College football 2026: How much does a Power 4 starter earn?
We talked to general managers, staffers and agents from around the nation to put a price on each position.
The conversation around college football player compensation has reached a fever pitch, and our latest research provides unprecedented insight into the going rate for Power 4 starters. By gathering intel from general managers, staffers, and agents, we've been able to put a price on each position, giving fans and industry insiders a better understanding of the business side of the sport. This matters because it highlights the growing chasm between the top programs and the rest, as well as the increasing pressure on colleges to provide a return on investment for their athletes.
The figures we obtained show that top-tier college football players can command significant sums, with some positions fetching seven-figure deals. This is a far cry from the amateur model that has long defined college athletics. As the NCAA continues to grapple with name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, it's clear that the market is driving change. College football programs are now operating more like professional teams, with top recruits and transfers commanding hefty endorsement deals and salary-like compensation.
So what's next? As we head into the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how these compensation trends impact team rosters and recruiting strategies. Will Power 4 programs continue to dominate the landscape, or will smaller schools find ways to compete in the NIL market? Tour will be keeping a close eye on these developments, and fans can expect more in-depth analysis and expert commentary on the business and sports sides of college football.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.