In a landmark valuation report by The Athletic, the University of Texas has been named the most valuable college football program in the country, boasting an eye-watering worth of $2.38 billion. The figure, verified and analyzed through coverage by On3 and The Spun, positions Texas as the only school to cross the $2 billion mark.
Industry analysts attribute this dominance to a mix of powerhouse revenue, elite recruiting access within Texas, unmatched branding, and the Longhorns’ move to the SEC—a shift expected to further boost TV revenues and national exposure.
Close contenders in the billion-dollar club include Georgia ($1.92 billion) and Ohio State ($1.90 billion), both benefiting from recent championship runs, strong fan bases, and lucrative home-game schedules. The report draws comparisons between these programs and professional franchises in terms of influence and commercial potential.
Iconic Programs Secure Top Spots: Notre Dame and Michigan Join the Elite
Rounding out the top five are college football’s historic powerhouses: Notre Dame ($1.85 billion) and Michigan ($1.83 billion). Notre Dame’s unique appeal lies in its national fanbase and exclusive media deals, while Michigan’s valuation is supported by a massive stadium, recent playoff appearances, and a deeply loyal fan culture.
Alabama—widely considered one of the most successful programs in college football history—lands at No. 6 with a valuation of $1.74 billion. Its dynasty under Nick Saban has translated into unmatched brand equity, particularly within the SEC.
According to On3, these valuations reflect not just on-field success, but the growing convergence between college sports and pro-level commercial ecosystems. Metrics like brand value, media rights potential, and market reach are now front and center.
The remainder of the top 10 underscores the dominance of the SEC and Big Ten:
- Oklahoma – $1.49B
- USC – $1.40B
- Tennessee – $1.37B
- LSU – $1.23B
Programs like USC and Oklahoma, soon integrating into or adjusting within the Big Ten and SEC respectively, are expected to gain further financial muscle as media deals and conference realignment reshape the college landscape.
Notably, several rising programs appear just outside the top ten, including Florida, Oregon, Texas A&M, Washington, and Florida State, with valuations ranging from $867 million to $1.2 billion. These rankings suggest that even beyond the bluebloods, college football is evolving into a lucrative battleground where brand power and conference strength drive long-term value.
Financial Power Defines the Future of College Football
The Athletic’s valuation model blends elements from professional sports finance—franchise comparisons, revenue multipliers, and media exposure—with college-specific traits like fan loyalty, tradition, and alumni reach. Analysts view this as a preview of what college football might look like in an era of private equity, NIL deals, and media consolidation.
The 2025 rankings offer a snapshot of how deep-rooted legacies and financial firepower are shaping the sport’s hierarchy. As the Big Ten and SEC continue to flex their influence, the billion-dollar value tags signal a future where college programs operate—and compete—like professional sports giants.
Sources:
https://thespun.com/college-football/the-athletic-names-most-valuable-college-football-program
https://www.on3.com/news/the-athletic-ranks-top-25-most-valuable-college-football-programs