What is the expected salary for top quarterbacks in the 2026 transfer portal?

Top transfer quarterbacks are expected to command offers of $4 million to $5 million annually.

How do compensation ranges differ between Power 4 and Group of 5 schools?

Power 4 schools offer significantly higher compensation, with top transfers potentially earning millions, while Group of 5 schools typically offer under $500,000 for most positions.

Which positions other than quarterback are most expensive in the transfer portal?

Offensive tackles and edge rushers are also highly valued, with good starters commanding high six figures to over a million dollars.

Home / Sports / Portal Prices Explode: QBs Fetch $5M Amid NIL Boom

Portal Prices Explode: QBs Fetch $5M Amid NIL Boom

5 Jan

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Summary

Quarterbacks are the highest paid, with top stars potentially earning $5 million.
Offensive tackles and edge rushers follow QBs in high demand and compensation.
Group of 5 schools offer significantly lower compensation than Power 4 programs.

Portal Prices Explode: QBs Fetch $5M Amid NIL Boom

The landscape of college football compensation has fundamentally shifted, with transfer portal prices reaching unprecedented heights due to direct NIL payments. Quarterbacks, particularly highly sought-after talents, are at the forefront, with projections indicating top prospects could secure offers of $5 million by 2026. This surge significantly impacts team payrolls as general managers navigate eight-figure budgets in the Power 4 conferences.

Beyond quarterbacks, key positions like offensive tackles and edge rushers are also seeing substantial increases in their market value. Good starting offensive tackles now command at least $750,000, while elite edge rushers can approach or exceed $2 million. These costs reflect the immediate impact transfers provide compared to traditionally recruited athletes.