Notre Dame Star RB Jeremiah Love Stuns College Football World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $4.5 Million NIL Offer from Georgia to Remain with the Fighting Irish: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being a Dame

In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, few decisions are as significant as a top player’s commitment to a program. The landscape has changed dramatically in recent years with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have provided players with the opportunity to earn significant financial compensation. These NIL deals, often in the millions of dollars, have become a game-changer for many recruits, especially those on the verge of making their college football commitments.

For Jeremiah Love, a star running back who has been one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2026 class, the allure of a massive NIL offer from the University of Georgia—reportedly worth a staggering $4.5 million—was certainly tempting. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Love made a decision that stunned the college football world: he rejected the offer and reaffirmed his commitment to the University of Notre Dame, the program he has been loyal to since his initial commitment.

This bombshell decision sent shockwaves through the college football community, with analysts and fans alike reacting in disbelief. In a statement, Love expressed his unwavering dedication to the Fighting Irish, saying, “I have no plans beyond being a Dame.” For many, this remarkable decision symbolizes a new era in recruiting—one where a player’s love for the game, the culture of a program, and his vision for his future can outweigh the financial incentives being offered by some of the sport’s most successful programs.

In this article, we will explore the significance of Jeremiah Love’s decision to remain with Notre Dame, what it means for the future of both his career and the Fighting Irish program, and how it reflects broader trends in college football recruiting in the NIL era.

Jeremiah Love: The Rising Star

Jeremiah Love has quickly become one of the most exciting and talked-about prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 210 pounds, Love possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him one of the most dynamic running backs in the nation. His ability to break tackles, change direction at high speed, and accelerate through holes has made him a standout player at the high school level. In addition to his physical gifts, Love has the vision, football IQ, and hands to be a major weapon in both the running and passing game.

As a high school star, Love has been a key part of his team’s success, consistently putting up impressive numbers and demonstrating leadership qualities on and off the field. His highlight reels are filled with jaw-dropping plays, from long touchdown runs to acrobatic catches in the open field. Love has earned recognition as one of the top running backs in the country and is widely expected to be a game-changer at the collegiate level.

Because of his elite status, Love has been the target of nearly every top college football program in the nation. Schools from across the country, including powerhouse programs like Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson, have all extended scholarship offers. However, throughout his recruiting journey, Notre Dame has remained at the top of Love’s list. His connection to the Fighting Irish, both on a personal and professional level, has always been strong, and he has continuously expressed his desire to play for a program with both athletic and academic excellence.

The Impact of NIL Deals on College Football Recruiting

The introduction of NIL deals in 2021 has revolutionized the world of college sports, particularly football. For the first time, college athletes have the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness, allowing them to sign endorsement deals, create their own brands, and secure lucrative sponsorships. For recruits like Jeremiah Love, this has added a new dimension to the recruiting process, with some programs offering enormous financial incentives to attract top talent.

NIL deals can range from small endorsement deals with local companies to multimillion-dollar contracts with major brands. In some cases, players have secured NIL deals worth millions of dollars, which has led to significant changes in how recruits weigh their college choices. A major NIL offer can sway a player’s decision, especially when the financial offer is as large as the one reportedly extended to Love by the University of Georgia.

Georgia, which has been one of the most successful programs in college football in recent years, is known for its strong recruiting efforts, and their interest in Love was no exception. The reported $4.5 million NIL deal offered to Love would have been one of the largest offers ever presented to a high school recruit, and it signaled just how serious Georgia was about securing his commitment. With that kind of money on the table, it was widely expected that Love might leave Notre Dame behind in favor of the financial windfall offered by Georgia.

However, Love’s decision to reject this lucrative NIL offer and remain committed to Notre Dame has caused many to reassess the role of NIL deals in college football recruiting. While NIL deals are undeniably a powerful tool for recruiting, Love’s decision highlights that financial incentives alone are not enough to sway every player. For Love, the decision was about more than just money—it was about his connection to Notre Dame and the values that the program represents.

Why Jeremiah Love Chose Notre Dame Over Georgia

Jeremiah Love’s decision to reject the $4.5 million NIL offer from Georgia and stay committed to Notre Dame speaks to the values that he holds dear, as well as his vision for the future. Several factors appear to have played a role in his decision:

1. The Notre Dame Tradition

One of the biggest draws of Notre Dame is its rich football tradition. The Fighting Irish have won 11 national championships, produced countless NFL players, and developed some of the most iconic figures in the sport. For Love, the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious program was a major factor in his decision. The chance to wear the iconic blue and gold uniform and represent a program with such a storied history was something that could not be matched by the financial incentives offered elsewhere.

Love has repeatedly spoken about his admiration for the Notre Dame football program, and his commitment to the Fighting Irish is deeply rooted in his connection to the tradition of the school. The idea of playing for a team that has consistently competed at the highest level and been a symbol of excellence in college football was a compelling reason for Love to stay with Notre Dame, despite the lucrative offer from Georgia.

2. Coach Freeman’s Vision and Relationship

Another major factor in Love’s decision is the relationship he has built with Notre Dame’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Marcus Freeman. Freeman, who took over as head coach in 2022, has made an immediate impact on the program, bringing a new energy and focus to the team. His background as a former player and his ability to connect with recruits on a personal level has made him a highly respected figure in the college football world.

For Love, the relationship with Freeman and the rest of the coaching staff was critical in his decision. Love has expressed admiration for Freeman’s leadership and vision for the future of the program. The coaching staff at Notre Dame has emphasized player development and providing a holistic experience for athletes, balancing both football and academics. This approach resonated with Love, who is not just focused on football but also values the opportunity to receive a world-class education at one of the top universities in the country.

3. The Notre Dame Family and Culture

In interviews and public statements, Love has often mentioned the sense of family and camaraderie that he feels when he’s with the Notre Dame team. The culture of the program, which prioritizes character, work ethic, and integrity, played a significant role in his decision to remain committed. For Love, the opportunity to join a program where he could form lifelong bonds with his teammates and be part of something greater than just football was invaluable.

The culture at Notre Dame is one of accountability, discipline, and support, and Love has expressed his desire to be part of a program that not only develops players on the field but also helps them grow as individuals. This commitment to the overall development of players is something that financial offers from other schools could not match.

4. Long-Term Vision Beyond NIL Money

While the $4.5 million NIL offer from Georgia was undoubtedly appealing, Love’s decision suggests that he is focused on his long-term future rather than immediate financial gain. The reality of college football is that NIL deals, while lucrative, do not guarantee success on the field or in life after football. By staying with Notre Dame, Love is prioritizing his development as a football player and his education, knowing that a solid foundation in both areas will serve him well in the future, regardless of where the money is.

Love’s decision to reject the massive NIL offer speaks to his maturity and focus. While many players are drawn to the financial incentives of NIL deals, Love has taken a more measured approach, understanding that his legacy at Notre Dame and the opportunities he will have in the future are more important than a short-term payday.

What This Means for Notre Dame

Jeremiah Love’s decision to remain committed to Notre Dame, despite the tempting NIL offer from Georgia, is a major victory for the Fighting Irish. It sends a strong message about the program’s ability to recruit and retain top talent, even in an era where financial incentives are playing an increasingly large role in recruiting. It also speaks to the culture that head coach Marcus Freeman has been building at Notre Dame—a culture that values hard work, tradition, and a commitment to excellence on and off the field.

For Notre Dame, Love’s commitment is a sign that the program is not just competing for championships but is also positioned to land elite talent. Love is one of the top running backs in the country, and his decision to stay with the Fighting Irish is a testament to the strength of the program. With Love leading the way, Notre Dame’s future looks incredibly bright.