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The Miami Hurricanes will play for a national title in the 2025-26 college football season. They will pocket a large chunk of money as a result.
The ‘Canes are the beneficiaries of a recently adjusted league payout structure. The have rival Florida State to thank.
Miami went 10-2 during the regular season to earn a playoff bid. Despite not making the ACC title game, they were the only conference member invited to the 12-team field.
They’ve since gone on a run not many predicted at the start of the postseason.
Miami will play for a football national championship.
The Hurricanes have taken down the likes of Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss over the last three games. They now await the winner of Indiana-Oregon for the chance to win a college football crown.
Each of those wins will be accompanied by a significant payout. Below is the committee outline for CFP participation.
A conference will receive $4 million for each team that makes the 12-team CFP and an additional $4 million for each team to advance to the quarterfinals (eight schools).
A conference will receive $6 million for each team that advances to the semifinal (four schools) and an additional $6 million for each team that advances to the national championship game (two schools).
Each team that participates in the College Football Playoff will receive $3 million to cover expenses each round.
Conferences are paid out for each playoff participant. Most split that revenue amongst all teams in the league. The ACC does not.
Florida State forced a change.
The Seminoles threatened to leave the ACC ahead of the 2023 season.
The school sued the ACC as conference realignment took its course throughout the nation. The wanted out of the league. Much of the drama was money motivated.
Florida State is one of the sport’s most recognizable brands. They wanted to be paid as such.
The ACC’s media rights agreement with ESPN was far less than that of TV deals seen in the SEC and Big Ten, leaving less cash to split between members.
The Seminoles, ultimately, would not be able to get out of their ACC partnership. They would, however, force a change.
The ACC amended its payout structure to incentivize success and keep FSU happy. The most notable adjustment surrounded postseason play.
The league now rewards its playoff participants with larger sums. Money earned is not shared amongst all conference schools. The team competing for a national title pockets it all.
Miami is cashing in.
Since the ACC doesn’t split CFP payouts, Miami will pocket all $20 million from its national championship run.
Miami also gets $3 million in travel expenses for the national championship, but since it’s a home game at Hard Rock Stadium, that’s free money. pic.twitter.com/5vvdSjGtMN
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) January 9, 2026
For Clemson and SMU, that meant $4 million payouts for making the CFP field in 2024. For the Miami football program, it means much more.
The Hurricanes will get $20 million.
The opening round of the tournament comes with a $4 million payday. Teams are rewarded simply for making the field.
Advancement to the second round triggers another $4 million payout, followed by a $6 million total for earning a spot in the semifinals.
Miami has done all of those things and more. By booking its ticket to the national title game, their payout number increases by another $6 million.
In all, that’s $20 million for postseason success. Making the deal sweeter, they’ll also get paid $3 million for travel expenses to attend the championship contest, which will be played in… you guessed it – Miami!
The Hurricanes’ playoff run has been quite lucrative. It should only help the program continue its success moving forward.
Ironically, some of their thanks should be directed toward their biggest rival. Florida State helped make it possible!