons to NFL budgets that seem comparatively larger.
New: Brian Kelly’s comments LSU roster cost:
“We’ll be about $18 million.”https://t.co/n8thox31co pic.twitter.com/ezteeupsjr
– on3 (@on3sports) August 22, 2025
“The NFL has a salary cap of $280 million annually, whereas we’re looking at about $18 million,” Kelly remarked during his radio show. “If you can’t see the difference, you might find yourself overwhelmed in a few years trying to develop the best version of your son here.”
“We are competing against other offers, but when students choose LSU, we focus on developing their potential in every aspect. They’re ready for that next challenge,” he added.
Kelly seems hopeful that as the sport evolves, players will start to prioritize their values and goals, aligning more closely with the true essence of college athletics. If they can align with the current state of college football, positive outcomes are likely.
