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The Texas Longhorns are arguably one of the most well-funded programs in college athletics. But particularly in college football, where the Horns have spent as much or more than almost any program in the nation on recruiting.

In fact, in 2022 alone, the Longhorns had a whopping $2.44 million recruiting budget. 

And now, one of the faces of college football is taking notice, with Alabama head coach Nick Saban taking a subtle jab at the Horns, alongside USC and Texas A&M, and how much money the programs have been spending in recent months.

“You think there’s disparity in college football right now? There’ll be a lot more in the future … I think the way Southern Cal, Texas and Texas A&M are spending money … it hasn’t hit yet. What are you willing to spend?

In one sense, Saban isn't wrong. The amount of money being poured into football programs via NIL and other revenue streams has reached an all-time high, with the Aggies, Trojans and Horns among the biggest spenders. 

However, Saban is also being a tad hypocritical here as well. The Crimson Tide program is recognized as one of the biggest spenders in the nation, spending $2.32 million of their own on recruiting in 2022 alone. 

Not to mention, the Tide's NIL collective - High Tide Traditions - is one of the largest in the country. 

In other words, Saban's message, while not inaccurate, rings a bit hollow. Especially coming from the head of one of the largest spending programs in the country. 

You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan

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