BREAKING: Notre Dame Star Kahanu Kia Stuns NCAA by Rejecting $5.4M NIL Offers to Stay Loyal to Fighting Irish
In a stunning move that’s sending shockwaves through the college football world, Notre Dame linebacker Kahanu Kia has reportedly turned down a combined $5.4 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offers from Auburn and Kansas State to remain with the Fighting Irish.
Kia, who has quickly become one of the most impactful defensive players in the country, made his intentions clear: his loyalty to Notre Dame and commitment to the program’s mission outweigh even the most lucrative financial incentives.
Sources close to Kia confirmed that both Auburn and Kansas State made aggressive late pushes for the Hawaiian native, dangling multi-million dollar NIL packages in hopes of landing the breakout star through the transfer portal. However, Kia ultimately declined both, reaffirming his dedication to head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame community.
“I came to Notre Dame for more than football,” Kia said in a brief statement. “I came here to grow as a man, to be part of something bigger, and to compete at the highest level. No amount of money can replace that.”
The 6-foot-2 junior linebacker has been a standout since returning from his two-year LDS mission in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a leader on and off the field. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, elite tackling ability, and football IQ, Kia finished last season with 89 total tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, earning second-team All-ACC honors.
What makes Kia’s decision so rare in today’s NIL-driven landscape is the sheer magnitude of the offers he walked away from. According to multiple reports, Auburn was prepared to offer $3 million in guaranteed NIL money, while Kansas State’s package was valued at around $2.4 million. In a time when top players are often swayed by the promise of immediate financial gain, Kia’s commitment to Notre Dame stands out as a testament to values, culture, and legacy.
Head coach Marcus Freeman praised Kia’s character and leadership.
“Kahanu represents everything we want in this program — toughness, loyalty, and heart,” Freeman said. “He’s the type of player who inspires everyone around him, and we’re incredibly proud he’s chosen to stay a part of our family.”
Fans and teammates alike have rallied around Kia’s decision, taking to social media to celebrate what many are calling a throwback move in an era of constant movement and high-stakes NIL deals.
“He’s one of the realest dudes I’ve ever met,” one teammate posted on X. “That man turned down millions to ride with us. That’s respect forever.”
For Notre Dame, Kia’s choice is more than just retaining a defensive cornerstone — it’s a symbolic win for a program that continues to balance elite athletics with a foundation of tradition and values. While the NIL era has changed the college football landscape, players like Kia are proving that loyalty, faith, and belief in a greater mission still hold power.
As the 2025 season approaches, Notre Dame fans can take pride knowing that one of their brightest stars is staying true to the Irish — for the love of the game, the team, and the school that helped shape him.
