ACC Football

The ACC is finalizing a settlement with Florida State and Clemson that will end the litigation between the two programs and the conference.

Per ESPN's Andrea Adelson, one of the key details in the settlement will see exit fees reduced by $18 million each year through the 2029-30 academic year.

Adelson noted at that point, the ACC exit fees will drop to $75 million and any departing school will retain its media rights.

New exit fee formula for the ACC, per the Clemson public board meeting. It's $165 million in Fiscal year 2026.
The fee descends by $18 million per year until it's $75 million in 2030-21 and levels off. The member would leave with their media rights after paying the fee.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 4, 2025

The Florida State board of trustees filed a lawsuit against the ACC in December 2023, citing "years of mismanagement" and "draconian" exit fees that resulted in member schools being deprived of millions of dollars that has left them "behind other Power Four schools in the competition for educational advancement and to appear in elite athletic championships."

Clemson filed a separate lawsuit in May 2024. The university noted it was seeking "confirmation of the plain language found in the Grant of Rights agreements and the related media agreements between the ACC and ESPN—that these agreements, when read together, plainly state that Clemson controls its media rights for games played if it is no longer a member of the ACC."

ESPN recently picked up its option to continue as a broadcast partner with the ACC through 2036. The two sides originally signed a new media rights agreement in October 2016 that included a deal to launch the ACC Network in 2019.

In the time since that deal was agreed upon, the Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 have signed new media rights agreements. The ACC will receive a total of $4.8 billion from ESPN over 20 years as part of its deal. The SEC is receiving $6 billion from ESPN over 10 years. The Big 12 receives $2.6 billion over 13 years from ESPN and Fox Sports. The Big Ten will earn $7 billion over seven years in deals with Fox, CBS and NBC.

Thamel noted the original ACC exit fee was three times the conference's entire operating budget of $140 million.

Adelson, David Hale and Pete Thamel reported on Monday that Florida State, Clemson and the ACC were nearing a settlement.

Even though there's been nothing to indicate that Florida State or Clemson are leaving the ACC anytime soon, the 2029-30 date for reduced exit fees could be a hint that either or both are plotting an exit strategy.

The Big Ten's seven-year media rights deal with Fox, CBS and NBC runs through the 2029-30 academic year, so it will be negotiating a new deal well ahead of that time.

We just saw as the Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC were all going through their round of media rights negotiations, the volume of realignment across college sports was unlike anything that has ever happened.

Oklahoma and Texas left the Big 12 to join the SEC last year. The Big Ten added USC, UCLA and Washington from the Pac-12. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah went to the Big 12 from the Pac-12.

The ACC brought in California, SMU and Stanford. Clemson is one of the original founding members of the ACC, having played in the conference since 1953. Florida State joined in 1991.

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 226"

HAND: 8½"

ARM: 32"

WINGSPAN: 77⅝"

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POSITIVES

— Dense and powerful build that matches his running style.

— Strong combination of patience and vision as a runner.

— Downhill runner who finishes with physicality.

— Surprising quickness and elusiveness in tight spaces.

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NEGATIVES

— Lacks homerun or great long speed.

— Improving pass protection technique and hand placement.

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NOTES

— Born Jan. 31, 2004

— 3-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: All-ACC, Honorable Mention

— 2023 All-Pac-12 First Team; AP All-Pac-12 First Team; Doak Walker Award Semifinalist

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OVERALL

Damien Martinez is a densely built running back with surprising evasiveness with the football.

Martinez gives you both power and lateral elusiveness as a runner. He displays patience and bouncy footwork at the line of scrimmage like Le'Veon Bell. Martinez is adept at pressing a gap pulling a defender downhill before laterally cutting to a nearby vacated gap. For a big with his density, he can string together cuts well in the alley or into the third level of the defense. His patience exudes the coaching term, "slow too, fast through". Martinez plays at his own pace and forces the defense to join in.

When he isn't able to shake and bake a defender, he lowers the shoulder to run through them. He has immense lower-body strength to push forward through contact from multiple defenders. He is a hassle to bring down with forward momentum. Martinez's underrated trait is catching the football out of the backfield. He displays soft hands and looks the ball in. With his versatile running style, he makes it difficult for defenders in space.

