Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth What College Football Spending Reveals About Higher Ed
Jan 16, 2026
Travis Hornsby, CEO of SLP Wealth and expert in student loans and higher education economics, dives into the stark contrast between soaring college football spending and student financial burdens. He highlights how lucrative TV deals have transformed football into a revenue generator while universities remain resistant to compensating student-athletes fairly. The discussion also explores the implications of looming loan caps on college enrollment, the realities of recruiting, and why professional degrees still offer high returns despite rising costs.
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How TV Deals Created The Football Cash Machine
- College athletics evolved into a massive profit center after mega TV deals raised revenue dramatically.
- Schools kept the amateur model for years to protect programs' viability and then profited from hypocrisy when TV money arrived.
TV Revenue Widens Conference Gaps
- Conferences with huge TV revenue (Big Ten, SEC) now distribute tens of millions per school annually.
- That cash lets big programs outspend rivals on NIL and coaching, widening competitive gaps.
The LSU–Ole Miss Coaching Soap Opera
- Travis describes LSU paying out roughly $140M for a coaching package that included buyouts and a $91M hire.
- The mid-season move unraveled Ole Miss's staff and highlighted how cash buys competitive advantage.