Riley Leonard, Jordan Clark delve into how 'crazy world' of NIL, transfer portal changed college football

College sports aren’t anything like they used to be with all the overarching changes the last few years. Fans are able to tell and the players, coaches, and programs all certainly can too.

Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, QB Riley Leonard, and DB Jordan Clark came on ‘Get Up’ on ESPN this morning and were all asked about the new era that they’re living in with collegiate football. The players began by noting just how different the space is after the shifts over their time in the sport.

“It has changed a bunch,” said Clark. “The landscape is entirely different.”

“It’s a crazy world,” added Leonard.

However, both agreed how they have all changed their lives, along with rest of the players across the country. Aspects like the transfer portal or name, image, and likeness have allowed them chances that wouldn’t have been there previously under the past ways.

“So much opportunity for us, you know what I’m saying? I think that’s something great. Kids are being able to, you know, capitalize on themselves now in college, you know what I’m saying? The league isn’t something everybody has to shoot for immediately. Guys are getting to stay longer, develop themselves, and also meet financial needs as well,” Clark said. “I think it has been great. I think the portal is something awesome. It’s allowed me the opportunity to be at Notre Dame, be with these guys. I think NIL is awesome as well.”

“We wouldn’t be able to be sitting here today with you guys talking and doing all these cool things if it weren’t for NIL and these opportunities,” Leonard continued. “Everybody thinks us guys are just transferring to Notre Dame for x or y reason. But the real reason? I mean it just opens up so many doors and so many windows for us o go through and really better ourselves on and off the field.”

That’s when Mike Greenberg then asked Freeman for his thoughts and perspective as a coach and father. He does think that there are issues that must get some correction in the years to come. Still, in the end, the benefits for the players are what he wants most.

“I don’t know if it’s sustainable. There’s still going to be details ironed out as we move forward,” Freeman began. “I think we’ll look back in five years and say, ‘Hey, look at that time period where college football changed.'”

“I’m a huge advocate for young people being able to maximize their opportunities, make money off of their true name, image, and likeness. Also, the transfer portal? If there is a better situation for them? Great. Great,” said Freeman. “I think, more for us as coaches, it’s still a reminder that, to have a success, you’ve got to double down on relationships. That’s the way to have success. It’s nothing to do with NIL, transfer portal. It’s about relationships, gaining trust with people you coach, and coaching them hard.”

Some might view Notre Dame as a bit old-school with how they go about themselves and their program. Even so, that’s not completely the case in South Bend as the Fighting Irish appear to be enjoying and making the most of this new era.