On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman had a prediction regarding the direction of recruiting in college football.
In a recent episode of the “Andy & Ari” podcast, the analysts stated that they believe the wealth will be better spread as players take their money.
How Could NIL Deals Lead to Talent Dispersion in College Football?
In an uncharted era in which college football players factor in what they’ll be paid when choosing a team, coaches and other program decision-makers must consider the dynamics of NIL and their effects on their locker room.
Before five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, chose where he will play on Tuesday, Staples theorized why a school like Miami could have had an edge over a perennial power such as Georgia.
“Georgia has to walk a fairly fine line that Miami doesn’t have to walk because Georgia’s already a national title contender. They’re coming off an SEC championship,” Staples said Tuesday.
“They have really good players who are already high-round NFL prospects. A bunch of the players from this year’s Georgia team will get drafted… high. So, you have to be really careful how much you pay a freshman at Georgia, because you can’t pay a freshman more than somebody who starts for you who’s gonna be a first-rounder next year.”
Wasserman feels that this will also be the situation at Miami soon.
“Exactly, and then somebody else is gonna get that guy once it becomes a problem in Miami,” Staples said.
Staples’ point appears to be that, if schools pay top-tier high school recruits, no matter the position, and they pan out as those programs hope, the teams will have fewer opportunities to attract talent because of who they’re already propping up, both on the depth chart and at the bank.
After committing to play for Mario Cristobal at Miami, somewhat of a surprise being that he visited Georgia more than any other school, Cantwell responded to rumors about the NIL package he’s receiving in Coral Gables.
“Well, I think my response to it is it’s not the same narrative people like Pete Nakos are pushing right now,” Cantwell said, naming the On3 insider who first posted the numbers.
“I think there’s a false narrative that that’s why I’m choosing. And I think that, I mean, I think relationships won out in Miami.”
Cantwell was also considering Ohio State, Missouri, Michigan, and Oregon during his recruitment.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
