Florida’s public universities just got the green light to allocate up to $22.5 million annually to pay student-athletes, marking a significant shift in how college sports programs handle compensation. This move could reshape recruiting and retention for teams across the state.

Editor’s Note: For years, the debate over paying student-athletes has been heated, with critics arguing they deserve a cut of the massive revenues they help generate. Florida’s decision puts real money behind that idea, potentially setting a precedent for other states—and forcing the NCAA to grapple with the growing push to treat college athletes more like professionals. If this catches on, it could change the game for good.