There are all kinds of little indicators a program is on the rise. There are recruiting rankings, wins against ranked teams, better bowl bids, improved facilities, and the general level of sympathy other fans might have for that program’s supporters. Note: if you’re considered “polite and likable” that’s an indicator that your team probably just lost by 25, or that you’re Nebraska. Same thing recently, really.
None of these are important than the moment a team’s branded jerky products come to the front of the store and get their own dedicated display. This, from a reader in South Florida, shows the truest indicator of the Hurricanes strength right now.