When it comes to college football’s grand stage of value and allure, it seems the University of Texas stands tall above the rest. The Athletic recently crunched the numbers and ranked Texas as the most valuable college football program, boasting a robust $2.38 billion valuation. This assessment didn’t just pull numbers out of a hat; it factored in history, demographics, and even recent conference reshuffles, topped off with comparisons to sales figures from professional leagues like the NBA and NFL.
Texas isn’t just leading the pack — it’s blazing a trail with revenue figures that leave the competition in the dust. The Longhorns not only topped the $200 million mark in the recent financial reports but did so with a commanding lead. No other program came within $25 million of Texas over the last two years. Even though the burnt orange hasn’t seen a national championship since 2005, the Longhorns’ consistent College Football Playoff appearances over the past couple of seasons underscore their formidable presence on the gridiron. Add the prestige of joining the SEC, and Texas looks more like a rock-solid investment than just a team.
The value of the Longhorns is likened to the 2018 sale of the Carolina Panthers, which went for nearly $2.3 billion. That’s a lofty comparison, but one the University of Texas lives up to with its sheer revenue-generating prowess.
Following Texas, the rankings placed Georgia and Ohio State in the second and third spots, a testament to their storied traditions and sustained success. Both programs have been major players on the national stage, adding to their impressive valuations.
Historic programs like Notre Dame and Michigan also held their ground with strong valuations, affirming their long-standing impact and national fanbases.
Here’s how the heavyweights stack up:
- Texas at $2.38 billion
- Georgia at $1.92 billion
- Ohio State at $1.9 billion
- Notre Dame at $1.85 billion
- Michigan at $1.83 billion
- Alabama at $1.74 billion
- Oklahoma at $1.49 billion
- USC at $1.4 billion
- Tennessee at $1.37 billion
- LSU at $1.23 billion
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Houston ranks with the lowest valuation of $91 million. Cincinnati and Wake Forest also find themselves toward the lower end of the list.
This appraisal of Texas as college football’s crown jewel is likely to stir some debate and discussion among fans and analysts alike. The Longhorns’ potent mix of tradition, marketability, and recent competitive stature may indeed make Texas seem like the most valuable slice of the college football pie.
