Notre Dame standouts Jeremiyah Love and Leonard Moore have earned spots on the Walter Camp Preseason All-America First Team.
Notre Dame football continues to show why it’s one of the most storied programs in college football history, producing elite talent year after year. As the 2025 season approaches, two of the Fighting Irish’s brightest stars—Jeremiyah Love and Leonard Moore—have been recognized for their potential dominance on the gridiron. Both players have been named to the Walter Camp Preseason All-America First Team, an honor that places them among the most elite in the nation before the first snap of the season. This recognition speaks volumes about the talent that Notre Dame is bringing into the new campaign and reaffirms the school’s ability to consistently recruit, develop, and produce national-caliber football players.
Jeremiyah Love, a dynamic running back known for his versatility and breakaway speed, has quickly risen to national prominence. In just a short time with the program, Love has become an indispensable part of Notre Dame’s offense. His ability to impact the game both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield makes him one of the most versatile offensive threats in the country. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Love combines size, speed, and vision, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His acceleration through the hole and ability to make defenders miss in the open field have turned him into a highlight-reel machine.
During the 2024 season, Love emerged as one of the most explosive backs in the country. He totaled over 1,200 all-purpose yards and found the end zone double-digit times, showcasing not just consistency but the ability to break games wide open. His performances in key games, particularly against ranked opponents, solidified his reputation as one of college football’s elite. Whether it was his 75-yard touchdown run against USC or his game-winning reception against Clemson, Love repeatedly proved he could shine on the biggest stages. His growth from a promising freshman to a bona fide superstar has been one of the most compelling stories in South Bend.
Leonard Moore, on the defensive side, has been just as impactful. The junior cornerback has built a reputation as a lockdown defender capable of shutting down the best receivers in the country. A fluid athlete with excellent technique and ball skills, Moore has all the tools to be a top NFL Draft pick when his time comes. He is a cerebral player who studies opponents meticulously, and his preparation shows every time he steps onto the field. Moore consistently takes away one side of the field, giving Notre Dame’s defensive coordinators the freedom to dial up aggressive fronts and exotic blitz packages without the fear of getting burned on the backend.
Moore’s 2024 season was one for the books. He led the team in interceptions, pass breakups, and was among the national leaders in defensive passer rating allowed. His performance against Ohio State, where he held their top receiver to just two catches and recorded a crucial red zone interception, was emblematic of the kind of shutdown talent he brings every week. It’s not just his physical ability that makes him special; it’s his mental toughness and discipline. Moore rarely gets beat, and when he does, he shows the resilience to bounce back stronger on the very next play. That kind of short memory is a trait found only in the very best at the position.
The Walter Camp Preseason All-America Team is one of the most prestigious lists in college football, compiled by one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the sport. To be selected for the First Team is a significant honor, indicating not just past performance but the expectation of continued excellence. For Notre Dame to have two players make the list is a testament to the strength of its roster and the success of its coaching staff in maximizing player potential. Head coach Marcus Freeman has consistently emphasized development and attention to detail, and both Love and Moore are prime examples of that philosophy in action.
Notre Dame fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into the 2025 season. With Love anchoring the backfield and Moore patrolling the secondary, the Irish boast two players capable of influencing games in dramatic ways. They aren’t just All-Americans on paper—they are proven performers who lead by example. Love’s leadership in the locker room and Moore’s commanding presence in the defensive huddle help elevate the play of those around them. That kind of leadership is crucial for a team with aspirations of reaching the College Football Playoff and competing for a national championship.
Their recognition also reflects the recruiting success Notre Dame has enjoyed in recent years. Both players were highly touted coming out of high school, and their development into All-American talents speaks volumes about the coaching they’ve received and the program’s ability to translate potential into performance. It also helps in future recruiting efforts, as younger athletes across the country see Notre Dame as a program where they can grow, shine, and ultimately prepare for the next level.
Beyond their individual accolades, the presence of Love and Moore on this list adds credibility to Notre Dame’s claim as one of the nation’s elite programs entering the season. These aren’t just two good players—they’re elite talents being recognized on a national scale. That kind of firepower on both sides of the ball can be the difference in close games and championship runs. It gives the Irish a rare balance, with explosive potential on offense and shutdown capability on defense.
Love’s role is expected to expand even more this season. With another year of experience under his belt and a deeper understanding of the offensive scheme, he’s positioned to be the focal point of an attack that should be among the most potent in the nation. Notre Dame’s offensive line returns several key starters, which bodes well for Love’s chances of eclipsing even his impressive 2024 numbers. His receiving skills out of the backfield also open up opportunities for mismatches against linebackers and safeties, making him a constant threat every time he touches the ball.
Moore, meanwhile, enters the season with the kind of expectations that come with national recognition. Opposing quarterbacks are likely to think twice before throwing in his direction, and that respect could lead to even more opportunities for his teammates to make plays. Still, Moore’s instincts and football IQ mean he’ll find ways to stay involved, whether that’s by jumping routes, coming on corner blitzes, or contributing in run support. His ability to read offenses and anticipate plays gives him an edge that’s hard to quantify but easy to appreciate for anyone who watches him closely.
The recognition also sets a tone for the rest of the team. When two of your top players are being acknowledged on the national stage, it raises the bar for everyone. It creates a culture of excellence and accountability that can permeate throughout the roster. Younger players see what it takes to reach that level, and veterans are reminded of the standard they’re expected to uphold. In that sense, Love and Moore’s selections are not just individual honors—they’re catalysts for team-wide motivation and focus.
Notre Dame’s schedule in 2025 features several marquee matchups that will serve as opportunities for Love and Moore to prove their mettle on the biggest stages. Games against the likes of Michigan, Clemson, and USC will draw national attention, and performances in those contests will be critical not just for the team’s playoff hopes but also for individual legacies. The pressure will be high, but both players have shown time and again that they thrive in those moments.
For now, though, the focus will be on preparation. The preseason is a time for refining technique, building chemistry, and laying the groundwork for what everyone in South Bend hopes will be a championship-caliber season. Love will continue to work on his route running and pass protection, while Moore will fine-tune his footwork and film study. Every detail matters when the margin between victory and defeat is razor thin.
Ultimately, the preseason accolades are just the beginning. The real work lies ahead, and if past performance is any indication, both Jeremiyah Love and Leonard Moore are more than ready for the challenge. Their inclusion on the Walter Camp Preseason All-America First Team is an acknowledgment of excellence, but also a preview of what’s to come. For Notre Dame, it’s a reminder that the tradition of greatness is alive and well. And for college football fans everywhere, it’s a signal to keep a close eye on South Bend this fall.
