Money talks in college football, now more than ever. That's certainly been true for the LSU football program.

The team's NIL budget ballooned this past offseason as the program asked donors to up investments in response to high school quarterback Bryce Underwood's surprise de-commitment. That push resulted in a star-studded transfer portal class regarded as the nation's best.

But how much does the team's chief make? USA TODAY Sports' recently released salary database revealed where head coach Brian Kelly ranks among the nation's coaches.

Kelly's total pay for this year is $10,175,000, according to USA TODAY Sports. That places him eighth among NCAA football coaches.

Three SEC coaches rank ahead of Kelly — Georgia's Kirby Smart at No. 1, Texas' Steve Sarkisian at No. 5 and Alaba

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