Miami Hurricanes Defensive Lineman Transfers Sign First NIL Deals
After joining the Miami Hurricanes during the offseason, new defensive linemen Simeon Barrow and Tyler Baron have inked their first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The two standout transfers, who joined the Hurricanes’ ranks this spring, signed contracts with Miami’s NIL collective, Canes Connection. This marks their initial entry into the NIL world since committing to Miami.
Simeon Barrow, formerly of Michigan State, chose the Hurricanes over Missouri and LSU after entering the transfer portal. Tyler Baron, a seasoned player with four years at Tennessee, briefly transferred to Louisville this winter before making the switch to Miami. Both players bring valuable experience to Miami’s defense, having combined for over 200 tackles, 45.5 tackles for loss, and 24 total sacks throughout their collegiate careers.
The exact financial details of their NIL deals were not disclosed, but the signing emphasizes Miami’s ongoing commitment to utilizing NIL to enhance their football program. The Hurricanes have been trailblazers in the NIL landscape since its legalization, using funds from boosters and the university to attract top talent and retain key players. According to Pete Nakos of On3, 75 of Miami’s 85 scholarship football players had some form of NIL contract this past summer, highlighting how integral NIL has become for the program.
Head coach Mario Cristobal, speaking at the ACC meetings in May, emphasized the importance of NIL in Miami’s strategy: “We’ve been at this for two years now, and we’ve been building this roster, building this culture, and there’s been steady progress… We’ve taken another jump in terms of caliber of talent, development, and culture. You need to address those other things to take that next step as a program.”
The addition of Barrow and Baron strengthens Miami’s defensive front, and their involvement in NIL signals the Hurricanes’ continuing pursuit of excellence through player development and financial opportunity.
