We all know the transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) have drastically changed how college sports, especially college football programs, operate. Many people wonder how much teams pay for their roster each year. The Athletic has done the research and estimated a roster budget for every Power Four team in college football.
How much did Colorado football spend on its 2026 roster
According to The Athletic's calculations, Colorado is a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 team, with the Buffaloes' roster budget projected at around $18-$21 million.
With that budget, the Buffs are right at the conference average, coming in at No. 9 in the Big 12. Nationally, Colorado has the 54th-lowest budget, ahead of only 14 teams, most of which are lower-level ACC programs and the remaining Big 12 schools. Texas Tech,
unsurprisingly, is the highest spending program in the Big 12 at $38-$42 million.
Where does the rest of college football stand
It shouldn't surprise you that the teams that spend the most are typically the ones in contention year after year. Program budgets that are $41 million or more have at least a 50% chance of making the College Football Playoffs this season. CU's budget gives it a less than 5% chance of making the playoffs.
Obviously, not every team can spend $40-plus million on its football program. Still, when teams like Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, and LSU can spend upwards of $54 million, it completely changes the roster-building game.
What it means for the future of Colorado
Considering 12 of the 16 Big 12 programs have ranges starting below $20 million, compared to six in the ACC and four in the Big Ten. With that in mind, Colorado is not in a poor position to compete in the Big 12, and when you can do that, you are in contention for a CFP spot each year, given the automatic bid given to conference champions.
Looking ahead, if athletic director Fernando Lovo and Deion Sanders can increase their budget to $25 million, Colorado would be a top-four team in the Big 12 in terms of roster spending.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football roster budget revealed for 2026
