College football’s mega rosters aren’t delivering a return on investment as LSU, Texas A&M and Oregon prove

Key Points:

• This past weekend in college football featured several chaotic outcomes, with major upsets and disappointing performances causing fan bases and donors to panic despite significant financial investments in rosters and coaching.
• LSU, after spending over $100 million on new coaching and players, suffered a surprising overtime loss to Kentucky, fueling frustration with head coach Lane Kiffin and skepticism about the team’s ability to finish games.
• Texas A&M continued to struggle under coach Mike Elko, falling to Missouri in a lopsided defeat; Elko controversially criticized a major fan website amid growing dissatisfaction from donors and supporters expecting immediate results.
• UCLA, coached by Bob Chesney, impressed with an undefeated record and a strong win over Oregon, highlighting the contrast between programs spending heavily but underperforming and those showing cohesion and heart.
• Texas suffered a shocking last-second loss to Oklahoma, raising questions about quarterback Arch Manning’s development and the team’s offensive strategy under Steve Sarkisian, signaling potential challenges ahead despite high expectations.