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It's not enough of a problem that either school is likely to file a trademark claim against the other. Inside state borders, "The U." means Utah. Outside, it means Miami.
But the lines are slowly blurring.
At Utah's practice Monday, Utah running backs coach Dennis Erickson wore one of the national championship rings he earned as Miami's head coach in 1989 and 1991.
The right bicep of former Hurricane linebacker Gionni Paul displayed the Miami "U," a tattoo he promises to cover with Utah's version if the Utes can win the conference.
And safety Tyson Cisrow and defensive end Chris Hart, teammates last year at Fort Lauderdale's St. Thomas Aquinas, talk near the sideline as nearby Miramar High's Andre Godfrey contests a pass in the end zone.
Meanwhile, in southeast Florida, committed prospects Devonta'e Henry-Cole, Tyler Huntley and Demari Simpkins prepare for their senior season while the hometown NFL team employs former Utes Brice McCain, Koa Misi, Derrick Shelby and Sam Brenner.
In both places, "The U." is beginning to take on a double meaning in some small circles, and much of the blame for the sudden confusion falls to Erickson.
Or, from Utah's perspective, the credit.
Utah's 2013 media guide lists zero players from Florida — one fewer than New Jersey, Wisconsin and Australia. This year's media guide lists eight, and at the current rate, there may be a dozen in next year's.
That's almost purely Erickson's influence, Whittingham said. "He's got great contacts back there. He knows everybody. His name back there — I mean, he's a legend."
The 68-year-old may be most known to young Floridians for his appearance on "The U.," one of the most well-known documentaries from ESPN's "30 for 30" series.
"The kids that we're recruiting, shoot, they weren't even born when I was down there," Erickson said. "But their parents were. And their coaches were. And that's worth something. It gets our foot in the door."
St. Thomas Aquinas safeties coach Darryl Williams played on both national championship teams for Erickson before embarking on a 10-year NFL career. Enter, Cisrow, Hart and Henry-Cole.
Former Miramar head coach Damon Cogdell, now defensive line coach at West Virginia, was recruited by Erickson as a prep. Welcome, Godfrey.
Between St. Thomas Aquinas, Miramar and Hallandale — where Huntley is starting quarterback and Simpkins is a wideout — there are currently 30 senior players who've been awarded star ratings by Rivals.com.
A Division I team could find its entire signing class at those three schools.
Whereas an especially talented Utah prep is almost certain to play as a freshman or sophomore, many in Florida are buried behind future ACC and SEC stars until their senior seasons.
Godfrey told some of his old teammates after he arrived at the U. that they would have been capable of playing at this level, "but it's all about luck — being able to get seen by certain coaches."
Paul — whose relationship with Erickson led to his transfer to Utah — thinks many out-of-state coaches figure they don't have a shot with any valuable players in the Miami area, not realizing that there are plenty left after Miami, Florida State and Florida have taken their pick.
And some players are wary of leaving, Paul said. He hopes to spread the word that his latest "U." is as direct a path to the NFL as the other.
"They go, 'That ain't the real U.' I go, 'Yes, it is. To me, it is.'"
Utah is probably a few national titles away from changing popular opinion on that matter — even if it does have the better origin story.
The Block U was built onto the side of Mount Van Cott in 1907.
Miami's "U." was devised by a public relations expert in 1973 to differentiate from other schools going by "UM."
The established popularity of both "U.'s" means there's little likelihood that one school would ever challenge the other's, Utah licensing director Brett Eden told The Tribune last year.
So Utah fans will just have to continue to stomach the fact that Miami's hand signal — with all eight digits pointing up — is represented on popular emoji keyboards.
And Miami fans will have to endure the occasional indignity of Eric Weddle's "Sunday Night Football" intro, where he says he's from: "University of Utah, the REAL U."
But Utah's growing list of Florida transplants might alter the school's perception in the hearts and minds of future Sunshine State stars. Godfrey, Cisrow and Hart have now joined the chorus. "I like this U. better," Cisrow tells his younger friends.
Erickson, with a legacy to maintain, is more diplomatic.
With a wry smile, he explains, "I can just say 'The U.' and they're my two favorite teams."
Twitter: @matthew_piper —
Utes with Florida ties
Running backs coach Dennis Erickson • Won two national titles as head coach of Miami in 1989 and 1991. Went 63-9 in six seasons as the Hurricanes' head coach from 1989-94.
Senior linebacker Gionni Paul • Played two seasons for Miami, recording 61 tackles as a sophomore and twice earning ACC Linebacker of the Week honors. Originally from Winter Haven, in Central Florida.
Sophomore cornerback Tavaris Williams • Cornerback hails from Fort White, northwest of Gainesville, where he was an all-state running back.
Sophomore wide receiver Kenric Young • A two-way standout at Gainesville High, Young ran one of the nation's fastest times in the 200 meters at 20.81.
Senior cornerback Ahmad Christian • Jacksonville native spent three seasons at South Carolina, appearing in 24 games and recording 26 tackles. He has one season of eligibility remaining and is recovering from an Achilles tear in offseason conditioning.
Freshman safety Tyson Cisrow • Safety for St. Thomas Aquinas' state championship team was rated three-stars by both Rivals and Scout services and yet was ranked just the 39th-best player in Broward County by the Sun-Sentinel.
Sophomore safety Andre Godfrey • Helped lead Miramar to a 12-1 record as a senior and played in seven games as a true freshman, his season ended early by injury.
Freshman defensive end Chris Hart • Teammates with Cisrow at St. Thomas Aquinas, Hart was the No. 13 player in Broward County in the Sun-Sentinel's rankings despite being the 56th-best linebacker in the nation according to Rivals.
Sophomore running back Monte Seabrook • Played safety, corner, running back, wide receiver and returner at Newberry High, east of Gainesville, and holds the school record in the 300 meter hurdles at 40.8 seconds.