The future of the Miami Hurricanes could be determined by three big summer events in college football. The NCAA violating antitrust laws by limiting education-related benefits, the ability for athletes to earn money for their own name, image and likeness and the potential of college football playoff expansion are critical.
All three events could have an impact on the Miami Hurricanes’ future. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this week that the NCAA violated antitrust laws by placing limits on education-related benefits. NCAA members will now be able to provide athletes with unlimited compensation connected to education.
The ability for athletes to earn money for their own NIL could benefit the Miami football program. Most college football recruits build big social media followings. Athletes in six states, including Florida, will have the ability to earn money off their own NIL without being punished by the NCAA.
That should help Miami in recruiting. South Florida will offer opportunities to athletes in the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Miami athletes could have more opportunities than ones who matriculate at state schools in more traditional college towns.
Elite college basketball and football players are not likely to be as affected by where they play. It is estimated former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence could have earned $1.23 million per year off his own NIL. Miami QB D’Eriq King would be projected to earn about $100,000 with his NIL.
The convergence of the three big stories that will affect Miami most on the field is the potential expansion of the college football playoff. The four-team college football playoff is guaranteed through the 2022 season. A potential expansion to 12 teams is possible as early as 2023 but not likely until 2026.
In the seven years of the college football playoff, Miami would have only made a 12 team field in 2017. The Hurricanes signed the 11th ranked class in 2021. If Miami can continue to sign top 15 classes in the next two recruiting cycles, they will have a legitimate chance to contend for the College football playoff in 2022 or 2023.