Miami invested heavily in its future along the offensive line last week with the commitment of five-star tackle Jackson Cantwell. The Hurricanes and Cantwell, the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, negotiated an NIL deal 247Sports previously reported approaches $2 million annually. 

As a decision on the NCAA v. House settlement nears, Cantwell’s annual figure could essentially amount to roughly 10% of Miami’s “salary cap,” begging the question: Is it practical to allocate that much money to a player who will not take a snap in college for more than a year.

More than a half-dozen sources within college football were asked by 247Sports what they thought of Miami spending big for Cantwell and whether devoting that much money for one high school offensive tackle is worth it.

“If you can pay it, do it,” said one SEC director of player personnel. “Go get that guy.”

It may not be that cut and dried once the House settlement — a decision that could come in a matter of days — is officially approved. All future NIL deals more than $600 will be subject to approval from a clearinghouse that will determine whether they meet the standard of fair market value. Schools, at least on paper, will be far more limited in their spending with revenue sharing (expected to be $14 to $16 million for most Power Four football programs) making up the majority of a pseudo salary cap.

“If it’s coming out of the rev share, there’s no f–king way,” the same SEC director of player personnel said. “That’s a quarterback or a starting left tackle. Cantwell is going to start his career and be at best a quality starter. Not a great one. Not an elite one.”

While most of the sources agreed that $2 million per year is excessive for an offensive tackle recruit, others were more open minded. 

“Yeah, but you can only have one of them,” said an ACC director of player personnel. “You have to invest up front, and that’s what the market is around. You gotta be damn sure (they’re the one).”

When asked about Cantwell’s price tag, a Big 12 general manager said that he’d much rather sign three high school offensive tackles at $100,000 each. The more darts you throw, the more likely it is one will stick and end up as a bargain.

Others weren’t willing to pay up for any high-profile linemen, arguing quality depth across the board in that room is more important than having a single elite piece and deficiencies elsewhere.

“I don’t find that to be the most effective way to build a roster long term,” an SEC director of scouting said. “But in reality, yes, some teams are going to spend that on a premium position or two each class because either they badly need the position in the short term or maybe they just don’t want to play against them for three-plus years.”

There’s no guarantee a $2 million player will stay happy either. That’s their salary floor. There’s nothing preventing a high school player with that sort of salary from coming back and asking for more money once they produce on the field.

That scenario can end in disaster as evidenced by the Nico Iamaleava saga earlier this year.

Cantwell’s future is uncertain, which is what makes Miami’s commitment to him such a fascinating development as college football is set to once again go through foundational change.

“It’s an interesting case study,” said one Big 12 director of player personnel.

InsideTheU is your source for intel and analysis on the Miami Hurricanes. The trusted staff of Gaby Urrutia, David Lake and Chris Stock provides the latest team news, recruiting and transfer scoop, opinions and more. It’s the largest Miami Hurricanes site on the web with market leading coverage for the most dedicated community of fans. Be the first to know the latest scoop with a VIP membership and unlock all the insider content at InsideTheU. 

The 16 teams have advanced to Super Regionals and the times are now set. Which teams will forge their path to the Women’s College World Series?

All Times Eastern

Tallahassee Super Regional

No. 12 Texas Tech @ No. 5 Florida State

THURSDAY, MAY 22 | 7:00 PM I ESPN2
FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 3:00 PM I ESPN2
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 7:00 PM

Austin Super Regional

No. 11 Clemson @ No. 6 Texas

THURSDAY, MAY 22 | 9:00 PM I ESPN2
FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 9:00 PM | ESPN2
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 9:00 PM

Norman Super Regional

No. 15 Alabama @ No. 2 Oklahoma

FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 5:00 PM I ESPN2
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 3:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 25* | TBD

Gainesville Super Regional

Georgia @ No. 3 Florida

FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 11:00 AM I ESPN
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 11:00 AM
SUNDAY, MAY 25* | TBD

Fayetteville Super Regional

Ole Miss @ No. 4 Arkansas

FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 8:00 PM I ESPNU
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 9:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 25* | TBD

Knovxille Super Regional

Nebraska @ No. 7 Tennessee

FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 7:00 PM | ESPN2
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 5:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 25* | TBD

Columbia Super Regional

No. 9 UCLA @ No. 8 South Carolina

FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 1:00 PM I ESPN2
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 1:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 25* | TBD

Eugene Super Regional

Liberty @ No. 16 Oregon

FRIDAY, MAY 23 | 10:00 PM | ESPNU
SATURDAY, MAY 24 | 7:00 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 25* | TBD

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Regional Scores and Updates
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Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg’s reportedly large NIL deal may affect his 2025 NBA draft future, as he could choose to play for the Wolverines during the 2025-26 season.

