In a bold and defining moment that transcends modern college football’s NIL-driven landscape, Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price has chosen loyalty and legacy over financial temptation. According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, Price recently turned down a staggering $8.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer — nearly double his current compensation — allegedly made through back channels associated with the University of Tennessee football program. The offer was part of an apparent tampering effort to lure the standout junior into the NCAA transfer portal.
Price’s decision has sent shockwaves throughout college football, sparking renewed conversations around NIL ethics, tampering violations, and the evolving value of player commitment in a rapidly commercialized era.
The Temptation: Tennessee’s Alleged Tampering Move
According to insider reports, representatives loosely affiliated with Tennessee’s NIL collective made covert overtures to Price, gauging his interest in transferring following Notre Dame’s 2025 spring football season. The proposed NIL package included lucrative endorsements, guaranteed brand representation, a luxury vehicle, and a multimillion-dollar signing bonus—all part of an $8.7 million offer. The total far exceeded his current NIL valuation at Notre Dame, which sources indicate hovers around $4.2 million, one of the top deals for a running back in college football.
Though Price never formally entered the portal, multiple coaches and administrators at Notre Dame became aware of the overture, prompting internal discussions and, eventually, a reported warning to Tennessee officials. The Fighting Irish coaching staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, expressed strong confidence that Price would not entertain the transfer option despite the financial allure—and that belief proved well-founded.
Jadarian Price Responds: “I’m Right Where I Belong”
In a public statement shared via social media on Monday morning, Price addressed the rumors and reaffirmed his commitment to the Fighting Irish:
“There’s been a lot of talk lately. Let me be clear — I’m staying at Notre Dame. This place, these teammates, and this fan base mean more to me than any check. I came here to be great, and I’m not finished yet. I’m right where I belong. Go Irish.”
The post instantly went viral, with fans, former players, and college football analysts praising Price for his principled stance.
A Legacy in the Making at Notre Dame
Jadarian Price has emerged as a cornerstone of the Irish offense. After flashing potential as a freshman and fighting through an Achilles injury early in his career, Price exploded in the 2024 season, rushing for 1,382 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 412 receiving yards. His versatility, toughness, and leadership have drawn comparisons to Notre Dame greats like Josh Adams and Julius Jones.
In 2025, Price is widely expected to be on the shortlist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s best running back, and he’s a projected top-50 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Price’s decision to remain in South Bend positions Notre Dame as a College Football Playoff contender this fall. It also sends a strong message about program culture, player loyalty, and what still matters in college athletics—even in the NIL era.
Marcus Freeman’s Role and Leadership Culture
Credit must be given to head coach Marcus Freeman, whose player-first approach and transparent communication have built a foundation of trust within the program. When asked about Price’s decision, Freeman was emotional but direct:
“Jadarian’s loyalty, his heart, and his belief in what we’re building here — that’s what Notre Dame is all about. It’s easy to chase the next offer, the next dollar. But to stay the course, to commit to your brothers and your values, that takes strength. Jadarian is one of the strongest young men I’ve ever coached.”
Freeman declined to comment on any tampering allegations but hinted that the Notre Dame administration would “follow protocol” to protect its athletes from external manipulation.
NCAA Rules and the Cloud of Tampering
While NIL collectives are legally allowed to offer endorsements to student-athletes, NCAA rules still prohibit tampering—defined as unauthorized contact with players who have not entered the transfer portal. If proven, Tennessee’s alleged actions could place the program under scrutiny.
Under current NCAA policy, tampering complaints must be filed by the athlete’s current institution and substantiated through direct evidence. However, the landscape is murky, as many NIL conversations are channeled through third-party entities, not officially tied to athletic departments.
Notre Dame has not filed an official complaint yet, but school officials have reportedly documented the events. Several college athletic directors have publicly called for clearer tampering enforcement and tighter NIL oversight.
College Football World Reacts
Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN Analyst:
“We finally have a story about a kid choosing character over cash. Jadarian Price deserves all the respect in the world.”
Reggie Bush, former USC star:
“Man turned down $8.7 million to stay at Notre Dame. That’s generational character right there.”
Desmond Howard, College GameDay:
“This is what we need to see more of. Loyalty. Not everything is about the money.”
Fans across the country echoed similar sentiments. Notre Dame supporters flooded social media with tributes, thank-you videos, and memes celebrating Price’s decision. Even rivals acknowledged the rarity of such a move in today’s landscape.
What This Means for Notre Dame’s 2025 Season
With Price returning, Notre Dame boasts one of the most complete backfields in the nation. The offense, led by junior quarterback CJ Carr and anchored by one of the top offensive lines in the country, will feature a balanced attack with Price as the focal point.
The Irish defense, bolstered by returning stars and key portal additions, has also been projected to rank top-10 nationally. Combined with Price’s leadership and Freeman’s vision, Notre Dame enters the 2025 season ranked No. 5 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 and is expected to challenge for a CFP berth.
NIL Realities: The New Era of College Football
Jadarian Price’s decision brings renewed attention to the high-stakes world of NIL. While NIL has created unprecedented opportunities for athletes, it has also blurred traditional boundaries.
More and more athletes now face crossroads between loyalty and opportunity, especially when figures like $8.7 million are involved. While Price stood firm, not all will make the same choice. College programs must adapt, building cultures that offer more than money—places where players feel seen, valued, and supported beyond their market value.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Power of Loyalty
Jadarian Price’s refusal to abandon Notre Dame for an eight-figure offer speaks volumes—not just about who he is, but about what college football can still represent. In a sport often driven by headlines, brands, and deals, Price chose to double down on the values that made him who he is: perseverance, commitment, and belief in something bigger than himself.
He could have taken the bag. Instead, he took the road less traveled. And in doing so, he might have authored the most inspiring story of the 2025 college football season before a single snap is played.