Martinez is not a home run threat. His top-end speed is adequate but it will not wow you. Generating consistent explosive plays against NFL athletes will be more difficult. Due to his patient running style, defenses need to have disciplined run fits and cage him behind the line of scrimmage. Martinez is a willing pass protector but improving his technique and hand placement can go a long way with his third-down presence for the offense.

Overall, Damien Martinez is an adequate starting running back for Gap scheme teams. He is best suited for attacking the line of scrimmage downhill where his patience and vision can lead to success. He can be the lead running back of a power-rushing attack.

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GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter—Third Round)

OVERALL RANK: 68

POSITION RANK: RB6

PRO COMPARISON: Najee Harris

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 308

HAND: 9⅝"

ARM: 31¾"

WINGSPAN: 77½"

40-YARD DASH: 5.05

3-CONE: 7.56

SHUTTLE: 4.51

VERTICAL: 30.5"

BROAD: 8'9"

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POSITIVES

— Good athletic ability, body control and movement skills.

— Does a very good job closing space, lining up and intersecting targets on climbs and pulls.

— Solid anchoring ability using a series of small hop-backs with the mobility, tight hands and strain to die slowly against the bull-rush.

— Efficient zone run blocker with a firm understanding of leverage, timing and leverage to stick on blocks.

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NEGATIVES

— Sawed off frame with mediocre sand, girth and mass.

— Below-average power leaves him stacked and stalemated against bigger, hulking defensive tackles when isolated in the run game.

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NOTES

— 4-star recruit from the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Son of Pete Kendall, former Boston College and NFL guard with 193 pro starts

— 37 career starts at center

— Team captain

— 2024: AP First-team All-ACC selection

— Accepted his invite to the 2025 Shrine Bowl

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OVERALL

Drew Kendall is a three-year starter at center including 13 starts in 2024 as a team captain inside Boston College's run-heavy (64-36 run-pass split) multiple-run scheme. Kendall has mediocre arm length with evenly dispersed weight throughout his frame, good athletic ability and solid play strength.

Kendall is an efficient zone run blocker with good quickness, leverage, and sustain skills to execute combos effectively, climb, pull, and intersect targets on the move. He does a nice job steering defenders away from the ball to secure rush lanes and not fall off of blocks cleanly, very often. Kendall will get stacked and stalemated on back blocks due to middling power and length, but he has the mobility and strength in his lower half to dissipate momentum enough to not get blown up.

In pass protection Kendall has a solid anchor to grind down the bull-rush and die slowly with the hand-fighting skills and grip strength to stay inside and underneath of rushers. His lack of girth, mass and length leaves him vulnerable to getting picked by penetrators and creates soft edges that moves across his face can exploit but his active hands and feet keeps him in the fight and give him a shot to recover.

Overall, Kendall has below-average size and power but is an athletic, sticky run blocker with solid play strength to anchor who can carve out a role as a backup center with the sustain skills to compete for a starting job inside a zone-based run scheme.

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GRADE: 6.5 (Potential Role Player - Round 4)

OVERALL RANK: 170

POSITION RANK: IOL16

PRO COMPARISON: Greg Mancz

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 314

HAND: 10½"

ARM: 35¼"

WINGSPAN: 83⅜”

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40-YARD DASH: 5.11

VERTICAL: 29"

BROAD: 9'4"

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POSITIVES

— Good size with a thick build and great arm length. Impressive athleticism and quickness for his size, too.

— Decent at timing up the snap and has good acceleration off the ball to get penetration with his get-off.

— When he keeps his pads down and shoots his hands, he has plenty of upper body strength to stand up interior offensive linemen and lock them out to get great extension on blocks with his long arms.

— Can make tackles with offensive linemen hanging onto him.

— Has the strength and size to be an effective bull rusher when he keeps his pads down and shoots his hands.

— Flashed solid swim and cross-chop moves as a pass rusher.

— High motor effort player who will get coverage sacks and factor into gang tackles.

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NEGATIVES

— Often plays with high pad level/stands up out of his stance.

