Steve Sarkisian calls out report of $40 million Texas roster: 'It was a little bit irresponsible'

In late April, a report stated Texas would spend “between $35 million and $40 million” on the 2025 roster. Players would reportedly be paid through different avenues, including revenue sharing, once the House Settlement was finalized. A massive number for one of the sport’s most talented teams, even in today’s college football world.
Over a month later, Steve Sarkisian got a chance to comment on the report. He was not a fan, calling the story “irresponsible” and dismissing the idea of that much money being infused into his roster.
“It was a little bit of irresponsible reporting,” Sarkisian said. “It was one anonymous source said that’s what our roster was. I wish I had $40 million on our roster, we’d probably be a better team than we are.
“The idea to think that a lot of other schools aren’t spending money to get players. I mean, it’s the state of college football right now. It is what it is. Hey, we’re fortunate, don’t get me wrong. We’ve got great support… I wish I had another $15 million or so, though. I might have a little better roster.”
Coaches across the SEC are likely thankful Sarkisian does not have another $15 million at his disposal. Texas is already widely viewed as one of the best teams in college football. Preseason polls should be quite high on the Longhorns, potentially being the No. 1 overall team.
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But as Sarkisian states, money is being invested in these teams across college football. Only a few people may know the true number for Texas’ 2025 squad but Sarkisian is not a fan of the reported $40 million figure.
More on Texas roster, NIL Valuation of recent recruiting class
Texas has been recruiting at a high level since Sarkisian took over. Three out of the last four classes have been ranked inside the top five per the On3 Industry Team Rankings. Sixth place had to do during the 2024 cycle, one where the Longhorns signed Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Collin Simmons.
Last cycle saw Texas pull in the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, beating out the likes of Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, Ohio State, and Michigan. Five five-stars and 13 four-stars meant the blue chip ratio for the Texas class sat at 72%. The class’s average NIL Valuation was higher than anyone else too, sitting at $248,000. Michigan was the closest to matching them, coming in at $235,000.