Star RB for Notre Dame Jeremiah Love dazzles the college football world by turning down Georgia’s incredible $4.5 million NIL offer to stay with the Fighting Irish: “I have no plans other than to become a Dame.”
In a stunning display of loyalty and commitment, Notre Dame’s star running back, Jeremiyah Love, has turned down a remarkable $4.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Georgia to remain with the Fighting Irish. Love’s decision has sent ripples through the college football world, highlighting the complex interplay between financial incentives and personal allegiance in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.Sky Sportt+1CollegeNetWorth.com+1
Early Life and Recruitment
Jeremiyah Darnell Love was born on May 31, 2005, in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Christian Brothers College High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. As a junior, Love rushed for 996 yards and 14 touchdowns, contributing significantly to his team’s success. His senior year saw an impressive tally of 1,291 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on just 140 carries. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by recording 13 receptions for 370 yards and five touchdowns. A standout performance in the MSHSAA Class 6A State Championship, where he accumulated 317 total yards and five touchdowns, earned him accolades such as MaxPreps Missouri High School Football Player of the Year and Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year. Wikipedia+1On3+1
During his recruitment, Love was pursued by numerous prestigious programs, including Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, and Texas A&M. Ultimately, he committed to Notre Dame in October 2022, citing the university’s exceptional academic reputation, the passionate fan base, and the proximity to home as key factors in his decision. On3+3SI+3irishsportsdaily.com+3
College Career at Notre Dame
Love’s collegiate career began with a strong freshman year in 2023. He appeared in all 13 games, rushing 71 times for 385 yards and a touchdown. He also demonstrated his receiving abilities with eight catches for 77 yards and another touchdown. His performance earned him a spot on the Doak Walker Award watch list in August 2024, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top running backs. ESPN.com+4Wikipedia+4One Foot Down+4One Foot Down
The 2024 season marked Love’s emergence as a key player for the Fighting Irish. He started all 16 games, amassing 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 163 carries, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. In the inaugural College Football Playoff, Love scored the first touchdown in the history of the 12-team format with a 98-yard run against Indiana. Wikipedia+1Saturday Down South+1
NIL Opportunities and Financial Incentives
With the advent of NIL rights for college athletes, Love’s marketability soared. He secured several lucrative deals, including partnerships with brands like Red Bull, Lululemon, and Ricart Automotive. His NIL valuation reached approximately $2.8 million, placing him among the top college athletes in this emerging market. Sky SporttSky Sportt+2Sportskeeda+2CollegeNetWorth.com+2
In January 2025, reports emerged of Love signing a groundbreaking $9.8 million NIL agreement, underscoring his immense value both on and off the field. This deal highlighted the shifting dynamics of college athletics, where athletes could now leverage their personal brands for substantial financial gain.Sky Sportt
The Georgia Offer and Love’s Decision
Amidst his rising prominence, the University of Georgia extended a remarkable $4.5 million NIL offer to Love, aiming to entice him away from Notre Dame. This offer was among the highest known NIL proposals in college sports, reflecting Georgia’s aggressive strategy to bolster its roster.
However, Love’s commitment to Notre Dame remained unwavering. He publicly stated, “I have no plans other than to become a Dame,” emphasizing his dedication to the Fighting Irish. This declaration not only reaffirmed his loyalty but also shed light on the multifaceted considerations influencing student-athlete decisions in the modern era.SI
Impact on College Football
Love’s choice has significant implications for college football. It illustrates the potential for NIL opportunities to enhance a program’s appeal without overshadowing the importance of personal values and team allegiance. Moreover, it challenges the notion that financial incentives are the primary motivators for student-athletes, suggesting that factors like community, culture, and personal development continue to play pivotal roles.
For Notre Dame, retaining Love ensures the continuation of a dynamic and influential presence in their backfield. His leadership and performance are expected to drive the team’s aspirations in upcoming seasons, potentially leading to national championship contention. For Georgia, the unsuccessful pursuit of Love may prompt a reevaluation of recruitment strategies, balancing financial offerings with other persuasive elements.
Jeremiyah Love’s decision to remain with Notre Dame, despite a substantial NIL offer from Georgia, underscores the evolving landscape of college athletics. It highlights the complexities student-athletes face in navigating financial opportunities, personal commitments, and professional aspirations. As NIL deals continue to reshape collegiate sports, stories like Love’s will serve as touchstones for discussions on the true essence of amateurism and the future trajectory of college athletics.One Foot Down+9
