Josh Heupel earns $9 million for 2025, ranking 12th nationally and 6th in SEC. Tennessee generates $124.9 million in football revenue with $1.37 billion program valuation ranking 9th nationally.
The Vols allocate $13.5 million (75%) of revenue sharing to football, while Spyre Sports NIL collective originally signed Nico Iamaleava to $8 million four-year deal before his shocking transfer to UCLA for just $1.5 million after demanding $4 million annually.
Explore the Tennessee Volunteers players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Jake Merklinger | Gaston Moore | Squirrel White |
| George MacIntyre | Khalifa Keith | Chris Brazzell II |
| Ryan Damron | Nate Spillman | Dont’e Thornton Jr. |
| DeSean Bishop | Braylon Staley | |
| Navy Shuler | Star Thomas | |
| Peyton Lewis | Dylan Sampson | |
| Hunter Barnes | Kaleb Webb | |
| Carson Whitehead | ||
| Nathan Leacock | ||
| Jackson Locke | ||
| Malcolm Kinzer | ||
| Nathan Roberts | ||
| Dayton Sneed | ||
| Trey Weary | ||
| Patrick Wilk | ||
| Mike Matthews | ||
| Jack-Henry Jakobik | ||
| Tommy Winton III | ||
| Nate Spillman |
Top 10 Highest Paid Tennessee Football Staff 2024-2025
| Rank | Name | Position | Annual Salary | Contract Length | Total Contract Value |
| 1 | Josh Heupel | Head Coach | $9,000,000 | Through 2028 | $36,000,000 |
| 2 | Tim Banks | Defensive Coordinator | $2,150,000 | Through 2027 | $6,450,000 |
| 3 | Joey Halzle | Offensive Coordinator | $1,500,000 | Through 2026 | N/A |
| 4 | Glen Elarbee | Offensive Line | $925,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 5 | Kelsey Pope | Wide Receivers | $850,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 6 | Mike Ekeler | Co-DC/Linebackers | $800,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 7 | Willie Martinez | Defensive Backs | $750,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 8 | Rodney Garner | Defensive Line | $700,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 9 | De’Rail Sims | Running Backs | $625,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 10 | Josh Crawford | Tight Ends | $575,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
Tim Banks’ $2.15 million defensive coordinator salary ranks 5th nationally among assistants.
His three-year extension increased compensation from $1.5 million after leading Tennessee to CFP quarterfinals, earning 2024 Broyles Award finalist recognition for nation’s top assistant coach.
Joey Halzle earns estimated $1.5 million as offensive coordinator. Tennessee’s total assistant pool of $7.135 million ranks 8th in SEC, trailing Alabama ($9.2M), Georgia ($16.8M), and LSU ($11.5M) but remaining competitive within conference’s middle tier.
Tennessee Football Program Revenue Breakdown 2024-2025
| Revenue Source | 2024 Amount | % of Total | Conference Rank | National Rank |
| Football Revenue | $124,900,000 | 100% | 5th SEC | 10th National |
| SEC Media Rights | $50,000,000 | 40.0% | Tied SEC | Top 15 |
| Ticket Sales | $42,000,000 | 33.6% | 3rd SEC | Top 12 |
| Contributions/Donations | $24,000,000 | 19.2% | 10th SEC | Top 25 |
| Licensing/Merchandise | $6,900,000 | 5.5% | 8th SEC | Top 25 |
| Other Revenue | $2,000,000 | 1.7% | N/A | N/A |
Tennessee generated $124.9 million in football revenue, ranking 10th nationally and 5th in SEC behind only Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and LSU.
The program’s $1.37 billion valuation places it 9th nationally, valued slightly below NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning franchise.
Neyland Stadium’s 101,915 capacity generates $42 million in ticket sales, 3rd-highest in SEC.
Tennessee’s passionate fanbase maintains sellout streaks despite years of mediocrity, though recent renovations and premium seating expansions increased revenue by 15% from $36.5 million in 2022.