— Has wide hand placement as a run defender, exposing his chest to offensive linemen and making it difficult to consistently take advantage of his long arms. Also impacts his ability to disengage from blocks.

— Struggles to stay in his gap against double teams due to the two factors mentioned above and playing with a narrow base.

— Lacks some rotational strength to keep his shoulders square and avoid getting reached or scooped.

— Sub-par pad level also hurts his ability to consistently be effective with a bull rush.

— Often late with his hands as a pass-rusher and struggles to work the offensive lineman's hands.

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NOTES

— A 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2023 (Thumb, offseason surgery, missed bowl game and 2024 spring practice), 2024 (Undisclosed, limited in 1 game)

— 2022: Honorable Mention Freshman All-American; All-ACC Academic Team

— 2023: Second-Team All-ACC; All-ACC Academic Team

— 2024: Honorable Mention All-ACC, Fourth-Team All-ACC

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OVERALL

Joshua Farmer has many traits that NFL teams covet. He has good size with very long arms and impressive quickness and lateral movement skills. That gives him a high ceiling at the next level.

Farmer stands out the most as a run defender. When he shoots his hands straight from the ground, he's hard to move with one-on-one blocks and has plenty of upper-body strength to lock out offensive linemen and take advantage of those long arms. Also, he can get penetration when slanting with his quickness and agility.

However, the Florida State product has a tough time staying in his gap against double teams and combo blocks. His pad level and hand placement are inconsistent which exposes his chest, and he takes on blocks with a narrow base. He also doesn't anticipate double-teams well.

As a pass-rusher, Farmer wins in flashes rather than being a consistent producer. His sub-par pad level reduces the effectiveness and consistency of his bull rush and he's often late with his hands. Additionally, he could afford to mix up his pass-rush plan more often as he tries to bullrush too regularly. He's shown solid cross-chop and swim moves and has the athleticism to put together a few finesse moves but rarely uses them.

Overall, Farmer has the profile of someone who could be a good NFL interior defensive lineman but may need some time to develop. That could cause him to get drafted higher than expected if a team is willing to bet on his traits. Schematically, he has some position versatility after lining up everywhere from a nose tackle to a 3-technique in college.

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GRADE: 6.9 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 116

POSITION RANK: DL12

PRO COMPARISON: Carlos Watkins

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'4½"

WEIGHT: 250

HAND: 10"

ARM: 33"

WINGSPAN: 81⅞"

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POSITIVES

— Manipulative route runner to fake out defenders for optimal separation.

— Vertical athleticism and speed to put defenders on their heels.

— Good NFL height and frame; plus-level wingspan to extend the catch point.

— Untapped potential; redshirt junior who has not reached his peak yet.

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NEGATIVES

— Improving run-blocking technique and hand placement.

— Functional strength at the point of attack.

— Hampered by injuries for two straight seasons before 2024.

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NOTES

— Born Apr. 5, 2003

— 4-Star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports

— 2024 Second-Team All-ACC

— Battled injuries in consecutive years, 2022-2023

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OVERALL

Elijah Arroyo combines size, speed, and athleticism to become a mismatch tight end at the next level.

Arroyo's biggest strengths are route running and creating separation. He manipulates defenders with his route stem to attack leverage and push them where he needs to free up the intended direction of his break. He sells routes well using his body, including head/shoulder fakes, eye manipulation, and rocker steps.

Arroyo attacks off/soft coverage with urgency, quickly putting them on their heels and vulnerable at the top of his routes. Athletically, Arroyo displays the speed and burst necessary to win the vertical plane. Alignment is insignificant; he can get behind the defense anywhere in the formation. He has a 6'9" wingspan and uses it well to extend at the catch point and pluck the ball away from his body. Arroyo will use his frame to shield defenders away from the ball and limit their chances of punching through the pocket to force a pass breakup.

As talented as Arroyo is, he has one year of production due to consecutive seasons with a left knee injury. He only played eight games between 2022 and 2023. Combine medical checks will be important to rule out any long-term concerns. Arroyo is a willing blocker, but two areas in which he can continue to improve are functional strength and technique. He is better suited for a wide-zone blocking scheme where he can use angles and momentum to his advantage. His hand placements and technique do not allow him to secure and sustain blocks. Initial pop is sufficient, though.