ESPN’s Jeremy Woo reported Monday that NBA teams are “aware Lendeborg has a multimillion-dollar NIL package to attend Michigan next season.”

The 22-year-old spent two years at UAB from 2023-25 before transferring to Michigan in April, but explained that he wanted to go through the pre-draft process.

“I’m focused on the draft process and making the NBA right now,” Lendeborg said, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. “I want a guaranteed contract. That’s the biggest thing, make sure I am in a good spot. I would prefer to play college basketball in Ann Arbor than be in and out of the G League on a two-way. I want to find a safe spot.”

If Lendeborg’s projected draft range drops, he may earn more from playing a year with the Wolverines compared to his first contract in the NBA. The No. 30 overall pick in the 2025 draft can earn as much as $2.7 million for the 2025-26 season, via Spotrac.

Lendeborg was projected to be selected with the No. 31 pick in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman.

In 37 games with UAB last season, he averaged 17.7 points while leading the AAC with 11.4 rebounds per game. Lendeborg also racked up 1.7 steals and 1.8 blocks on a nightly basis, shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from behind the arc.

As the draft draws closer, NBA teams appear to have an eye on Lendeborg’s pending decision regarding his college career.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In partnership with Seminole County and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, the 2025 Florida High School Softball State Championships will take place this week at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood. The softball specific complex just North of Orlando will host the state championships for the first time in the event’s history.

Built within a final four style format, this multiple day championship event will consist of both semifinal and championship title games in their respective classification. To qualify for their state championship game, teams will compete in a semifinal matchup in the days prior.

Tickets are currently on sale via GoFan at an advanced purchase rate of $14.00 per day, and a day of price of $17.00. There is no charge for parking onsite, as the $3.00 cost is already built into each ticket of admission. For a complete event schedule, playoff brackets, and any additional event and venue information, please see below or visit the softball sport page.

 

2025 Softball State Championships

Tuesday, May 20 – Saturday, May 24
 
State Championship Game Schedule by Classification

Wednesday, May 21

• Class Rural State Championship, 1:30 p.m.
  

  • Defending champion: new classification

• Class 1A State Championship, 4:30 p.m.

  • Defending champion: Trenton

• Class 2A State Championship, 7:30 p.m.

  • Defending champion: Evangelical Christian (Fort Myers)

Thursday, May 22

• Class 3A State Championship, 6:30 p.m.
  

  • Defending champion: Montverde Academy

Friday, May 23

• Class 4A State Championship, 6:30 p.m.
  

  • Defending champion: Eustis

Saturday, May 24

• Class 5A State Championship, 11 a.m.
  

  • Defending champion: Parrish

• Class 6A State Championship, 2 p.m.

  • Defending champion: Pace

• Class 7A State Championship, 5 p.m.

  • Defending champion: Western (Davie)

*Schedule, time and field usage are subject to change as deemed necessary by Tournament Administration

Know Before You Go:

Where: Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park (Longwood)

When: Tuesday-Saturday, May 20th – 24th     

Host: Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Facility: Field Layout and Map

Brackets: Class 7A | Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A | Class 3A | Class 2A | Class 1A | Class Rural

Event Schedule & Results: click here

Admission: $14.00 per day general admission with advance purchase, and $17.00 the day of

• All tickets available via GoFan with NO onsite ticket sales taking place 
• $3.00 cost of parking already included in each ticket of admission 
• Gates to open approx. 60 minutes prior first pitch each day

Parking: no charge for parking onsite, $3.00 cost of parking already included in each ticket of admission
Championship lodging: click here (provided by the host organization)
Official Merchandise: Team IP
Webcast: NFHS Network