In a shocking twist that sent ripples throughout the college football landscape, Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price has turned down an enticing $8.7 million NIL offer from Tennessee, a move that would have more than doubled his current NIL earnings. Sources close to the situation have revealed that Price’s decision to remain at Notre Dame, despite the financial allure of a transfer to the SEC powerhouse, is a testament to his commitment to his current program, the values instilled in him, and his long-term aspirations.
The offer from Tennessee was one of the largest known NIL deals ever extended to a college football player, and many were surprised when it was first reported. Tennessee’s football program, flush with financial backing and a desire to bolster its offense for the coming seasons, aimed to leverage their deep pockets to entice one of the nation’s top running back prospects away from South Bend. The Vols’ aggressive approach involved not only significant financial promises but also assurances of a starring role in their high-powered offense. However, despite the immense monetary appeal, Price’s decision to reject the offer speaks volumes about his character, his loyalty to Notre Dame, and his vision for his future both on and off the field.
Price, a standout running back for the Fighting Irish, has had a meteoric rise since joining the program, becoming one of the most promising young talents in college football. His combination of speed, vision, and elusiveness has made him a key figure in Notre Dame’s backfield, and he quickly earned the trust of head coach Marcus Freeman. With his impressive performances during his early years, Price had quickly become one of the top players in the nation at his position, and his future looked extraordinarily bright.
Though NIL offers have become a significant part of college sports over the past few years, Price’s decision to remain at Notre Dame—turning down a deal that would have set a new standard for the financial rewards that student-athletes can secure—is something rare in this new era of college football. In a time where money often drives decisions, Price’s resolve to stay with the team that recruited him and helped him develop is an anomaly that has surprised many.
For Notre Dame, the news is a huge win, as they were at risk of losing one of their top young players to another program, one that has become a force in college football in recent seasons. Tennessee’s willingness to put together a massive NIL package for Price shows their confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact, while also signaling the importance they place on their recruiting efforts moving forward. However, the fact that Price chose to stay in South Bend, rejecting an offer that would have put him in an elite financial class, highlights the cultural difference between the two programs.
Tennessee’s aggressive recruitment of Price is the latest example of how NIL deals are increasingly becoming central to college football’s recruiting landscape. The Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, have made significant strides in recent years, including a trip to the College Football Playoff and a national ranking that continues to rise. Heupel’s offense is built on speed and explosive plays, and Price, with his explosive speed and home-run hitting ability, would have been a perfect fit for the high-octane style.
However, despite the allure of playing in an offense tailored for his strengths and the financial incentives that came with such a move, Price made it clear that he was not simply interested in chasing the highest bidder. The decision to remain at Notre Dame indicates that Price values the environment that the Fighting Irish have fostered, including their academic rigor, the relationships he has built with teammates and coaches, and the opportunity to finish his college career on his own terms.
Moreover, Price has stated in recent interviews that his decision wasn’t solely about money, but about building a legacy at Notre Dame. The university’s rich football tradition, its legacy of producing NFL talent, and the bond he has with the coaching staff and his teammates all played a significant role in his decision-making process. In a statement made by his camp, Price expressed his gratitude for the opportunities presented to him, but also reiterated that his goal was to contribute to Notre Dame’s success and to fulfill the expectations placed on him when he first signed with the program.
His rejection of Tennessee’s massive NIL offer has also sparked a larger conversation about the role of NIL in college sports. Critics have long argued that NIL deals could potentially lead to a shift in power dynamics within college athletics, with wealthy programs having an unfair advantage when it comes to attracting top talent. Price’s decision serves as a counterpoint to those concerns, illustrating that while NIL can play a role in recruitment, it is not always the deciding factor for every athlete.
For many student-athletes, NIL deals represent an opportunity to capitalize on their talent, but for others, the college experience and the desire to make a meaningful impact within their chosen program outweigh the immediate financial benefits. Jadarian Price, by turning down a deal that would have been life-changing in a financial sense, has demonstrated that, at least for him, there are things more important than money—such as legacy, loyalty, and a commitment to his current team and its success.
In the eyes of many, Price’s decision reaffirms the values that Notre Dame has instilled in its athletes. While the Fighting Irish have been long known for their tradition of academic excellence and national prominence in football, the program has also become a place where players can grow both on and off the field. Price’s decision speaks to the culture that has been cultivated at Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman’s leadership, where student-athletes are encouraged to make decisions based on what’s best for their futures, not just the immediate rewards.
Looking ahead, Price will continue to be one of the most exciting running backs in college football. His decision to stay at Notre Dame ensures that he will remain a focal point of the Fighting Irish offense, one that has consistently competed at the highest levels of the sport. With his talent and drive, Price has the potential to be a future first-round pick in the NFL Draft, and staying at Notre Dame could set him up for a prosperous career both on and off the field.
The rejection of the $8.7 million offer from Tennessee may have been a surprising decision to some, but to those who know Jadarian Price and understand his goals, it was a choice that aligns perfectly with his values and vision. By making the decision to reject the huge financial offer and remain at Notre Dame, Price has proven that, for him, success is not just about money—it’s about legacy, loyalty, and the future he is determined to build. This move serves as a powerful reminder that while NIL deals may be transforming college football, the heart and soul of the game remain rooted in the commitment athletes have to their teams, their schools, and their futures.
As for Tennessee, they will need to look elsewhere for the dynamic running back they had hoped to add to their already potent offense. The Vols’ loss, however, is Notre Dame’s gain, as they continue to build a team that can contend for championships. For Price, the future is incredibly bright, and it is clear that his decision to remain at Notre Dame will not only benefit him but also the program that he has come to love.
In a world where the pursuit of money often dominates decision-making, Jadarian Price’s choice serves as a refreshing reminder that there are still athletes who prioritize other factors—legacy, loyalty, and long-term goals—above the immediate lure of financial gain.