Tennessee Top NIL Earners & Spyre Sports Drama
| Player Name | Position | Est. NIL Value | Top NIL Deal | Total Deals |
| Nico Iamaleava (left) | Quarterback | $2,000,000/yr | Spyre/4-year $8M | Multiple |
| Current Roster QB | Quarterback | $800,000 | Regional partners | 3+ deals |
| Dylan Sampson | Running Back | $600,000 | Local businesses | 4+ deals |
| James Pearce Jr | Edge Rusher | $550,000 | Multiple brands | 3+ deals |
| Dont’e Thornton | Wide Receiver | $450,000 | Regional deals | 2+ deals |
Nico Iamaleava’s $8 million four-year deal ($2M annually) with Spyre Sports made him college football’s highest-paid high school recruit.
He demanded $4 million annually in April 2025, transferred to UCLA after Tennessee refused, and ultimately signed for just $1.5 million—costing himself $500,000 annually plus Tennessee’s zero state income tax.
Tennessee allocates $13.5 million (75%) of revenue sharing to football starting 2025-26. Athletic director Danny White confirmed this figure, with remaining 25% ($4.5 million) distributed across other sports, demonstrating football-first revenue prioritization.
Spyre Sports’ Volunteer Club collective distributed $4 million to 130 Tennessee athletes in 2022 season with goals reaching $25 million fundraising.
Current football allocation estimated at $10-15 million annually trails Texas ($22M), Ohio State ($20M), and Oregon ($23M) but remains competitive within SEC.
How Much Does Josh Heupel Make at Tennessee?
Josh Heupel earns $9 million base salary annually through 2028, ranking 12th nationally and 6th in SEC.
His four-year contract includes $1.7 million maximum bonus potential, allowing total compensation reaching $10.7 million for national championship seasons.
Heupel’s bonus structure rewards CFP success heavily. He receives $150,000 for CFP first round, $200,000 for quarterfinals, $300,000 for semifinals, $500,000 for championship appearance, and $550,000 for winning national title, plus academic progress bonuses totaling $1.7 million maximum.
His buyout stands at $37.5 million as of December 2025, ranking 14th nationally and 6th in SEC.
Tennessee structured payments as lump sum or installments, though Heupel’s 40-14 record (.741 winning percentage) and CFP appearance make termination unlikely through 2028 contract expiration.
Tennessee vs Alabama: Which Program Spends More?
Josh Heupel’s $9 million salary trails Kalen DeBoer’s $10.25 million by $1.25 million. Tim Banks’ $2.15 million defensive coordinator salary exceeds Alabama DC Kane Wommack’s $1.7 million by $450,000, though Alabama’s combined coordinator spending ($2.7M) trails Tennessee’s ($3.65M) by $950,000 demonstrating different staff allocation philosophies.
Program revenue heavily favors Alabama at $140.6 million versus Tennessee’s $124.9 million, a $15.7 million gap (12.6% advantage).
Alabama’s contributions of $53.6 million more than double Tennessee’s $24 million, reflecting Crimson Tide’s sustained championship success driving premium donor fundraising.
Nico Iamaleava’s failed transfer demonstrates Tennessee’s NIL challenges competing with elite SEC programs.
His $2 million annual deal—college football’s highest for high school recruit—still couldn’t prevent defection when demanding more, exposing limitations versus Texas and Alabama’s deeper-pocketed collectives.
FAQs
How much does Josh Heupel make?
Josh Heupel earns $9 million annually through 2028, ranking 12th nationally. His maximum bonus potential of $1.7 million for CFP championships could push total compensation to $10.7 million.
What is Tim Banks’ salary?
Tim Banks earns $2.15 million as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator through 2027, ranking 5th nationally among assistants. His extension increased salary from $1.5 million after 2024 Broyles Award finalist recognition.
What happened to Nico Iamaleava’s $8 million NIL deal?
Nico Iamaleava left Tennessee’s $8 million four-year deal ($2M annually) demanding $4M, transferred to UCLA, and ultimately signed for just $1.5 million—losing $500,000 yearly plus Tennessee’s tax-free advantage.
How much does Tennessee make from football?
Tennessee football generated $124.9 million in fiscal year 2024, ranking 10th nationally and 5th in SEC. The program’s $1.37 billion valuation ranks 9th nationally per Athletic estimates.