Elijah Arroyo projects as a Flex(F) tight end with a high-playmaking ceiling. He is the type of tight end who creates mismatches and should be used as a pre-snap coverage indicator. He possesses the tools required to be a potential high-volume pass catcher for an NFL offense.

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GRADE: 7.8

OVERALL RANK: 41

POSITION RANK: TE4

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Zach Ertz

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

HEIGHT: 5'10" 3/8

WEIGHT: 279

HAND: 10⅜"

ARM: 31½"

WINGSPAN: 78⅛"

40-YARD DASH: 5.21

3-CONE: NA

SHUTTLE: 4.7

VERTICAL: 23.5"

BROAD: 8'8"

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POSITIVES

— Outstanding natural leverage and contact balance with good play strength.

— Very good quickness to close space in a blink on climbs and pulls and when uncovered in pass protection.

— Refined all-around footwork and use of hands.

— Keeps elbows and hips connected with a tight, firm punch and excellent grip strength.

— Sticky run blocker who strains as hard as any blocker in the nation to finish blocks.

— Strong week of practice in Mobile at guard and center.

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NEGATIVES

— Uniquely undersized in terms of height and weight

— Will get stacked and pulled into overextension here and there if unable to establish first meaningful contact.

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NOTES

— Born Jan. 22, 2002

— 3-star recruit from the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Won the Florida 2A heavyweight state championship in wrestling as a senior with a 47-0 record

— 61 career starts across the interior; 26 at left guard, 21 at right guard and 14 at center

— 2024 AP First-team All-ACC selection

— Accepted his invite to the 2025 Senior Bowl

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OVERALL

Willie Lampkin is a five-year starter with double-digit starts across each spot on the interior including 12 at right guard in 2024 inside UNC's 56-44 run-pass split, multiple run scheme. Lampkin is uniquely short and light with adequate arm length, very good quickness and good play strength.

Lampkin is a leverage monster in the run game with a refined skill set and a keen understanding of how to stick on blocks. He can hold the point in the post on double teams, strain, and wall-off rush lanes when isolated on drive blocks and regularly intersects targets on pulls and climbs. Once latched, Lampkin is a chore to shed due to his tremendous ability to fit, clench, and take away space for defenders to operate. His lack of girth and mass creates soft edges that defenders can get to and if he cannot establish first meaningful contact has gotten push-pulled into overextension but these instances are rare on film.

In pass protection Lampkin shows very good footwork and strike timing in his jump set to land his punch first and inside the frame of rushers before clenching and anchoring on command. He uncorks on adjacent rushers when uncovered and is alert to decipher line games and stunts.

Overall, Lampkin has an unprecedented combination of size limitations and great tape that creates a difficult projection for the NFL, but he more than held his own in the ACC and Mobile. Worst case Lampkin can fit into a versatile move blocker role in the mold of Ravens FB Pat Ricard but checks enough boxes apart from size to compete for a job at center as a rookie.

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GRADE: 6.0 (Developmental Prospect - 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 218

POSITION RANK: IOL23

PRO COMPARISON: Shorter Aaron Brewer

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 258

HAND: 10"

ARM: 33⅛”

WINGSPAN: 80½”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.62

3-CONE: 7.41

SHUTTLE: 4.53

VERTICAL: 35.5"

BROAD: 10'1"

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POSITIVES

— Good size and frame for an NFL defensive end.

— Works the hands well as a pass-rusher.

— Solid hand-swipe and cross-chop moves that he can win with.

— Decent angles and bend when rushing the passer to take efficient paths to the quarterback.

— Good instincts as a run defender to put himself in position to take on blocks or get unblocked tackles near the line of scrimmage.

— Quick to get his hands up against the run and has good arm length and solid upper body strength to get extension and set the edge against tight ends.

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NEGATIVES

— Not quick-twitched.

— Lacks explosion off the line of scrimmage to win with speed around the edge.

— Sub-par quickness and change of direction skills hurts his ability to turn speed to power.

