Updated Saturday, September 5, 2026. Figures are reported estimates; USC does not publish its payroll. Refreshes after each portal window.
USC’s reported roster cost of $34.2 million ranks 13th nationally, but its reputation in the industry runs ahead of that number. An SEC front office staffer told CBS Sports that Miami, Oregon, USC, Texas and Texas A&M are the five programs in their own category, the places a player goes if he wants the most money. The Trojans’ NIL 100 presence is unusual: a high school recruit and a basketball guard, not a current football starter.
| Player | Sport / Pos | On3 valuation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honor Fa’alave Johnson | Football, ATH (2027 recruit) | $2.4M | A high school commit valued above every current USC player |
| KJ Lewis | Basketball, SG | $2M |
On3 NIL 100 as of September 4, 2026, deal based model.
How USC Spends
USC’s roster money is spread across a lineup with five freshman starters and no single seven figure headline, which is why the Trojans do not show up at the top of the individual list despite the insider reputation. The $2.4 million attached to a 2027 recruit is the tell: USC is paying at the front end, in recruiting, more than it is paying to buy proven starters out of the portal. The Trojans are 2 and 0 after beating San Jose State and Fresno State.
The Bottom Line
USC’s reported $34.2 million roster is 13th nationally, with the money going into recruiting and depth rather than a marquee transfer. National context is on most expensive rosters and highest NIL valuations. Related: USC depth chart, when USC plays next.