NIL Stance Clears the Air, Placing Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame High on the 5-Star Prospect’s Wishlist

In the fast-evolving world of college football, few topics have generated as much conversation and debate as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. Since the NCAA officially allowed athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness in 2021, programs across the country have had to adapt to a new era of college sports where recruiting, player compensation, and financial deals are changing the landscape of college football. In this new reality, some programs have embraced NIL with open arms, while others have been more cautious. For Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, the stance on NIL has become a defining element of the program’s identity, especially when it comes to attracting top-tier recruits.

While NIL deals have certainly played a role in reshaping how recruits choose their schools, Notre Dame’s approach to NIL and Freeman’s leadership have turned what could have been a point of contention into a selling point. This stance on NIL has not only solidified the Fighting Irish’s place among the elite programs but has also made Notre Dame an increasingly attractive destination for 5-star prospects. As college football continues to evolve, it’s becoming clear that Freeman’s philosophy surrounding NIL is resonating with elite recruits, helping to position Notre Dame as a top contender in the battle for top talent.

Understanding the NIL Shift in College Football

Before diving into the specifics of Notre Dame’s unique stance on NIL, it’s important to understand how the broader landscape of college football has shifted since NIL was legalized. In the past, college athletes were prohibited from accepting compensation beyond their scholarships and basic expenses. However, the NIL rules have opened up a new world where players can engage in endorsement deals, social media promotions, and a wide array of financial opportunities.

While this new freedom is a game-changer for many players, it has also added complexity to the recruiting process. Schools with significant resources, such as those in the SEC and Big Ten, have capitalized on NIL to lure high-profile recruits. Programs have increasingly focused on how much a recruit can expect to make during their time in college, with some even offering multi-million-dollar NIL deals to top-tier prospects before they step foot on campus. This has raised concerns about the long-term effects of NIL on college football, with critics arguing that it might lead to an imbalance where schools with deeper financial pockets dominate recruiting.

However, not every program is taking the same approach to NIL. While some programs have leaned heavily into the business side of NIL, others—like Notre Dame—have opted for a more measured, values-driven approach.

Marcus Freeman’s Leadership and Notre Dame’s Stance on NIL

Marcus Freeman, hired as the head coach of Notre Dame in 2021, is known for his values-driven approach to coaching, which has resonated with both players and recruits alike. His emphasis on building a championship-caliber program through a commitment to discipline, hard work, and community aligns closely with Notre Dame’s overall ethos. When it comes to NIL, Freeman has made it clear that while he understands the importance of players being able to profit from their talents, Notre Dame’s approach will prioritize the character and academic success of student-athletes above all else.

Notre Dame’s administration, led by athletic director Jack Swarbrick, has supported Freeman’s stance, emphasizing that the university is not in the business of paying recruits to come to South Bend. Instead, they are committed to creating a culture where student-athletes can develop both on the field and in their personal lives, with NIL deals being a secondary benefit rather than the driving force behind a recruit’s decision. This approach places more emphasis on the holistic development of players rather than simply catering to the financial incentives offered by other schools.

For many recruits, this no-nonsense approach to NIL is refreshing. While financial incentives are certainly important, many 5-star prospects are also looking for a school that can offer them a strong football program, an elite academic experience, and a sense of community. Notre Dame, with its strong academic reputation and storied football history, has long been an appealing choice for recruits who want more than just a place to cash in on NIL deals. They want to be a part of a program that stands for something, and under Freeman’s leadership, Notre Dame has doubled down on that philosophy.

Why Notre Dame’s NIL Stance Is a Strong Selling Point for 5-Star Prospects

For 5-star prospects, the decision of where to attend college is one of the most important choices they’ll make in their lives. With the increased prominence of NIL, it’s no surprise that financial factors play a role in these decisions. However, many elite prospects are also looking for more than just a paycheck—they want to be part of a program that values their development both as athletes and as individuals.

Freeman’s Notre Dame program offers recruits something that’s becoming increasingly rare in the world of NIL: a sense of purpose beyond the football field. Notre Dame’s NIL stance is designed to empower players without losing sight of what makes the school unique. This philosophy resonates with recruits who want to compete for championships while receiving a world-class education and preparing for life after football.

Here are several reasons why Notre Dame’s NIL approach is positioning the program as an attractive destination for 5-star recruits:

1. A Focus on Holistic Development

One of the most significant selling points of Notre Dame’s NIL stance is its emphasis on holistic development. Freeman and the coaching staff are focused on developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel not only on the football field but in all aspects of life. This commitment to personal growth, both academically and athletically, resonates with recruits who are looking for more than just a chance to make money while in college.

Recruits understand that they are not just choosing a football program—they are choosing a university that will provide them with the resources, mentorship, and support to thrive in life after football. Notre Dame’s academic excellence and tradition of shaping leaders in business, law, engineering, and other fields make it an ideal place for student-athletes who want to prepare for life beyond the gridiron.

By placing an emphasis on developing players as people first, Notre Dame creates an environment where NIL deals are seen as a secondary benefit to the overall college experience. This long-term vision for players’ futures is something that sets Notre Dame apart from other programs where NIL deals may be used as the primary recruiting tool.

2. Building a Program Based on Trust and Values

Marcus Freeman has quickly become known for his transparent and values-driven approach to coaching. His open communication with recruits and players creates an atmosphere of trust. Freeman is upfront with recruits about what they can expect from Notre Dame’s NIL policy, ensuring that players understand that financial incentives will not come at the expense of their education, development, or values.

Freeman’s approach provides clarity for recruits, who appreciate knowing exactly what they are getting into when they commit to Notre Dame. For many, the idea of a coach who is committed to doing things the right way—who values integrity and the long-term development of players—resonates deeply.

By focusing on building a program based on these principles, Freeman has cultivated a culture where recruits feel they can be part of something larger than just a football team. They want to be part of a program that values their success on and off the field and that will prepare them for life after football. Notre Dame’s NIL policy fits into this vision by allowing players to capitalize on their personal brands without it overshadowing their educational and athletic experiences.

3. An Environment That Encourages Community Engagement

Another significant aspect of Notre Dame’s NIL stance is the emphasis on community engagement. Notre Dame encourages its student-athletes to be active members of the campus and local community, supporting local businesses, charities, and organizations. This approach allows athletes to use their NIL opportunities in a way that benefits others and contributes to the greater good, rather than simply focusing on personal gain.

For recruits who are looking for a meaningful college experience, the opportunity to give back to the community is an attractive aspect of the Notre Dame program. This sense of purpose and social responsibility is something that many elite prospects value and is a key differentiator for Notre Dame in the competitive recruiting landscape.

4. Competitive NIL Deals Without the Overemphasis on Money

While Notre Dame may not be the school offering the largest NIL packages—at least not in the same way that other programs do—it still provides competitive NIL opportunities for its athletes. By partnering with local businesses and building an infrastructure that supports its athletes’ personal brands, Notre Dame has found a way to offer NIL deals without letting the financial aspect overshadow its core values.

This approach appeals to recruits who are looking for a balanced college experience, where they can succeed both on the field and in the business world. The opportunity to earn NIL money is an important consideration, but for many players, it’s not the only consideration. Notre Dame’s ability to offer competitive NIL opportunities without losing sight of its mission has made it a top contender in the recruitment of 5-star prospects.