NIL Deal Whispers: Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard signs six-figure partnership with Rhoback
As Notre Dame prepares for its season opener against Texas A&M, Riley Leonard has inked one of his most lucrative NIL deals to date.
The Fighting Irish quarterback has signed a season-long partnership with Rhoback. Full terms of the deal were not released, On3 has learned Leonard’s agreement with the activewear brand is worth up to $100,000. He’s repped by QB Reps.
The apparel company has emerged as a major spender in the NIL Era. The former Duke transfer joins a growing list of ambassadors, including Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Penn State’s Nick Singleton. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers signed earlier this week for a deal valued between $100,000 to $150,000.
“I am so pumped to work with Rhoback as my official apparel sponsor and become a leading face of their Rhoback U program,” Leonard said in a statement. “It’s easy to see why their presence in college athletics has grown so much and they continue to be one of the fastest-growing activewear brands in the country.
“Rhoback has the most comfortable gear I’ve ever worn and their media house continues to set the standard with engaging content. I’m a big fan of everything they’re doing in the Notre Dame community — from their social content to their gear.”
Riley Leonard, Benjamin Morrison headline ND licensing
As part of the agreement, Leonard can earn commission for the sales he drives. The quarterback will also receive a substantial amount of gear. He isn’t the only Notre Dame player partnering with Rhoback, either. Teammate Benjamin Morrison, viewed as one of college football’s top cornerbacks has inked a partnership.
The company has secured licensing agreements with Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, LSU, Virginia Tech, Virginia and Ohio State.
Leonard will star in social media advertisements throughout the season while wearing Notre Dame-branded Rhoback gear. In 27 career games at Duke, Leonard threw for more than 4,400 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Major On3 NIL Valuation
The Notre Dame quarterback holds an On3 NIL Valuation of $896,000, which ranks in the top 20 of college football. His valuation is No. 32 in the On3 NIL 100, the first of its kind and defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation.
Riley Leonard has previously done marketing work with Gillette and EA Sports College Football 25.
The On3 NIL Valuation is calculated by combining Roster Value and personal NIL. Roster value is the value an athlete has by being a member of his or her team at his or her school, which factors into the role of NIL collectives. NIL in an athlete’s name, image and likeness and the value it could bring to regional and national brands outside of the scope of NIL collectives.