Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has sparked a fresh debate by asserting that every program in the SEC is shelling out at least $30 million on its roster, with several programs edging close to the $50 million mark.
The figures, he says, are not just a product of direct salary payments but also of a growing ecosystem of third‑party name, image and likeness agreements that allow boosters and companies to supplement player compensation beyond the NCAA’s official cap.
The Money Behind the Playbook
At the high end, star quarterbacks such as Arch Manning are reportedly receiving $2 million in direct payments from the University of Texas, not counting lucrative sponsorship deals that can push their total earnings above $5 million annually.
Sarkisian points out that the NCAA’s $20.5 million cap does not encompass these third‑party NIL deals, creating a loophole that top‑spending programs exploit to gain a competitive edge.
With enforcement mechanisms weak, he argues that all schools are effectively finding ways to pay players to win, a reality that could reshape the balance of power in college football.