Turns out, Notre Dame football's NIL operations are better than expected

In the world of NIL, you either eat, or you get eaten. Notre Dame football, as it turns out, is eating better than people thought. The Irish are still trailing some of the big boys in the world of recruiting. That much is rather obvious considering the recruiting losses they’ve suffered this summer.

However, those who are deeply enmeshed in the world of NIL have a message for those who think Marcus Freeman and his staff are woefully overmatched. Things are quite a bit better than people realize.

According to On3, Notre Dame football’s NIL initiative has kept a rather low profile. Some might even see the situation as one where they are building up in order for a big push. Whatever the reason they’re keeping that low profile, those in the know believe the money is there for top targets.

Notre Dame football in better NIL spot than most believe

Known as The FUND, the Irish NIL collective is considered among the Top 15 in the sport by On3. Of course, it’s worth noting that it’s quite hard to know exactly where one team stands over another because there isn’t any sort of official tracking of how much NIL money is spent.

Even by organizations directly tied to universities.

Still, The Friends of the University of Notre Dame (FUND) believes that the money taken in can keep the Fighting Irish competitive. 

It certainly seems as though more money is going out, and coming in recently. Most notably, Riley Leonard got a pretty penny, and by all accounts he was a strong lean to South Bend from the outset.

It is worth poining out that while the Irish NIL efforts are Top 15, their No. 14 rank does mean they have some catching up to do. Especially with other programs that are leading the way for the best teams in the country.

Right at the top of the list is Ohio State and the 1870 Society & The Foundation. Spyre Sports Group and Tennessee is considered the second-best NIL initiative.

Notre Dame football even has catching up to do with programs they are considered in a better spot in every other way. Nebraska and its 1890 Initiative is currently ranked an impressive No. 8 on the list. That despite the Huskers haven’t been to a bowl game since 2016.