What LSU reportedly spent to rebuild Lane Kiffin’s roster hit a record high

LSU Tigers football didn’t just reload in the transfer portal, but reportedly reset the market. 

According to a report from On3's Pete Nakos, multiple Power Four general managers believe LSU has assembled the most expensive roster in college football entering the 2026 season, exceeding $40 million in total payroll. The aggressive spending spree came during the winter transfer portal window under new head coach Lane Kiffin.

“We’re going to have multiple rosters over $40 million in college football this season,” one Power Four general manager told On3, with 10 of 14 personnel staffers surveyed identifying LSU as the top spender.

The Tigers ranked No. 2 in the On3 Team Transfer Portal Rankings after landing 40 transfers, highlighted by Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and Ole Miss EDGE rusher Princewill Umanmielen.

“They got the most expensive roster in the sport,” one SEC general manager said.

Leavitt’s deal reportedly climbed into the $6 million range, placing him alongside Brendan Sorsby of Texas Tech and Darian Mensah of Miami among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the portal cycle.

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Seaton, who is viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL draft, may have commanded between $3 million and $6 million alone, according to SEC NIL operators.

While LSU led the spending race, Texas, Texas Tech and Miami were frequently mentioned among other high-dollar programs. Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Indiana were also cited as active bidders in several recruiting battles.

With revenue sharing now fully implemented, it's a new financial frontier for college football. For Kiffin and LSU, the investment brings "championship or bust" expectations in Baton Rouge. Whether anyone likes it or not, a rapidly escalating arms race is happening across the sport.

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• Why Fernando Mendoza tried committing to Georgia but failed 
• Nebraska finally admits Big Ten hasn't worked and wanted out
• Demond Williams bombshell could've resulted in Lane Kiffin being fired at LSU