College football head coach salaries for 2026 ranked from most to least: Curt Cignetti, Kirby Smart and Lane Kiffin at $13 million down to the Group of Five, with every new hire’s contract and which private school figures are only estimates.
Kentucky spends an estimated $23 million to $26 million on its 2026 roster, below the SEC average, with quarterback Kenny Minchey and lineman Lance Heard at $2 million each.
BYU spends an estimated $25 million to $30 million on its 2026 roster, among the most in the Big 12, with quarterback Bear Bachmeier at $2 million and five star Ryder Lyons.
Vanderbilt spends an estimated $25 million to $28 million on its 2026 roster, 29th among power programs, built around five star quarterback Jared Curtis at $2 million.
North Carolina spends an estimated $20 million to $25 million on its 2026 roster, eighth in the ACC, while paying Bill Belichick $10 million a year. How UNC compares and where the money goes.
Oklahoma State spends an estimated $15 million to $19 million on its 2026 roster but pays quarterback Drew Mestemaker $3.5 million, the most in the Big 12, and beat a $48 million plus Oregon roster.
Arizona State spends an estimated $19 million to $23 million on its 2026 roster, just above the Big 12 average, with Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley replacing Sam Leavitt at quarterback.
Colorado spends an estimated $18 million to $21 million on its 2026 roster, 53rd nationally, after moving away from the Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter era. How the Buffs compare in the Big 12.
Washington spends an estimated $21 million to $25 million on its 2026 roster, below the Big Ten median, but pays quarterback Demond Williams Jr. more than $4 million after nearly losing him to the portal.
Florida State’s 2026 roster is reported to cost up to $30 million, fourth in the ACC, with seven figure transfer quarterbacks and an 8 and 18 record over 26 games. Where the money has gone.