The biggest NIL deals in college sports for 2026: Darian Mensah’s reported $8 to $10 million move to Miami, the $10 million plus offer Jeremiah Smith turned down, Trinidad Chambliss’ $5 million plus revenue share deal, Louisville’s $20 million basketball roster and more.
How USC pays its 2026 roster: a reported $34.2 million football roster, 13th nationally, named by an SEC staffer as one of five programs in their own spending category, with 2027 recruit Honor Fa’alave Johnson already in the On3 NIL 100.
How Georgia pays its 2026 roster: a reported $34.2 million football roster, 12th nationally, with Gunner Stockton the only Bulldog in the On3 NIL 100, and why Georgia’s number is lower than its rivals’.
How Michigan pays its 2026 roster: a reported $32.4 million football roster, Bryce Underwood at $3 million, John Henry Daley at $2 million, and two $3 million basketball players.
How Texas Tech pays its rosters in 2026: a reported $36.3 million football roster, the biggest in the Big 12, plus JT Toppin at $4 million and Cruz Davis at $3 million in basketball.
How Alabama pays its 2026 roster: a reported $37.2 million roster, eighth nationally, with quarterback Keelon Russell and receiver Ryan Coleman Williams as the Tide’s entries in the On3 NIL 100.
How Oregon pays its 2026 roster: a reported $42.8 million roster, Dante Moore at $5 million after passing on the NFL draft, and five Ducks in the On3 NIL 100.
How LSU pays its 2026 roster: a reported $42.8 million roster that several sources say tops $50 million with incentives, Sam Leavitt at $4.5 million, Jordan Seaton at $4 million, and Lane Kiffin’s first portal class.
How Ohio State pays its 2026 roster: a reported $43.5 million roster, Jeremiah Smith at $5 million after turning down a $10 million plus portal offer, Julian Sayin at $2.5 million, and how the Buckeyes got from $20 million to $40 million in two years.
How Miami pays its 2026 roster: a reported $44 million roster, second nationally, Darian Mensah as the highest paid player in college football at $6.5 million, and seven Hurricanes in the On3 NIL 100, more than any school.