Jeremiyah Love Emerging as Notre Dame’s Heisman Hope

After stumbling to an 0–2 start, Notre Dame has methodically rebuilt its season into a campaign defined by resilience, discipline, and breakout performances. None have been more defining than those of sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love, whose blend of speed, power, and consistency has made him the centerpiece of the Irish offense.

Head coach Marcus Freeman, speaking after Saturday’s emphatic 49–10 win over Navy, didn’t mince words about Love’s impact. “In my mind, yes, he is [a Heisman contender],” Freeman said. “He’s one of the best players in the country. If he’s not, it’s hard to imagine who else is doing more.” His comments underscored the growing sense that Notre Dame’s late-season surge is anchored in Love’s production.

Through nine games, Love has rushed for 988 yards and 13 touchdowns on an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. Against Navy, he added 94 yards and two scores, including a highlight 48-yard touchdown that showcased his signature burst and balance. The run—marked by broken tackles and a weaving sprint through defenders—captured the essence of why Freeman views him as one of the most dynamic backs in college football.

Love’s emergence has transformed an offense that, early in the year, struggled to find rhythm and explosiveness. Now, with his vision and endurance driving Notre Dame’s attack, the Fighting Irish have positioned themselves for a strong finish—and perhaps an outside shot at playoff contention.

1. The Case for a Heisman Campaign

Freeman’s public endorsement comes at a critical juncture in both the team’s season and the broader Heisman conversation. With several top quarterbacks struggling for consistency, Love’s statistical dominance stands out. His 1,242 total yards from scrimmage—including receiving contributions from the backfield—place him among the national leaders in offensive production. What sets Love apart is his consistency. He has rushed for at least 90 yards in six of nine games, demonstrating reliability against a range of defenses. His ability to break long runs while also thriving in short-yardage situations has made him an every-down threat—a rare combination in modern college football. This breakout campaign builds on a strong 2024 season, when Love posted 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns as a freshman. That foundation has blossomed into a 2025 performance that’s catching national attention. The St. Louis native’s evolution mirrors Notre Dame’s season: patient growth leading to explosive results. While the Heisman field remains competitive, Love’s resume continues to strengthen. Should he close the season with statement performances against Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Stanford, his candidacy could become impossible to ignore—especially if Notre Dame finishes with double-digit wins.

2. Leadership, Preparation, and Perspective

Beyond numbers, Freeman has consistently praised Love’s maturity and preparation. “He had a great week of prep and continues to do things you haven’t seen before,” Freeman said, emphasizing the running back’s work ethic and consistency in practice. For Freeman, Love’s rise represents not just athletic excellence but the kind of leadership Notre Dame values most: quiet, team-first discipline. After Saturday’s win, Freeman spoke about the importance of process over results. “You feel good now that you got the outcome,” he told reporters, “but the struggle of the game is no different than the struggle of a season. You’ve got to continue to stay in the moment.” That mindset has guided the Irish out of early adversity and into contention once again. Inside the locker room, players have rallied around Love’s approach. Teammates often point to his focus and humility as tone-setters for the offense. His presence, both as a playmaker and a locker-room example, has been instrumental in steadying a team once reeling from early losses. If Notre Dame’s late-season surge continues, Love’s leadership could be as vital as his on-field production. Freeman’s belief in his star running back extends beyond Heisman potential—it reflects the broader vision of building a resilient, process-driven program capable of contending on the national stage.

3. Eyes on the Stretch Run

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Notre Dame’s final three games present both challenge and opportunity. Pittsburgh and Syracuse offer physical matchups that will test the Irish offensive line’s consistency, while the season finale against Stanford could carry postseason implications. For Love, each game represents a chance to bolster his Heisman resume and solidify his place among the nation’s elite backs. The Irish have already proven they can rebound from adversity. Now, they aim to turn momentum into legacy. With Freeman preaching focus and Love embodying it on the field, Notre Dame appears poised to finish the season with renewed confidence and direction. Whether or not Love’s name is ultimately called in New York, his impact on Notre Dame’s 2025 turnaround is undeniable. His performances have restored belief in the program’s offensive identity and reestablished Notre Dame as a national factor late in the year. Jeremiyah Love’s breakout season has not only reignited Notre Dame’s offense but also rekindled belief that the Fighting Irish can again compete among college football’s elite.