Notre Dame Star Running Back Jeremiah Love Turns Down $4.5M NIL Deal from Georgia to Stay Loyal to the Irish

In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals are redefining the collegiate sports landscape, loyalty has become a rare and priceless commodity. But Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame’s rising junior running back and emerging national star, just reminded the college football world that some decisions go deeper than dollars. In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves across recruiting circles and athletic departments alike, Love has reportedly rejected a $4.5 million NIL offer from the University of Georgia to remain in South Bend with the Fighting Irish.

The news broke early Monday morning through multiple sources close to both programs. Georgia, the reigning powerhouse of the SEC and a perennial national title contender, had extended a blockbuster NIL package to Love, designed to not only compensate him handsomely but to also entice him to enter the transfer portal. According to one source familiar with the negotiations, the Bulldogs’ offer was “fully structured, compliant, and immediate,” with seven-figure guarantees and extensive brand opportunities already in place. It was a deal that would have made Love one of the highest-paid players in college football.

But Love wasn’t swayed.

“I have no plans beyond being a Dame,” he reportedly told a small group of teammates after informing the coaching staff of his decision. “No matter how much money is involved, what we’re building here matters more to me. This is home.”

In an age where the phrase “loyalty to the program” is often thrown around but seldom lived out, Love’s words carry real weight. And for the Notre Dame faithful, they echo a deep-rooted pride in what the university has always represented — not just excellence on the field, but character off it.

Jeremiah Love’s decision is significant not only because of the financial magnitude of the offer he turned down, but also because of the timing. The NCAA transfer portal window remains a volatile period, and major programs like Georgia are aggressively targeting elite skill players to fill holes, chase titles, and capitalize on fleeting championship windows. That Love chose to stay at Notre Dame, despite the promise of immediate riches and national spotlight elsewhere, speaks volumes about the culture that Marcus Freeman has cultivated within the program.

It also says something about Love himself. A former top-100 recruit out of St. Louis, Missouri, Love arrived at Notre Dame with plenty of expectations and potential. He’s since delivered — and then some. In 2024, as a sophomore, he rushed for 1,221 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He added another 312 receiving yards out of the backfield, showcasing his versatility as a dynamic, three-down back. His performances were routinely game-changing, his vision and burst putting opposing defenses on their heels and making highlight reels on a weekly basis.

NFL scouts have already penciled him in as a top-five running back prospect for the 2026 draft, with some believing he could vault into first-round consideration with another strong campaign. His blend of speed, patience, pass-catching ability, and toughness has drawn comparisons to former Fighting Irish greats like Josh Adams and C.J. Prosise — but Love may have an even higher ceiling.

That’s precisely why Georgia went all-in. The Bulldogs’ backfield is currently talented but unproven, and adding a game-breaker like Love would have immediately made their national title odds even stronger. Pairing him with their already elite offensive line and an experienced quarterback would have created one of the most dangerous offensive units in college football.

But for Love, the allure of championship rings and NIL riches in Athens wasn’t enough to lure him from his roots in South Bend.

“Jeremiah is everything we want in a Notre Dame man,” said head coach Marcus Freeman in a brief statement. “His commitment to this team, this university, and our mission says more about who he is than any stat sheet ever could. We’re incredibly proud of him, and even more excited for what’s ahead.”

The reaction from Notre Dame fans has been understandably euphoric. Social media lit up with tributes and praise for Love, with hashtags like #LoyalToND and #StayGolden trending regionally. Former players and alumni chimed in as well, hailing Love’s decision as not just a win for Notre Dame football, but for the idea that college sports can still be about more than personal profit.

“You just don’t see this anymore,” said former Irish safety Kyle Hamilton, now with the Baltimore Ravens. “Jeremiah could have chased the bag. Instead, he chose brotherhood and legacy. Mad respect.”

Others in the national media echoed similar sentiments. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, never shy to critique Notre Dame, admitted on-air that he was “blown away” by Love’s decision.

“This could have been a turning point in the arms race of NIL deals,” Finebaum said. “And for a player of Jeremiah’s caliber to say no — not just to money, but to Georgia — it tells me Notre Dame has something real going on.”

Indeed, that “something real” is beginning to take shape. Under Freeman, Notre Dame has re-energized its recruiting footprint, modernized its strength and conditioning approach, and implemented a more aggressive offensive style — all while staying true to the academic and ethical standards that define the university.

Keeping a player like Love, particularly under these circumstances, is a validation of that vision.

Still, the decision wasn’t without risk. NIL money, especially at the level Georgia reportedly offered, can be life-changing for players and their families. Love’s rejection of such a massive financial windfall places tremendous faith in Notre Dame’s ability to support him in other ways — through future NFL development, academic advancement, and long-term personal growth.

Notre Dame’s in-house NIL infrastructure, while not as flashy or deep-pocketed as some SEC programs, has been steadily growing. The Irish have leaned on alumni partnerships, local businesses, and customized athlete branding strategies that emphasize sustainability over flash. It’s a system built more on long-term value than short-term cash grabs.

“We believe in empowering our athletes through relationships that last,” said Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame’s athletic director. “Jeremiah’s decision affirms that our approach can work, even in a challenging and ever-changing environment.”

While no one would have faulted Love for exploring or even accepting Georgia’s offer, his choice to remain loyal to the Irish may have ripple effects far beyond South Bend. It sends a message to other elite players that loyalty, development, and purpose still have a place in big-time college football. It may also influence future recruits considering Notre Dame, now seeing tangible proof that the program’s values aren’t just talk.

As the 2025 season looms, Love will return as the focal point of a Notre Dame offense that figures to be more dangerous and experienced. With quarterback CJ Carr set to take over, and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock calling plays, the Irish could unleash a versatile, up-tempo attack built around Love’s unique skill set.

There’s also unfinished business on the field. Notre Dame came heartbreakingly close to a College Football Playoff berth in 2024, finishing 10-2 with a pair of one-score losses to ranked opponents. With a more veteran defense and Love back in the fold, the Irish will enter 2025 with legitimate title aspirations — and a program-defining leader in the backfield.

As for Love, his legacy at Notre Dame is already taking shape — not just as a star on Saturdays, but as an emblem of what it means to truly believe in a mission beyond yourself.

“No matter what the headlines say,” he reportedly told a teammate after the news broke, “I didn’t say no to Georgia. I said yes to Notre Dame.”