Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, a standout running back, finished third in the prestigious Heisman Trophy voting, an achievement that marks the closest a Notre Dame player has come to winning the award since Manti Te'o's runner-up finish in 2012. Despite falling short, Love's 2025 season was a testament to his talent and impact on the field.
Love's impressive statistics include 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries, an average of 6.9 yards per attempt, and 27 receptions for 280 yards, resulting in a total of 1,652 yards from scrimmage. He shattered records, tying Audric Estimé's program record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 18 and breaking Jerome Bettis' record for total touchdowns with 21. While his numbers alone might not have been Heisman-worthy, Love's electric playmaking abilities and show-stopping carries made him a finalist in New York.
Love's threat to score every time he touched the ball was evident in his November performances, where he scored touchdowns of 94, 48, 46, 45, and 68 yards. His agility and ability to evade tacklers, coupled with jaw-dropping spin moves and lightning-fast bursts, showcased his exceptional talent. This season, Love also won the Doak Walker award, becoming the first Notre Dame player to achieve this honor, solidifying his status as college football's best running back and a strong contender for the sport's most outstanding player.
Despite his outstanding performance, Love hinted at a potential departure from Notre Dame after the 2025 season, leaving the door open for a return for a fourth year. If he does leave, he is expected to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest running backs to don the blue-and-gold uniform. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman expressed his pride in Love's development as both a football player and a man, leaving fans with fond memories of his time with the team.
