In response to a recent report claiming that the University of Texas football roster carries an estimated cost of $40 million, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte addressed the speculation by reaffirming the university’s dedication to excellence in athletics and its long-term investment in building a national championship-caliber program.
The report, which surfaced earlier this week, suggests that the Longhorns’ football roster may be among the most expensive in college sports, driven by a combination of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, facilities, staff salaries, and operational support. While the exact breakdown of the $40 million figure remains speculative, it has sparked widespread debate across the college athletics community about the evolving nature of amateur sports in the NIL era.
Del Conte, speaking to media and university supporters, neither confirmed nor denied the figure, but emphasized that the University of Texas is fully committed to maintaining its place among the elite programs in college football. “It’s no secret that the landscape of college athletics has changed dramatically in recent years,” he said. “At Texas, we’re committed to supporting our student-athletes with the best resources, education, coaching, and opportunities available. That takes a serious investment, and we’re proud of that commitment.”
He continued, “People may focus on the number, but what really matters is the value behind that investment. Every dollar goes toward helping our athletes grow, compete, and succeed—not just on the field, but in life. We’re building a championship culture, and that means putting in the work and the resources to match our goals.”
Del Conte highlighted several areas where financial commitment has directly contributed to program success. These include improvements in training facilities, expanded support staff such as nutritionists and mental health professionals, and enhanced academic resources for student-athletes. He also pointed out that Texas is fully compliant with NIL regulations and continues to work with student-athletes to ensure they can benefit from their personal brands in a fair and ethical manner.
Critics of the report argue that the $40 million figure may conflate multiple areas of spending that are not directly tied to player compensation. Others note that the attention-grabbing number overshadows the broader mission of collegiate athletics: education, leadership development, and community impact.
Despite the debate, Del Conte remains focused on the bigger picture. “We’re not just chasing headlines or short-term wins,” he said. “We’re building a sustainable model that ensures Texas remains a leader in college athletics for decades to come.”
As the Longhorns prepare for their move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the 2024–25 season, expectations are higher than ever. With that transition comes increased competition, exposure, and financial demands. Del Conte and the university administration appear ready to meet those challenges head-on, signaling to fans, recruits, and the broader sports world that Texas is all in.
“We have one goal—championships,” Del Conte concluded. “And we’re doing everything necessary to achieve that, the right way.”
