Miami football has had biggest early impact on NIL

The Miami football program has been the most aggressive during the first 11 days that college athletes have been able to take advantage of their own name, image and likeness to earn money. Quarterback D’Eriq King has agreed to at least four endorsement deals thus far and numerous other Miami players have agreed to deals.

King opened his own online shop and announced the start of the podcast with Miami linebacker Ryan Ragone. King has embraced the NIL more than any other college athlete. Entering his sixth year in college, King has proven to be entrepreneurial. King has already announced he will share profits with other athletes.

The Miami football program is getting national recognition for its ability to grasp NIL and for multiple players signing deals. One of the questions being posed nationally is will Miami be able to keep more elite recruits home because of NIL? Elite prospects in South Florida often have an extensive social media presence.

Sporting News college football writer Bill Bender asked how NIL will affect the Miami football program. Will the Hurricanes be able to sign more five-star recruits because of the footprint they can create on social media and the earnings they can have as a result? Miami has a big advantage in a bigger market than other programs.

"“The Hurricanes have been the most aggressive school so far in terms of NIL deals. It’s the advantage of being in one of the largest FBS markets coupled with the desire to bring back a romanticized heyday that included five national championships from 1983-2001…Now, the program is pushing NIL with the most flair.”"

Miami is not alone as an ACC program in a big market. Georgia Tech, Boston College and Pittsburgh all play in cities with NFL teams. Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, North Carolina State are all in medium-size markets with more opportunities than more traditional college towns. The impact of NIL will continue to evolve.

All eyes will be on Miami as NIL deals continue to be made throughout collegiate athletics. The Hurricanes’ history of improprieties will be pointed out by the usual detractors throughout college football and beyond. The involvement of Golden Cane Dan Lambert helping the Miami football players sign deals will be watched.

Lambert offered the Miami football program $560,000 or $6000 per year for each Hurricanes player who agrees to the deal. Other Miami football players have agreed to their own deals separate from Lambert or King. The opportunities will continue to be there for Miami players. The hope is that it pays off in recruiting.