— Needs to rush with a plan, doesn't show counter moves if his initial move doesn't work.

— Plays high and lacks lower body strength to anchor as a run defender against offensive linemen with good leverage.

— Older prospect, will be a 24-year-old rookie.

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NOTES

— Born Oct. 22, 2001

— A 4-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2024 (Undisclosed, missed spring practice at Louisville)

— Played at Tennessee from 2020 to 2023, committed to Ole Miss out of the transfer portal originally, then flipped to Louisville and enrolled in the spring before transferring again to Miami ahead of summer camp

— 2024: Honorable Mention All-ACC

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OVERALL

After spending four years at Tennessee before eventually making his way to Miami this past season, Tyler Baron is one of the older and more experienced edge defenders in this year's draft class.

That shows in his ability to play the run. He's consistently in the right spot and in a good position to take on blocks, especially against pullers, as either the force or spill player.

Baron also has impressive size and length, which help him set the edge when taking on blocks from tight ends. However, he plays with a sub-par pad level and lacks lower body strength to effectively anchor against offensive linemen who play with good leverage. That will result in him getting widened or washed inside in the ground game.

As a pass-rusher, the former Hurricane lacks the twitch to make offensive tackles miss consistently. But he does have decent cross-chop and hand-swipe moves to win around the edge and can play the hands. Also, while he's not super bendy, he has enough flexibility and takes good angles to have efficient paths to the quarterback.

Overall, Baron is a solid player who can be a serviceable backup in the NFL. His best role would be as a rotational defensive end in even fronts.

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GRADE: 6.5 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 168

POSITION RANK: EDGE19

PRO COMPARISON: Dawuane Smoot

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 210

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POSITIVES

— Is a natural separator, runs well-paced routes with good short area quickness.

— Savvy operator with the football in flight, flashes late hands and body control.

— Functional play strength and hand usage against physical/handsy defensive backs.

— Efficient playmaker with the football in his hands; good run-after-catch threat.

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NEGATIVES

— Does not possess elite athleticism or explosiveness.

— Charted for 12 drops since 2023, hand catching mechanics needs improving.

— Good athleticism but straight-line speed is not an immediate threat to press corners.

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NOTES

— 3-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Second Team All-ACC; Jon Cornish Trophy Finalist

— 2023: All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention; Jon Cornish Trophy Winner

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OVERALL

Elic Ayomanor epitomizes natural separation.

He is a savvy and detailed route-runner who defeats one-on-one coverages. Ayomanor plays at his own pace and speed but alters his route tempos to keep defensive backs honest and on their toes.

Against man coverage, he runs nuanced routes, attacking the defender's leverage with his stem and squaring up the defender before separating at the top of his routes. Ayomanor puts defenders in a bind with his footwork and suddenness at the breakpoint. He is a smooth, quick, and efficient mover but plays with good strength as a route runner to clear handsy defenders.

Due to his high football IQ, he excels against zone coverage. He finds the soft spots within the coverage and works around the defensive spot droppers. His strength is useful in the middle of the field. He is fearless and tough when making plays in high-traffic areas.

Ayomanor is a reliable ball tracker down the field. He is savvy, using late eyes to find the ball and hands to bring the pass in. He rarely gives the defender any early indications the ball is on its way. Ayomanor's body control is outstanding—he can contort his frame in the air to make acrobatic grabs. He uses his entire frame in the red zone to make difficult sideline catches look routine.

Ayomanor is a good but not a great athlete. His explosiveness and burst early in reps limit winning foot races down the sideline. Winning at the line of scrimmage with quickness and nuance is key for him to beat and stack defenders vertically. His speed lands in the buildup category. Therefore, big, explosive vertical passing plays are not his calling card at the next level against NFL athletes. Concentration drops and hand/catch mechanics need improving. Ayomanor's hands can be too wide as the ball approaches leading to unwanted drops.

In all, Elic Ayomanor projects as a good number two Z-receiver for an NFL offense. He is alignment-versatile and makes plays from the slot with a two-way release. Adding his play strength, he will give smaller nickel defenders fits in man coverage by boxing them out for in-breaking passes. Ayomanor is a talented and reliable pass catcher who can start for multiple years and contracts.

