Syracuse football has an estimated roster budget of $17 million to $22 million, which is among the lowest for power-conference teams, according to a report.
The Athletic recently published a detailed report outlining the estimated roster budgets of the 68 programs in the power-four conferences (the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and SEC), along with Notre Dame. The Orange checks in at No. 53 overall, with West Virginia directly ahead of SU and Colorado right behind the 'Cuse.
An SU Athletics spokesperson declined to comment on The Athletic's report.
Topping the list is powerhouse Ohio State, with a range of $49 million to $54 million. Miami, viewed as the Atlantic Coast Conference's best team these days, especially after advancing to the College Football Playoff national championship game last season, is No. 6 overall, at $44 million to $50 million.
Checking in last around the country is another ACC member, Boston College, at $8 million to $13 million. That's a huge disparity from the top teams nationally, including the Hurricanes.
Syracuse football's estimated roster budget is near the ACC's bottom.
Here is how the ACC shakes out:
1. Miami, $44 million to $50 million
2. Clemson, $29 million to $32 million
3. Virginia Tech, $25 million to $30 million
4. Florida State, $23 million to $30 million
5. Georgia Tech, $23 million to $26 million
6. N.C. State, $22 million to $26 million
7. Louisville, $22 million to $25 million
8. North Carolina, $20 million to $25 million
9. California, $20 million to $24 million
9. Virginia, $20 million to $24 million
11. SMU, $21 million to $23 million
12. Syracuse, $17 million to $22 million
13. Pittsburgh, $16 million to $20 million
13. Stanford, $16 million to $20 million
13. Wake Forest, $16 million to $20 million
16. Duke, $12 million to $15 million
17. Boston College, $8 million to $13 million
SU's placement within the ACC is not a surprise. Miami being on top is also not a surprise. What is a little surprising is SMU at No. 11, as the Mustangs are one of the conference's best teams, and they have been since joining the ACC in 2024.
By and large, on a national scale, The Athletic's report indicates that the top teams in college football are often (but not always) the top spenders in terms of their estimated roster budgets. Can Syracuse, which is 1-2 overall so far in the 2026 season, consistently have successful campaigns if it hovers near the back of the ACC and also nationally with its roster budget?
Perhaps, but it will be tough.
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