Former Georgia star turned college football analyst David Pollack has openly challenged the reported $2 million NIL deal Miami allegedly offered Jackson Cantwell, the nation’s top offensive tackle and overall No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class.
The sizable offer is widely believed to have influenced Cantwell’s surprising decision to commit to the Hurricanes over Pollack’s alma mater, Georgia – though Cantwell himself has repeatedly denied that money was the driving factor.
On his See Ball, Get Ball podcast, Pollack didn’t hold back on his views regarding such a large sum for an offensive lineman.
“It ain’t left tackle, homie,” Pollack said. “Like, it ain’t left tackle. If you want to spend this much money on a quarterback, we can have the conversation. I’m not spending $2 million on an offensive lineman.”
Pollack also expressed skepticism about the argument that Cantwell’s choice was driven by Miami’s ability to develop top offensive linemen, citing the Hurricanes’ limited recent success in producing NFL-ready linemen under coach Mario Cristobal.
“That’s what you’re telling me that, I’m going to get developed with and I’m going to (Miami)? It’s not a knock. It’s the numbers. Like, it’s the facts,” Pollack said, highlighting Miami’s track record.
While careful to avoid blaming Cantwell personally for taking advantage of the lucrative NIL deal, Pollack questioned the honesty of claims that development or coaching were the primary reasons behind the commitment.
“If you want to talk about this in any way, shape, or form outside of this being a business decision – and I’m not knocking Cantwell. That is his absolute right to maximize what he’s got and his family’s right.
“So, don’t take this as I’m knocking the kid. But when the kid says it’s about development and it’s about working with so and so, and so and so. No, it’s not. It’s about $2 million.”
Using the discussion to advocate for systemic change, Pollack renewed his call for a rookie salary cap in college sports to curb the escalating NIL payouts to unproven recruits.
“We need a rookie salary cap. A coming into a university salary cap. It cannot exceed X,” Pollack insisted.
His remarks add new energy to the ongoing debate about NIL regulation and whether stricter policies are necessary to improve the health of college football.
What are your thoughts on Pollack’s comments???
