The Texas Longhorns made history in the 2023-24 fiscal year, recording over $325 million in operating expenses.
This marks the highest ever reported figure by a Division I public school since the NCAA began tracking finances in 2005.
The news, first revealed through an open records request by USA TODAY, has sparked strong reactions from college football fans.
While Texas set the benchmark, Ohio State followed closely behind, spending $292.3 million – a figure that coincided with the Buckeyes winning a national championship.
The two programs met in the College Football Playoff semifinal, where Ohio State claimed a 28-14 victory before securing the title against Notre Dame.
Despite the unprecedented expenses, Texas still managed to turn a profit, bringing in $7 million in revenue, according to Front Office Sports.
Meanwhile, Ohio State reported a $37 million loss.
The Longhorns also led in donations, receiving $133.9 million in contributions – nearly $48 million more than the previous fiscal year.
Texas, Ohio State, and Oregon also ranked at the top in NIL spending, reflecting the growing financial impact of college athletics.
Longhorns fans largely supported the school’s aggressive spending strategy, with one fan urging, “Keep spending. We need a football trophy!”
Another confidently stated, “(Every) program just keep on hating because you ain’t Texas.”
However, others were quick to point out Texas’ lack of a national title despite the heavy investments.
One fan skeptically asked, “And…uh…how many championships did they win?”
Another shot back, “Did they win anything or just turn a profit??”
Adding fuel to the conversation, Georgia fans didn’t miss the chance to remind Texas of its two losses to the Bulldogs in 2024 – once in the regular season and again in the SEC Championship Game.
One Georgia fan bluntly stated, “Still can’t beat UGA!”, while another added, “All that to lose twice to UGA.”
Texas will have an opportunity to prove its spending pays off when it opens the 2025 season against Ohio State, a rematch of their College Football Playoff showdown.
Additionally, the Longhorns will get a chance at revenge against Georgia when they travel to face the Bulldogs on Nov. 15.
With Texas continuing to dominate financially, the big question remains: Will the investment finally bring a national championship to Austin?
In the bigger picture, what do you make of the spending and all of the ways that NIL and the transfer portal have changed college football???
