Jeremiyah Love is not just another talented player at Notre Dame—he is a game-changer. His explosiveness, versatility, and football IQ make him one of the most exciting players in college football
As he enters his junior season, the expectations are sky-high, and he has the potential to lead Notre Dame to a national championship.
With Marcus Freeman at the helm and an offense built around his skill set, Love has the opportunity to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in Notre Dame history.
Whether he is breaking off long runs, catching passes, or making defenders miss, one thing is certain—Jeremiyah Love is must-watch football.
Jeremiyah Love’s impact on Notre Dame’s success cannot be overstated. His rare combination of speed, vision, and efficiency makes him one of the best running backs in the country.
As J.D. PicKell pointed out, his ability to lead Notre Dame back to the College Football Playoff is undeniable.
With another year to develop and improve, Love has the potential to elevate his game even further.
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Jeremiyah Love: The Catalyst Behind Notre Dame’s Success
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was a game-changer in the Fighting Irish’s 2024 campaign.1
His explosive playstyle and ability to break through defenses made him one of college football’s most dynamic players.
With an impressive season behind him, analysts like On3’s J.D. PicKell believe Love has the potential to lead Notre Dame back to the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Jeremiyah Love’s emergence as Notre Dame’s primary backfield weapon was nothing short of spectacular.
Despite sharing carries with other talented backs, he managed to cross the 1,000-yard mark in rushing, all while maintaining an elite level of efficiency.
His ability to make the most out of limited opportunities was one of his biggest strengths. Love never had more than 16 carries in any game yet still amassed over 1,000 rushing yards.
My brother is a beast. Great Season!! https://t.co/Jo2NvzOx3D
— Jeremiyah Love (@JeremiyahLove) December 23, 2024
A Breakout Star in College Football
This level of production on a limited workload highlights his explosiveness, vision, and ability to maximize every touch.
J.D. PicKell, a well-respected college football analyst, went as far as to call Love “the best running back in college football.”
He compared Love’s impact to that of Ashton Jeanty and Cam Skattebo—two standout backs from 2024 who helped lead their respective teams to the College Football Playoff.
“Jeremiyah Love is 1000 percent the best running back in college football,” PicKell stated. “And as of right now, man, look at who the two best running backs were last year in college football.
Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattebo. Both made the playoff. Jeremiyah Love is absolutely capable of carrying Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff yet again.”
Jeremiyah Love: Unprecedented Efficiency on the Ground
One of the most astonishing aspects of Love’s game is his efficiency. Most feature backs in college football require a heavy workload to reach the 1,000-yard mark.2
However, Love achieved this milestone with minimal carries.
“He didn’t have more than 16 carries in any game that he played in and still had over 1,000 yards rushing. That is stupid,” PicKell emphasized. “To not have more than 20 carries in any game and still be over 1,000 yards? That’s video game stuff.”
This kind of production is rare. It speaks volumes about Love’s breakaway speed, ability to read defenses, and his knack for making defenders miss in open space.
A Game-Changer for Notre Dame’s Playoff Aspirations
Notre Dame’s journey to the national championship game in 2024 was fueled by a balanced offensive attack.
While quarterback play and the passing game were solid, it was Love’s dynamic presence in the backfield that often tilted the field in the Fighting Irish’s favor.
Heading into 2025, Love is expected to take on an even bigger role in the offense. With his explosiveness and ability to create big plays, he could be the key to securing another College Football Playoff berth for Notre Dame.
How Love Compares to Other Elite Running Backs
Jeremiyah Love’s name is now being mentioned alongside some of the top backs in the country.
While players like Quinshon Judkins and Nicholas Singleton have also put up impressive numbers, Love’s efficiency and ability to impact games without an overwhelming workload set him apart.
Unlike traditional workhorse backs, Love doesn’t need 25-30 carries per game to make a difference. His ability to score from anywhere on the field means that even with a limited number of touches, he remains one of the most dangerous weapons in college football.
Explosiveness and Big-Play Potential
One of Love’s greatest strengths is his ability to turn any play into a big gain. Whether it’s a simple handoff up the middle or a designed outside run, Love has the vision and acceleration to break away from defenders.
Defensive coordinators struggled to contain him in 2024 because he could shift gears instantly. One missed tackle, and he was gone. This made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a game-changing player for Notre Dame.
Another underrated aspect of Love’s game is his ability to contribute as a receiver. In modern college football, running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield are invaluable. Love has showcased soft hands and reliable route-running skills, making him a dual-threat weapon.
With defenses keying in on his rushing ability, Love’s involvement in the passing game adds another layer to Notre Dame’s offense. This versatility will be crucial in 2025 as the Fighting Irish look to return to the national championship stage.
Jeremiyah Love: Leadership and Impact in the Locker Room
Beyond his on-field production, Jeremiyah Love has become a leader in the locker room.3
His work ethic, dedication, and ability to perform in big moments have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaching staff.
In high-pressure situations, Love remained calm and delivered when it mattered most. His leadership will be vital as Notre Dame aims to build on its 2024 success and make another deep playoff run.
While Love’s individual talent is undeniable, his success is also a testament to the strength of Notre Dame’s offensive line. The Fighting Irish have consistently developed elite linemen, and their ability to open running lanes played a crucial role in Love’s breakout season.
