Name, Image and Likeness has been a major factor in college sports today, especially with football being the biggest moneymaking sport in the NCAA. Talent is spread out more these days due to NIL, and teams are spending money to secure the very best players.
CBS Sports ranked the most expensive college football rosters in 2026, and the Georgia Bulldogs were ranked below four other SEC programs in NIL spending. Georgia is in the second tier of NIL spenders.
What CBS’ Chris Hummer and John Talty said about Georgia’s roster
“Georgia isn't as flashy or outward in its spending as some others, but college football's most recent back-to-back champions have adapted to the new era with a roster in the upper-$30-million range," Hummer and Talty said. "Most of that money is allocated via high school, where the Bulldogs
have signed four straight top seven classes.
"Georgia is also smart about filling holes via the portal, including making big splashes (and paydays) for those like defensive lineman Amaris Williams and wide receiver Isiah Canion. Still, there are skeptics about whether Georgia's spending is truly elite after early NIL challenges. "
"I don't think they are there with the current roster," says one SEC source. "You don't find yourself in a bidding war with Georgia very much."
SEC programs ranked ahead of Georgia
LSU is ranked near the top as they’ve spent more than $40 million on their transfer-heavy roster. The Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies also rank ahead of Georgia in NIL spending.
Ole Miss and Tennessee are the two SEC programs in the same tier as Georgia, which is just below $40 million.
NIL has become very significant, and college football is seeing the impact, but the competition will get even more fierce between programs as it goes along. Even with Georgia not being ranked as the top spender in that regard, the Bulldogs still have a very talented team and are among the best teams in college football.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia football ranked below 3 SEC programs in NIL spending
