Steve Sarkisian denies claims Texas spent excessively to build roster, cites 'irresponsible reporting'

Bruce Feldman joins Colin Cowherd to break down Arch Manning’s expectations this season and what to expect from the Texas Longhorns.

The University of Texas at Austin's athletic department has long been heralded for its access to seemingly unmatched financial resources. 

The Texas Longhorns football program maintains arguably some of the best — if not the top — amenities in the nation.

Since the advent of name, image and likeness (NIL), there has been a noticeable uptick in the amount of financial resources programs across the U.S. have allocated to football, basketball and other sports. 

Ohio State reportedly built one of the country's most expensive rosters en route to January's national championship. 

Some have asserted Texas' spending heading into the 2025 campaign was on par with or even surpassed the $20 million the Buckeyes spent.

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Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns sings "The Eyes of Texas" after the Valero Alamo Bowl game against the Washington Huskies at the Alamodome Dec. 29, 2022, in San Antonio. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian denied the $40 million price tag linked to the Longhorns. 

Sarkisian referenced a recent Houston Chronicle column that highlighted Texas' roster payroll. The column accounted for revenue sharing and Texas NIL collective payouts. According to the outlet, revenue-sharing funds totaled $20.5 million. The total spent on the football team was reported to be between $35-$40 million.

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Sarkisian suggested $25 million was a more accurate figure for Texas' investment. He also hinted the $40 million