Steve Sarkisian was blown away at the amount of burnt orange in the stands at Texas A&M. He was practically beginning Longhorn Nation for similar turnout at the SEC championship game in Atlanta.

“We’re going to need them again next week,” Sarkisian said. “So everybody’s got to dig a little deeper into their into their checkbooks, and we’ve got to buy these tickets in Atlanta.”

Even for Longhorns fans, this postseason may bankrupt a millionaire.

Texas (11-1) may have five games left this season, starting with the Georgia rematch Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If the Horns win, they’ll get a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs. If they lose, UT will likely host a first-round CFP game at Royal-Memorial Stadium.

At some point, between traveling to Atlanta, then New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, the semifinals (Cotton or Orange Bowls) and the championship game back in Atlanta, we’re talking about real money.

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At least the Longhorns are looking out for the players’ families.

This weekend, Texas players who make the 85-man travel squad are given six complimentary tickets, according to a school official. Players will also get six free tickets for each round of the CFP going forward.

For each CFP game, face-value tickets will cost anywhere from $100-$250, not including clubs and suite tickets.

For first-round home games, visiting teams are given 3,500 tickets. The visiting schools can then distribute the tickets however they wish. Texas has already taken orders from season ticket holders asking who wants their seats should the Horns host a first-round game.

If the Horns beat the Bulldogs this weekend, they’ll draw a first-round bye and play their next game in the Sugar Bowl. Already on Stubhub, secondary-market tickets are being listed for anywhere between $164 and $1,165.

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Let’s assume Texas wins in New Orleans and then advances to the semifinals. One of those games is the Cotton Bowl in Arlington; the other is the Orange Bowl in Miami. Secondary ticket-market prices range anywhere from $100 to $1,700.

The CFP championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is already out of this world. On Stubhub, tickets range from $1,156 to $4,348.

Ticket prices alone will set fans back. That doesn’t even begin to address airfare, hotel and food costs.

Each fan’s total cost will be different because of personal circumstances, who can cash in airline and hotel reward points and how many people can bunk up together. When this season is over, it’ll be fascinating to hear tales about how fans did it.

These games generate tens of millions for college football. At least the players’ families get some break as their sons drive the financial industry.