Heading into 2025, maintaining a strong offensive line will be key to maximizing Love’s potential. If the line continues to dominate in the trenches, Love will have even more opportunities to showcase his elite skill set.
Can Love Win the Heisman Trophy?
With his production and efficiency, Jeremiyah Love has a legitimate shot at being in the Heisman Trophy conversation in 2025.
If he continues to put up elite numbers while leading Notre Dame to another playoff appearance, he could emerge as one of the top contenders for college football’s most prestigious award.
Running backs don’t always get the same Heisman recognition as quarterbacks, but Love’s unique skill set and game-changing ability make him a strong candidate. If he can build on his 2024 success, the Heisman hype will only grow stronger.
Jeremiyah Love’s role in Notre Dame’s offense is expected to expand even further in 2025. With more experience and confidence, he could see an increase in carries while maintaining his elite efficiency.
Notre Dame’s coaching staff will likely design plays to maximize his strengths, including more opportunities in the passing game and outside runs where he can use his speed. If Love stays healthy and continues to produce at a high level, he will be one of the most exciting players to watch in college football next season.
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Jeremiyah Love’s Journey to Stardom
High School Dominance
Before arriving at Notre Dame, Jeremiyah Love was already making waves as one of the most dynamic high school running backs in the nation.
Playing at Christian Brothers College High School in Missouri, Love showcased an elite blend of speed, vision, and power. He was a nightmare for opposing defenses, breaking off long runs and making defenders miss with ease.
His performance earned him a four-star rating and offers from several top programs, but he ultimately chose Notre Dame, believing in the vision that coach Marcus Freeman had for the team.
His decision has already paid off, as he quickly became a key player in the Fighting Irish offense.
Immediate Impact at Notre Dame
Many freshmen take time to adjust to the speed and physicality of college football, but not Jeremiyah Love. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, showing flashes of brilliance with his ability to make big plays.
Whether it was breaking off a long touchdown run or catching passes out of the backfield, Love quickly became one of the most exciting players on the team.
By his sophomore year, he had solidified himself as the centerpiece of Notre Dame’s offense. His explosiveness and versatility made him a nightmare for defenses, and he consistently delivered highlight-reel plays that left fans in awe.
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What Makes Jeremiyah Love Special?
Elite Speed and Agility
One of the biggest reasons Love is considered so explosive is his elite speed. He has the ability to outrun defenders in the open field, making him a constant home-run threat.
His acceleration allows him to hit top speed quickly, and once he gets a step on a defender, he’s nearly impossible to catch.
Additionally, his agility and quick cuts make him extremely difficult to tackle. He can change direction on a dime, leaving defenders grasping at air. This combination of speed and agility makes him one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football.
Versatility as a Playmaker
Unlike traditional running backs who rely solely on their rushing ability, Love is a true offensive weapon. He can line up in the backfield, take handoffs, and make plays as a traditional running back, but he is just as dangerous catching passes out of the backfield.
His ability to contribute as a receiver makes him a nightmare matchup for defenses. Linebackers struggle to keep up with him in coverage, and safeties have a hard time bringing him down in the open field.
This versatility makes him a player that offensive coordinators love to build game plans around.
Football IQ and Vision
Speed and agility are important, but what truly separates elite running backs from the rest is their vision and football IQ. Love has an uncanny ability to read defenses and make the right cut at the perfect moment.
He understands when to be patient and when to explode through a hole, which makes him an efficient and dangerous runner.
His ability to anticipate defenders’ movements allows him to maximize every play. Even when it looks like a defense has him bottled up, he finds a way to turn a short gain into a big play.
Jeremiyah Love: Comparisons to Will Fuller V
Fuller’s Explosive Impact at Notre Dame
Will Fuller V was one of the most exciting players to ever wear a Notre Dame uniform.
During his time with the Fighting Irish from 2013 to 2015, Fuller was known for his game-breaking speed and ability to turn any reception into a touchdown.
His impact was so significant that he became a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, selected by the Houston Texans. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays changed the way defenses played against Notre Dame.
While J.D. PicKell’s comparison to Fuller makes sense in terms of explosiveness, Love’s playstyle is quite different.
Fuller was primarily a deep-threat wide receiver who thrived on catching long passes. Love, on the other hand, is a running back who gets the ball directly and has the ability to take any carry to the house.
This difference makes Love even more dangerous because he doesn’t need a perfect deep ball from a quarterback to make a big play. He can create explosive moments simply by getting the ball in his hands and making defenders miss.
The Fighting Irish’s Offensive Strategy
- Notre Dame’s offense will likely revolve around Jeremiyah Love in the upcoming season.
- With his ability to score from anywhere on the field, the Fighting Irish will look to get him the ball in creative ways.
- Whether it’s through traditional handoffs, screen passes, or lining him up as a receiver, Love will be the focal point of the offense.
- If he continues to perform at a high level, Notre Dame will be a serious contender for the College Football Playoff.
- The team’s success will largely depend on Love’s ability to stay healthy and produce at an elite level.
- Head coach Marcus Freeman has done an excellent job of building Notre Dame into a competitive program.
- His ability to recruit top talent and develop players has put the Fighting Irish in a position to compete for championships.
- Freeman understands the importance of having a star player like Love and will do everything in his power to maximize his potential. With the right game plan and execution, Notre Dame could make a deep playoff run.
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