How Much Do Top CFB Players Make in Transfer Portal? Latest Insight on NIL Contracts

The cost of constructing a competitive college football roster is seemingly only rising.

The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr. surveyed a handful of general managers, personnel staffers and agents about how much transfer portal additions cost, and things have gotten more expensive.

According to Khan, a Power 4 starting quarterback's price starts at $1 million, up from $750,000 last year, and can get up to $4 million and even higher.

"If you don't spend a million, you ain't getting 'em," one Power 4 GM said.

On3's Pete Nakos reported that quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, agreed to a $5 million NIL deal for the 2026 campaign.

Khan noted that new Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker signed a reported two-year, $7.5 million deal.

While quarterbacks reportedly make the most money of any position in the portal, offensive tackles and defensive linemen don't fall far behind. Per Khan's report, offensive tackles range from $600,000 to $1.3 million, edge rushers range from $500,000 to $2 million and interior defensive linemen earn $500,000 to $1.5 million.

"Good offensive tackles, you're looking at a minimum of $750,000," said a Power 4 front office staffer.

As far as skill players go, Khan noted that running backs can earn between $400,000 to $900,000, wide receivers range from $500,000 to $1 million and tight ends can make $300,000 to $900,000.

One general manager emphasized the importance of running backs in the portal.

"There's 136 FBS teams, and if everyone is using two backs regularly, that means people are trying to find 272 good running backs," the GM told Khan. "I'm not sure there are as many good backs as teams are looking for, so schools are willing to pay more."

There isn't quite as much money to be made on the defensive side, but it's still significant. According to Khan, cornerbacks can make between $250,000 to $1 million while safeties range from $250,000 to $900,000.

The ceiling isn't quite as high for linebackers and interior offensive linemen. Khan noted that linebackers can earn $200,000 to $750,000, and interior offensive linemen range from $200,000 to $700,000.

It's no secret that Power 4 schools are paying top dollar for their rosters, but Group of 5 schools reportedly had rosters that ranged from $1 million to $10 million.