Miami Hurricanes benefactor John Ruiz named NIL Most Impactful Person

Miami Hurricanes benefactor John Ruiz has been named by On3 as their NIL Most Impactful Person in 2022. Ruiz has led the Miami surge in Name, Image and Likeness that helped the Miami athletic program secure dozens of athletes in 2022. Ruiz has signed college athletes from multiple programs to over $10 million in NILs.

Ruiz has made an impact with NIL that extends beyond revenue sports football and men’s basketball. Miami basketball players Haley and Hana Cavinder were already among the highest-paid athletes through NIL when they transferred from Fresno State this summer. The Cavinders’ NIL is valued over $1.7 million combined.

Miami basketball player Nijel Pack who transferred from Kansas State received a two-year $800,000 deal that includes the use of a car for promoting Ruiz’s company Life Wallet. The deal with Pack drew the ire of Alabama head coach Nick Saban who inferred that it is akin to buying players.

The deal with Pack opened up a discussion with the NCAA. Rumors have revolved around Ruiz regarding Miami NILs. Ruiz frequently interacts with people on social media regarding what is real, inaccurate and educates people about how NILs work. Ruiz is a critical part of the future of Miami Hurricanes athletics.

On3 reported that Ruiz has agreed to deals with 110 active athletes from multiple sports that includes  Ohio State softball player Hannah Bryan. The deals by Ruiz are unmatched by anyone in college sports in the observation by On3. Ruiz has helped Miami to the forefront of NIL while it is still in its infancy.

Some of the criticism for Miami has centered around a 5-7 inaugural season under Mario Cristobal. After Miami ended the Early National Signing Period with the fourth-best consensus class nationally, rivals have taken to social media to say Miami bought its class. In the era of NIL, it doesn’t matter.