The junior standout, widely considered one of the top running backs in the nation entering the 2025 season, has turned down a staggering $8.7 million NIL offer from Tennessee—a deal that would have more than doubled his current compensation.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, the Volunteers made an aggressive push in recent weeks to lure Price into the transfer portal in what has been described as a “direct tampering attempt.”
Instead of taking the bait, Price informed Notre Dame’s coaching staff, teammates, and university officials that he is fully committed to finishing his college career in South Bend.
“My heart is with Notre Dame,” Price said in a statement. “This is where I was developed, where I became a man, and where I will finish what we started. No amount of money can replace that.”
Loyalty Over Lucrative Deals
Price’s decision immediately drew national attention—not just for the eye-popping figure he declined, but for what it represents in the current college football climate. As NIL money has skyrocketed, so too has player movement, with top talent routinely switching programs in search of bigger paydays. Tampering, while officially banned, has become a common issue in high-level recruiting and roster management.
Sources familiar with the situation said Tennessee’s offer included not just a multi-million dollar NIL valuation, but perks such as luxury housing, car endorsements, personal branding deals, and performance bonuses tied to postseason success.
Despite the temptation, Price said he never wavered.
“I play for the logo on my helmet, not the commas in a contract,” he said. “Notre Dame has always been about faith, family, and football. That means something to me.”
Notre Dame Responds
Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman praised Price’s maturity, leadership, and example.
“Jadarian embodies everything this program stands for,” Freeman said. “He’s talented, yes—but more importantly, he’s loyal, grounded, and driven by a purpose greater than himself. We’re not surprised by his decision, but we’re certainly proud of it.”
Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick echoed those sentiments, saying Price’s response should serve as a reminder of what makes Notre Dame unique.
“Here, character matters. Culture matters,” Swarbrick said. “Jadarian chose legacy over leverage, and we’ll stand behind him with every resource we have.”
A Rising Star With Deep Roots
Hailing from Denison, Texas, Jadarian Price joined Notre Dame as part of the 2022 recruiting class. After battling injuries early in his career, he broke out in the 2024 season, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 400 receiving yards. He enters 2025 as a preseason All-American candidate and a projected top-50 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Teammates describe him as a quiet leader and relentless competitor.
“He brings it every single day,” said quarterback CJ Carr. “He could’ve left for more money, and no one would’ve blamed him. But he stayed for us—for the mission we’re on. That speaks volumes.”
Price has also been active off the field, working with South Bend charities, mentoring younger players, and serving on Notre Dame’s NIL advisory board to help create more sustainable, ethical NIL pathways for athletes.
Tampering Under the Spotlight
Tennessee, which has faced scrutiny for its aggressive NIL tactics in the past, has yet to publicly comment on the allegations. However, sources indicate that Notre Dame has documented evidence of indirect contact through NIL collectives and third-party representatives—an increasingly common strategy used to circumvent NCAA tampering rules.
While official complaints to the NCAA have not yet been confirmed, university officials are reportedly considering next steps to ensure program integrity.
“This kind of behavior can’t be normalized,” said one Notre Dame compliance officer on condition of anonymity. “Players should have the freedom to explore options—but they should never be exploited or coerced.”
The NCAA has struggled to police tampering effectively in the NIL era, with calls growing louder for reforms that protect both player rights and institutional fairness.
Fans and Alumni React
The news of Price’s decision exploded across social media Saturday morning, with the Notre Dame community hailing him as a modern-day embodiment of the program’s core values. Hashtags like #LoyalIrish, #PriceIsRight, and #NDoverMillions began trending on X (formerly Twitter).
“Jadarian Price just became a Notre Dame legend,” tweeted former linebacker Manti Te’o. “Honor over hype. Legacy over money. That’s the Irish way.”
Notre Dame alumni, boosters, and even former players reached out to Price privately and publicly, offering support and admiration.
“We’ll remember this long after his touchdowns,” said Hall of Famer Tim Brown. “That kind of character leaves a legacy that no NIL deal can buy.”
What’s Next for Price and the Irish?
With spring practices concluded and summer workouts underway, Price has turned his focus toward the upcoming 2025 season, where Notre Dame is expected to enter as a top-5 preseason team. He will lead a high-powered offense with national title aspirations and now, a new layer of motivation.
“I’m locked in,” Price said. “I came back to win, to lead, and to show that loyalty still matters in this game.”
Coach Freeman hinted that Price’s return will spark more than just a tactical advantage.
“He’s not just carrying the ball—he’s carrying the standard,” Freeman said. “And we’re going to follow his lead.”
A Stand That Will Be Remembered
In a college football world increasingly shaped by dollars and contracts, Jadarian Price’s decision stands as a powerful message: tradition, loyalty, and purpose still have a place in this sport.
He could’ve left. He didn’t. He chose the Irish.
And in doing so, he became more than a star—he became a symbol.