The world of college football continues to evolve with the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and two of the biggest beneficiaries this offseason have been Riley Leonard and Will Howard. Both quarterbacks, who transferred to Notre Dame and Ohio State, respectively, landed million-dollar NIL collective deals, further proving that top programs are willing to invest heavily in securing elite talent from the portal.
Leonard, the former Duke star, and Howard, the former Kansas State standout, both entered the transfer portal with significant demand, and their eventual destinations came with not just premier football opportunities but also major financial backing. Their decisions to join two of the most historic programs in college football have already started to pay off for both the players and the schools.
Riley Leonard: The Quarterback Notre Dame Needed
When Riley Leonard committed to Notre Dame, it was clear that the Fighting Irish saw him as the missing piece for a team looking to take the next step toward competing for a national title. Coming off an impressive tenure at Duke, where he showcased dual-threat ability, poise, and leadership, Leonard immediately became one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal.
Notre Dame’s NIL collectives wasted no time in ensuring he would be well-compensated for bringing his talents to South Bend. According to reports, Leonard’s NIL valuation skyrocketed after his transfer, with his new deal reportedly surpassing the million-dollar mark. This investment is a clear indication of how much Notre Dame believes in him as the quarterback to elevate their offense in Marcus Freeman’s third season.
Leonard’s athleticism and decision-making make him a perfect fit for Notre Dame’s system, and with his financial backing secured, his focus will be entirely on delivering results on the field.
Will Howard: Ohio State’s Strategic Move
Ohio State’s decision to bring in Will Howard from Kansas State was another aggressive but calculated move. After Kyle McCord entered the transfer portal, it became evident that Ryan Day wanted a more experienced and proven quarterback to lead the Buckeyes.
Howard, who had an impressive career at Kansas State, became one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal. The NIL collective backing Ohio State’s efforts played a significant role in securing his commitment, ensuring that he was well-compensated for making Columbus his next home.
Reports suggest that Howard’s NIL deal also exceeds the million-dollar mark, a massive jump from what he earned at Kansas State. Ohio State’s ability to invest in top-tier talent through NIL collectives has given them an edge in securing high-profile transfers, and landing Howard was a critical move for their championship aspirations.
How NIL is Changing the Transfer Portal Landscape
The NIL era has transformed the college football transfer portal into a high-stakes market, where schools with the strongest financial backing can compete for the best talent. Programs like Notre Dame and Ohio State—with strong alumni support and robust NIL collectives—are leading the charge in strategically using NIL to attract top players.
For players like Riley Leonard and Will Howard, these deals provide:
- Financial security before even stepping into the NFL Draft conversation.
- Incentive to commit to powerhouse programs where they can further develop their skills.
- Opportunities for brand-building at nationally recognized schools.
Meanwhile, for programs like Notre Dame and Ohio State, these investments pay off by securing elite talent that can immediately make an impact in College Football Playoff contention.
The Bigger Picture: Will NIL Continue to Shape the Sport?
As NIL deals continue to grow in size and influence, college football is beginning to resemble free agency more than ever. The success of Leonard and Howard’s deals could set a precedent for future transfers, where top quarterbacks expect seven-figure NIL packages as part of their commitment.
For now, Notre Dame and Ohio State’s investments have paid off, securing two of the best quarterbacks available. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Leonard and Howard to see if they can live up to the expectations—and the massive NIL deals that brought them to their new homes.