Jeremiyah Love Shines as Notre Dame Eyes Playoff Spot

Jeremiyah Love, the running back for No. 9 Notre Dame, has made a compelling case for the Heisman Trophy, although he remains focused on larger objectives. As the Irish aim for a second consecutive College Football Playoff berth and their first national championship since 1988, Love is committed to the team’s success. “I try to keep everything just straight as possible,” he stated. “That’s also a tribute — the buzz — to us doing good as a program in general, because at the end of the day, this is a team sport.”

Currently holding an impressive record of 8-2, Notre Dame has rebounded from two early-season losses, thanks in large part to Love’s performance. He ranks third in the FBS with an average of 113.5 rushing yards per game, accumulating 17 total touchdowns and 1,409 scrimmage yards. Notably, he is the only player to appear in the top three of each of these categories.

Historic Achievements and Team Dynamics

Love has also etched his name in Notre Dame’s storied history by becoming the first player to record multiple touchdown runs of 90 yards or more. His remarkable runs include a 98-yarder against Indiana last year and a 94-yarder against Boston College earlier this season. Beyond statistics, his on-field presence demonstrates a rare ability to maintain balance while evading tackles, adding to his highlight reel.

In partnership with Jadarian Price, Love has formed one of the season’s premier running back duos, significantly contributing to the development of first-year quarterback CJ Carr. Head Coach Marcus Freeman has noted Love’s growth as both a receiver and a pass blocker, enhancing his overall effectiveness. “He’s as special of a football player as I’ve been around,” Freeman remarked. “Every time he has the ball in his hands, he can make something positive happen.”

The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, presents a challenging landscape for running backs. In a sport increasingly dominated by high-scoring offenses and passing plays, quarterbacks like Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Julian Sayin of Ohio State are currently favored ahead of the December 13 presentation in New York.

Challenges Ahead and Future Prospects

Historically, the Heisman has favored running backs from powerhouse programs, with the last two winners being from Alabama: Derrick Henry in 2015 and Mark Ingram II in 2009. The most recent Heisman winner from Notre Dame was wide receiver Tim Brown in 1987, while only one running back from the school, Johnny Lattner, has won the prestigious award, doing so in 1953.

Love maintains a competitive spirit, expressing, “I’m the type of guy that wants to break off a touchdown run every single play.” While he acknowledges the importance of grinding out tough yards, he remains focused on seizing opportunities for explosive plays. With the NFL draft approaching, he is considered a top-five talent, yet his immediate priority is contributing to Notre Dame’s success in its final games against struggling Syracuse and Stanford.

Freeman highlighted Love’s commitment to the team, stating, “I think Jeremiyah Love would be the first to tell you that winning a game is way more important than that individual award.” As Notre Dame strives for a playoff spot, Love’s performance could not only secure the team’s future but also potentially earn him the recognition he deserves. Winning games, he insists, is the primary goal, and any accolades that come with it would be an added bonus.