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Miami Hurricanes football is back! Or so it seems.
Mario Cristobal’s bunch is fresh off a shellacking of instate rival Florida, beating the Gators 41-17 in The Swamp to emphatically announce their return to national prominence.
The program paid an arm and a leg to do so, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.
Miami’s NIL presence has always been well-known. LifeWallet CEO John Ruiz made the Hurricanes an immediate player in the name, image, and likeness space by doling out millions to bring talent to South Florida.
While his involvement with the program has since faded given some recent financial troubles, the school’s attitude towards utilizing NIL to build its roster hasn’t budged.
In fact, this season’s football roster is reportedly among the most expensive in the sport.
Miami Hurricanes spent insane money to bolster their football roster.
“They’re spending roughly over $15 million,” Nakos said. “I’ve had sources tell me that, altogether on this year’s roster.”
Miami’s investment paid off on the recruiting trail where they were able to convince top prospects to spurn notable programs in order to sign with The U.
They also cleaned up in the transfer portal with QB Cam Ward headlining a Top 10 transfer class.
The Hurricanes are competing with the likes of Ohio State, who was said to have spent even more to keep its current roster intact, as well as Oregon, who boasts “unlimited” NIL funds due to alum Phil Knight.
That’s the new way of the world in college football. Miami is doing its part to keep up, though it hasn’t come without drama.
The ‘Canes were accused of being the biggest cheaters in the NIL era by one Oklahoma State reporter earlier this offseason, saying the school unsuccessfully tampered with Cowboys stars Ollie Gordon and Nick Martin.
Miami didn’t land that duo, but they reeled in other big fish on the trail with that NIL power.
Thus far, it’s paid off. We’ll see if they can make more noise in ACC play to make a College Football Playoff run.