As the Texas Longhorns gear up for the 2025 season under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, they are making strategic moves to bolster their roster. With the dynamics of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era and the transfer portal, the Longhorns are poised to assemble a serious contender for a championship run. But the question that looms large is, just how much is Texas investing in its roster?
According to reports, Texas is expected to allocate between $35 million and $40 million for its player expenses next season. That significant figure reflects the addition of 10 new players acquired through the transfer portal, with more likely on the way as we approach the start of the season.
A source indicated that with the influx of these transfer players, the financial commitment to the upcoming roster is rising. This budget includes a revenue-sharing allotment projected to be around $20.5 million and contributions from the Texas One Fund. The investment is indicative of Texas’s ambition to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of college football.
Among the standout additions this offseason are former four-star defensive linemen Maraad Watson, Cole Brevard, and Travis Shaw. Watson’s transfer from Stanford, Brevard’s exit from Purdue, and Shaw stepping away from North Carolina highlight the Longhorns’ aggressive approach to recruitment, signaling they’re not just filling spots but aiming for impact players.
One of the headlines this season is quarterback Arch Manning, widely recognized as the highest-paid player on the Texas roster. What’s intriguing here is that his impressive earning potential doesn’t come from the university itself. Instead, Manning has successfully secured lucrative endorsement deals through his family’s efforts. His position at the top of the pay scale highlights a shift in how players are monetizing their talent outside of traditional school support.
However, this substantial investment into the roster may be part of a short-term strategy. The Longhorns’ athletic director, Chris Del Conte, has indicated plans to eventually shift away from the collective funding model and transition to a revenue-sharing framework in the near future. This approach not only reflects the unsustainable nature of such high expenditures but aims to align the program more closely with evolving financial realities in college sports.
As the Longhorns continue to build towards what they hope will be a successful season, it’s clear that they’re navigating uncharted waters in college athletics. The combination of talent acquisition and financial strategy will be crucial as they look to translate investment into on-field success in the ever-competitive realm of college football.
