Jeremiyah Love Runs Into the Record Books
The Fighting Irish are idle this weekend, but their star running back is sprinting up the draft boards and award lists.
Today’s spotlight shines on Jeremiyah Love, the junior running back who has arguably become the heartbeat of the Notre Dame offense. While the Fighting Irish (waiting on the CFP committee’s final decision) don't have a conference championship to play for this weekend, Love is competing for an even more exclusive honor: The Heisman Trophy.
Despite a slow 0-2 start for the team, Love sparked a 10-game winning streak, compiling a resume that rivals any offensive player in the country.
The "Bus" Stops Here: A Historic Season
To understand the magnitude of Love’s 2025 campaign, you have to look at the history books. In the regular-season finale against Stanford, despite being banged up, Love secured his place in Irish lore.
The New Record Holder: Love scored his 21st touchdown of the season, passing NFL legend Jerome "The Bus" Bettis (1991) for the most total touchdowns in a single season in program history.
The Stat Line: He finished the regular season with 1,372 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns (tying Audric Estimé's 2023 record).
The Streak: During Notre Dame's critical 10-game win streak, Love posted six consecutive games with 100+ rushing yards.
Love currently ranks in the top five in the NCAA FBS for total rushing yards and touchdowns.
Heisman Hopes & Team First
While quarterbacks usually dominate the Heisman conversation, Love’s impact is undeniable. Speaking recently on "The Echoes Podcast," Love addressed the buzz surrounding his candidacy.
"It would mean a lot, not only just for the program, but for myself... I feel like if I have that great honor and chance to go to New York, it would be to represent not only myself but this program, and kind of put Notre Dame on a pedestal."
The NFL Question: Stay or Go?
With an outstanding junior year on tape, the inevitable question arises: Will Love declare for the NFL Draft?
The Projection:
Tankathon Ranking: Projected No. 13 overall pick.
Potential Landing Spot: The Kansas City Chiefs.
Scouts argue that returning for a senior season might not improve his stock much further, given his high projection. However, when pressed on his future, Love remained noncommittal:
"As of right now, I'm not thinking about [it]. I'll just say that."
What’s Next?
For now, Love and the Irish play the waiting game. Most analysts believe Notre Dame has done enough to secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. If selected, Love will have at least one more chance to showcase his elite speed—and perhaps make a final statement to the Heisman voters—on the national stage.
