South Carolina spends more than several programs with far deeper trophy cabinets. The Gamecocks’ 2026 roster budget is estimated at $32 to $35 million, which puts them ahead of Georgia, Auburn, Oklahoma and Missouri in the reported SEC table.
| SEC program | Estimated 2026 roster budget |
|---|---|
| Tennessee | Reported above $40M |
| South Carolina | $32M to $35M |
| Auburn | $31M to $35M |
| Florida | $31M to $41M |
| Georgia | $31M to $34M |
| Oklahoma | $28M to $34M |
| Missouri | $27M to $30M |
Estimates published by The Athletic in September 2026. Roster budgets are not disclosed.
Spending Above Its History
The notable comparison is Georgia. The Bulldogs have won national titles this decade and are estimated at $31 to $34 million, marginally below South Carolina. That is the clearest sign that the spending table and the winning table have not yet converged, and that a program willing to commit can buy its way into the same band as a champion.
South Carolina opened 2026 by shutting out Kent State 57-0, though the schedule gets considerably harder from there. The budget suggests the Gamecocks intend to compete rather than survive in an SEC where the top end now clears $40 million.
Reading These Numbers
Nothing here is disclosed. The Athletic noted that everyone close to these figures has an incentive to shade them, and On3 changed its valuation model on July 1, 2026 from estimating marketing potential to tracking contract value, so figures from before and after measure different things.
Our explainer on NIL valuation versus actual earnings covers the distinction, and the Gamecocks’ season is on our South Carolina schedule page.
The Bottom Line
South Carolina’s roster budget is estimated at $32 to $35 million, ahead of Georgia, Auburn, Oklahoma and Missouri and second only to Tennessee among the SEC programs reported.