Tennessee five-star QB commit George MacIntyre inks exclusive NIL deal with Leaf Trading Cards

Tennessee quarterback commit George MacIntyre inked his first-ever NIL deal.

The five-star recruit in the 2025 class signed a multi-year, exclusive partnership with Leaf Trading Cards. Through the partnership, Leaf plans to release autographed editions, short prints and special edition cards highlighting pivotal moments throughout MacIntyre’s career.

The agreement makes Leaf Trading Cards the sole producer of George MacIntyre official trading cards. Since the inception of NIL in college sports in the summer of 2021, the race has been on for trading card brands to sign top high school recruits.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome George Macintyre to the Leaf family,” Leaf president said Josh Pankow said in a statement. “George’s unparalleled skill and dedication to his sport make him a perfect ambassador for our brand. This exclusive deal allows us to create a unique collection that will not only honor George’s legacy but also provide college football fans with exceptional collectibles that capture the essence of his career.”

Because the state of Tennessee allows high schoolers to profit off their NIL, MacIntyre is able to get a head start on signing endorsement deals. The TSSAA’s Legislative Council unanimously approved a proposal in December 2022 to allow athletes to pursue NIL opportunities. Athletes can’t use school or association marks in association with NIL deals.

Leaf has worked with a number of high-profile athletes in the last 30-plus months, signing deals with Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava and USC Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams. MacIntyre joins USC quarterback commit Julian Lewis and Florida quarterback DJ Lagway as the latest signees.

Tennessee beat out Alabama and a number of others for MacIntyre, who is the No. 3 overall quarterback in the 2025 cycle. He’s the top prospect in the state of Tennessee and being on board gives the Vols a major piece to build around. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound quarterback is the grandson of former Vanderbilt coach George MacIntyre, who was named SEC and national coach of the year in 1982. George MacIntyre led Brentwood Academy to the 2022 state semifinals by throwing for 2,341 yards and 19 touchdowns. 

With more than 36,000 social media followers and the Tennessee brand behind him, he’s on track to becoming an NIL star. He’s set to be at this month’s On3 Elite Series, too.

“Flashes good arm strength, with the ability to flick passes out to the boundary and downfield,” On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power previously wrote. “Mechanical foundation points to a baseline level of accuracy. A bouncy, light-footed mover within the pocket. Avoids pressure in the backfield, stepping up in the pocket. Capable of making high-level second-reaction plays. Has strong improvisational skills. Shows a long stride in the open field.”