Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love: Powering Notre Dame’s Championship Run and NIL Potential

Notre Dame football has long been a symbol of tradition and excellence in college athletics, but the 2024 season has propelled the Fighting Irish to new heights on and off the field. With a spot in the College Football Playoff Championship and standout athletes like Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love leading the charge, the program is a dream for NIL deals and sports marketing opportunities.

Whether you’re a sports brand marketer, agent, or industry stakeholder, there’s no better time to align with Notre Dame and its rising stars.

Coach Marcus Freeman: Building a Marketable Legacy

Coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership has been a game-changer for Notre Dame football. Since taking over, Freeman has built a program centered on player development, discipline, and brand elevation.

This season, he guided the team to its first national championship appearance since 1988—a milestone that cements his impact both on the field and in the NIL space. Freeman’s ability to unite players and create a culture of excellence has boosted the value of Notre Dame athletes in the NIL marketplace, making them attractive to national brands.

The Star Power of Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love

Riley Leonard: A Dual-Threat Quarterback with NIL Appeal

Riley Leonard’s exceptional performance on the field has made him one of the most marketable players in college football. This season, Leonard has:

• Thrown for 2,606 passing yards with 19 touchdowns.

• Rushed for 866 yards and 16 touchdowns, proving his versatility.

• Earned a QBR of 77.7, ranking in the top 15 nationally.

Beyond his stats, Leonard’s leadership, charisma, and 82 Out2Win Score—a measure of marketability based on performance, personality, and social media reach—position him as a top NIL candidate for big-name brands.

Jeremiyah Love: The Explosive Playmaker Brands Crave

Jeremiyah Love’s breakout season has solidified his place as one of the most exciting running backs in college football. Love has:

• Rushed for 1,121 yards and 17 touchdowns.

• Averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry.

With a 70 Out2Win Score, Love’s combination of on-field dominance and marketable personality makes him a prime candidate for endorsement deals in industries like sports apparel, nutrition, and technology.

Together, Leonard and Love are not only driving Notre Dame’s championship aspirations but also setting new benchmarks for NIL opportunities.

‘Here Come the Irish’: Building the Brand Through Storytelling

Notre Dame’s partnership with Peacock has brought fans closer to the program with the exclusive documentary Here Come the Irish. The series highlights:

• Behind-the-scenes moments from the 2024 season.

• In-depth interviews with Coach Marcus Freeman and key players like Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love.

• The resilience and determination that define Notre Dame football.

For brands, the documentary provides valuable exposure and a chance to connect with an audience captivated by the team’s journey. This storytelling enhances the appeal of Notre Dame athletes as relatable, aspirational figures, further boosting their NIL value.

Why Notre Dame Is a NIL Goldmine

Notre Dame’s unique status as an independent program gives it a significant edge in the NIL space:

• Nationwide Appeal: With a loyal fanbase spread across the country, Notre Dame athletes offer brands broad exposure.

• Financial Independence: Unlike conference-affiliated teams, Notre Dame retains 100% of postseason payouts, increasing resources for branding and marketing efforts.

• Historic Prestige Meets Modern Success: This blend of tradition and current success attracts high-profile recruits and corporate partnerships.

For athletes like Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love, this environment is ideal for maximizing their NIL potential, whether through national sponsorships, local endorsements, or social media campaigns.

The Perfect Time to Partner with the Irish

Notre Dame’s 2024 season has been transformative, with Coach Marcus Freeman, Riley Leonard, and Jeremiyah Love leading the charge. As the team prepares for the College Football Playoff Championship, their marketability and NIL potential are at an all-time high.

For brands, agents, and marketers, partnering with Notre Dame and its stars is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a storied program that is thriving in the modern sports landscape. Don’t miss your chance to be part of their journey.