Brian Kelly Reveals LSU Roster Costs 'About $18M' in NIL Money for 2025 CFB Season

LSU football head coach Brian Kelly said on his weekly radio show Thursday that the Tigers' 2025 roster costs "about $18 million" this year.

Reed Darcey of The Advocate relayed the news on from Kelly, further noting that the funds are a combination of NIL (name, image and likeness) funds and money that collegiate athletic departments can now share with student-athletes following the House settlement.

Darcey also provided more insight on how LSU has spent its funds over the past few years.

"LSU spent $5.5 million on the roster last season, the general counsel of Bayou Traditions previously told The Advocate, and $11 million over the previous three years combined. The Tigers went 9-4 last year during Kelly's third season.

"As a result of the landmark House settlement, teams now have more money to spend. Schools across the country can share up to $20.5 million with their players during the 2025-26 academic year.

"LSU, like many in the SEC, allocated $13.5 million for its football program. Kelly and general manager Austin Thomas previously said that money will be split between the 2025 and 2026 teams because payments operate on the academic calendar."

LSU sports the No. 1 transfer class this year, per 247Sports. That group includes 12 4-star transfers. The Tigers also have the 10th-best incoming high school class of 2025, per the 247Sports Composite ranking.

The Tigers clearly went to work recently, hoping to break into the 12-team College Football Playoff after falling well short last season. Of note, the Tigers didn't even land in the final 25-team CFP ranking. LSU finished the year 9-4 (5-3 SEC) with a win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl.

LSU will find out how its roster stacks up quickly with the team facing a tough test at No. 4 Clemson on Saturday, Aug. 30. The Tigers are facing seven teams ranked in the Top 25 of the preseason Associated Press poll overall, including No. 8 Alabama on the road and No. 13 South Carolina at home.