If you’re the Miami Hurricanes, the season couldn’t be off to a better start. Currently ranked No. 2 in the country, Miami is enjoying one of its best seasons in years with a roster built to compete for a College Football Playoff berth, if not more.
Fourth-year head coach Mario Cristobal, a relentless and aggressive recruiter, is finally seeing his hard work pay off at his alma mater. But as much as Cristobal has excelled at acquiring talent, the new era of college football revolves around player compensation through name, image and likeness (NIL).
Miami has one of the nation’s strongest NIL collectives through Canes Connection, but it may soon be getting an even bigger boost — from someone Hurricane fans might not have expected.
On a recent episode of The 3 Knockdown Rule Podcast, UFC CEO and president Dana White appeared as a guest. When asked if he planned to make a “sizeable donation” to Miami’s NIL funds, White gave a response that should excite every Hurricanes fan.
“More than likely, the answer is yes,” White said, while throwing up The U.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, White’s estimated net worth is $500 million, with an annual salary of around $20 million.
Dana White Says He’s a Miami Hurricanes Fan Now
Before Miami’s season opener against Notre Dame on August 31, White appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, telling the host that he’d be attending the game. The reason? His daughter had just started classes at the University of Miami.
“I’m coming back here for the Notre Dame-Miami game,” White told McAfee. “So I’ll be there for that. I’m becoming a Miami fan now. I’m a Hurricane.”
That comment alone had Hurricanes fans buzzing at the idea that one of the biggest figures in combat sports might soon be financially backing their program. His recent remarks confirming he’ll “more than likely” contribute only amplify that excitement.
“I went to my first game, the Notre Dame game, and I met everybody,” White said. “I think I’m getting positioned to get hit up for… I see it coming. I see the writing on the wall.”
White said he’s long been a fan of Boston teams — the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots — but never had a college allegiance until now.
“This is my first college experience, and I’m really looking forward to it,” White said. “And could I have come at a better time?”
Miami Hurricanes Rank No. 2 in the Country
White’s right — there couldn’t be a better time to join the Miami bandwagon. The No. 2 Hurricanes are off to a 5-0 start with three ranked wins on their résumé against Notre Dame, South Florida and rival Florida State.
After a second bye week in three weeks, Miami will return to action in Week 8 for an ACC matchup against Louisville at home on Friday night. A win over the 4-1 Cardinals would keep the Hurricanes atop the rankings and add a key conference victory to their playoff push.
Miami is currently a 13.5-point favorite, according to ESPN Bet. The Hurricanes have won three out of the last four against the Cardinals.
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