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GRADE: 7.6 (Potential Impact Player — Second Round)

OVERALL RANK: 43

POSITION RANK: WR6

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Chris Godwin

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Bill Belichick added a familiar face to his coaching staff at North Carolina.

Former New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins, who played 79 games under Belichick during his NFL career, will be joining the Tar Heels as a defensive assistant in 2025 (via TMZ Sports).

Retired All-Pro LB Jamie Collins, who won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots, is joining his former head coach Bill Belichick's coaching staff at the University of North Carolina.
Collins will serve as a defensive assistant for @UNCFootball. @UNC @JamieLee601 pic.twitter.com/k5rkTZ73J1

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) February 7, 2025

"Blessed for the opportunity," Collins said. "My guy. I love that dude, he love me. Obviously, he can't get rid of me so we'll see how that works out. But I'm grateful, man. I'm shocked, but grateful and ready."

Collins explained that he'll "mainly" work with North Carolina's linebackers.

The 35-year-old spent 10 years playing in the NFL, starting his career with New England after the team selected him with a second-round pick in the 2013 draft.

Collins quickly excelled in a starting role, winning a championship with the Patriots during the 2014 season and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2016, but he returned to New England two more times before the end of his career.

This included a stint from the middle of the 2021 season through Collins' 2022 campaign, his final year in the NFL. He eventually retired in Oct. 2023.

As for Belichick, he agreed to mutually part ways with the Patriots following the 2023 season.

He was officially named the Tar Heels' next head coach on Dec. 11, signing a five-year contract worth $10 million annually.

BREAKING: Bill Belichick is finalizing a deal to become the HC at UNC, per @AdamSchefter, @PeteThamel and @ClowESPN 🤯

One of the greatest NFL coaches of all time taking his talents to Chapel Hill pic.twitter.com/7qmxtgLi1o

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 11, 2024

North Carolina's current regime already has multiple members with ties to Belichick's days with the Patriots.

General manager Mike Lombardi served as an executive in New England, while Tar Heels strength and conditioning coach Moses Cabrera previously worked under Belichick on the Patriots (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk).

Now, Collins has become the latest member of North Carolina's staff as the team gears up for the 2025 season.

Ron Rivera became the newest tenured NFL head coach to try his hand at the college game.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported Wednesday that Rivera is expected to assume a "general manager-like role" for the Cal football program.

Rivera confirmed he's returning to his alma mater, adding that Bill Belichick "has made going back to school, cool."

Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool. Stay tuned I am coming home. @CalAthletics @UCBerkeley @Cal #GoBears🐻

— Ron Rivera (@RonRivera80) February 5, 2025

It doesn't matter the sport or the level, administrators and executives are always quick to jump on what they consider to be the newest trend.

Hiring former NFL head coaches isn't unprecedented in college football, but Belichick's decision to take the North Carolina job is almost without parallel. The Tar Heels are betting that his experience and plan to turn them into "an NFL program at a college level" helps attract talent that otherwise wouldn't have looked at Chapel Hill.

Others were bound to try the same blueprint.

In the case of Rivera and Cal, his duties will involve far less coaching. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported the 63-year-old will "be involved in oversight of the program and its big-picture needs, including budget, coaching staff and the student-athlete experience."

Ron Rivera as GM is the first Cal Football decision in a long long time I have high conviction on that we got right, and the clearest marker to date that Football is a priority under this new administration.

We’re taking things seriously for first time since the mid 2000’s

— Ghost (@GhostofGarbers) February 5, 2025

Cal had a pair of 10-win seasons under Jeff Tedford in the 2000s, and the Golden Bears saw some of their top stars from that era thrive in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers, Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson all spent time in Berkeley.

That kind of success has proven elusive after Tedford was fired in 2012, though. Cal has yet to finish a season ranked in the Top 25 since then and has only been ranked whatsoever in three separate years.

The fanbase might've been a little disappointed when the school chose to retain head coach Justin Wilcox, who has posted five straight losing records.

Bringing Rivera into the fold is a sign of ambition that's going to resonate positively with any disenchanted fans.