Breaking: Notre Dame Star Jeremiyah Love Stuns College Football World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $4.5 Million NIL Offer from Georgia, Alabama to Remain with the Irish: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being a Notre Dame Champion’
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has reportedly turned down a staggering $4.5 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offer from powerhouse programs Georgia and Alabama. The 20-year-old phenom, widely considered one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, chose instead to reaffirm his commitment to the Fighting Irish — a decision that speaks volumes about loyalty, legacy, and the culture being built in South Bend.
Love, who burst onto the scene as a freshman with a rare blend of speed, power, and vision, was courted heavily by multiple SEC juggernauts offering massive NIL deals. The $4.5 million package presented by Georgia and Alabama included endorsements, brand partnerships, and performance-based incentives. However, in a statement released late Sunday, Love said, “I have no plans beyond being a Notre Dame champion. Money comes and goes, but building something special with this team, in this place, is worth more than anything they can offer.”
This move is unprecedented in the modern NIL era, where top athletes often follow the money trail to more lucrative deals. Love’s decision bucks the trend, re-centering the narrative on team culture, personal growth, and unfinished business on the field. His return is a massive boost for head coach Marcus Freeman, who praised Love not just as a player, but as a leader and role model in the locker room.
“Jeremiyah embodies everything we want in a Notre Dame man,” Freeman said. “His decision to stay — despite all the noise — shows his heart, his grit, and his belief in what we’re building here.”
Notre Dame fans erupted on social media following the announcement, with hashtags like #LoyaltyOverMoney and #LoveStays trending nationwide. Analysts say Love’s move could set a new precedent for top-tier athletes who value legacy over NIL dollars. Former Notre Dame greats also chimed in, applauding the young star for staying true to the program.
On the field, Love’s return immediately solidifies Notre Dame’s status as a national contender heading into the 2025 season. With a bolstered offensive line and a rising quarterback under center, Love is expected to be the centerpiece of an explosive attack that could lead the Irish to their first national title since 1988.
While NIL will continue to reshape college sports, Jeremiyah Love’s decision reminds the world that not every star can be bought — and that some still choose purpose over paycheck. As he put it, “This is about more than football. It’s about who I want to be, and where I want to make history.”
Notre Dame has its heart — and its hope — firmly intact. The road to a championship just got a lot clearer.