College football salary data is evolving fast. Last year, ESPN looked at Power 4 starter pay at every position. This year, they surveyed more than a dozen general managers and agents at the Personnel and Recruiting Symposium in Nashville to define 2026 price ranges. The sport's most competitive programs have spent far beyond $20 million for their rosters this offseason. SEC and Big Ten programs continue to outspend the Big 12 and ACC. One agent noted the gap between good and elite feels greater than ever.

Quarterbacks are the most expensive position, with a typical range of $1 million to $3 million. Darian Mensah was the extreme outlier, earning $8 million before settling with Duke. Now, Sam Leavitt and Brendan Sorsby pushed the top of the market into the $4 million to $5 million range. Oregon's Dante Moore signed a $54 million contract but preferred to stay in school. SEC GMs said quality QBs are $1 million to $2 million, while Big Ten and SEC teams can pay $2 million to $3 million plus bonuses for elite play.

Running backs have seen a steep rise. Elite backs are valued at $750,000 to $1 million, while the sweet spot for many teams sits at $500,000 to $600,000. Tennessee's David Gabriel Georges reportedly earned $2 million per year, raising eyebrows in the industry. The elimination of the spring transfer portal created urgency in December and January, but the market remains opaque.