The college football world is abuzz with anticipation for the 2025 season, and at the forefront of that excitement for Notre Dame fans is junior running back Jeremiyah Love. Hot off a sensational sophomore campaign, Love has been officially recognized as an elite game-changer, earning a prestigious spot on the 2025 Walter Camp Preseason First Team All-America list. This significant accolade, announced on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, not only solidifies his burgeoning national reputation but also underscores the sky-high expectations for his impact on the Fighting Irish and his promising NFL Draft future.
The Walter Camp All-America team holds a unique place in college football history, being the nation’s oldest such team, with its first selections dating back to 1889 by the “Father of American Football” himself, Walter Camp. To be named to this preseason list is a testament to a player’s perceived dominance and potential to be among the very best in the sport.
Jeremiyah Love’s inclusion on the First Team is a direct consequence of his electrifying performance in the 2024 season. He wasn’t just good; he was consistently spectacular. As a sophomore, Love emerged as Notre Dame’s offensive workhorse, finishing the season with an impressive stat line that captured national attention:
- 1,125 rushing yards: A significant leap from his freshman year, establishing him as the clear lead back.
- 6.9 yards per carry: This incredibly efficient average ranked 7th in the country among all FBS players, showcasing his ability to consistently gain significant yardage on each touch.
- 17 rushing touchdowns: This remarkable total was the second-most all-time in a single season for the Notre Dame program.
- Rushing touchdown in every regular-season game: An astonishing feat that highlights his consistent ability to find the end zone, a unique achievement among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players.
- Big-play threat: Love repeatedly demonstrated his breakaway speed and vision, with touchdown runs of 98, 76, 68, 64, 48, and 39 yards. His 98-yard score was particularly historic, being the first touchdown ever in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format.
- Receiving threat: Beyond his rushing prowess, Love proved his versatility by snagging 28 catches for 237 yards and two receiving touchdowns, including a 32-yard touchdown reception against Louisville. This dual-threat capability makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman has not held back in his praise for Love, describing him as a player with “freaky talent and skillset.” Freeman specifically highlighted Love’s “speed, straight-line speed,” combined with “some of the best balance that I’ve ever been around.” He further emphasized, “The way he sees the holes and explodes through the hole. Those things are uncommon. To have speed and explosion and balance? Usually, somebody will have balance and explosion, but they don’t have the long speed. He has great vision, too.”1
Being named to the Walter Camp Preseason All-America First Team carries substantial weight for several reasons:
- National Recognition: It immediately elevates a player’s profile, placing them in the conversation as one of the best players in the nation at their position before the season even begins. This exposure is invaluable for both personal brand building and team prestige.
- Early NFL Draft Buzz: Preseason All-America honors often serve as an early indicator of NFL Draft potential. Scouts and analysts pay close attention to these lists. For Love, this puts him firmly in the discussion as a projected 2026 first-round NFL Draft pick, given his rare combination of elite traits. The last Notre Dame running back to earn a first-team All-America honor was Allen Pinkett back in 1985, underscoring the rarity and significance of Love’s current recognition.
- Recruiting Tool: For Notre Dame and Coach Freeman, having a player like Love on the Walter Camp First Team is a powerful recruiting tool. It demonstrates the program’s ability to develop elite talent and compete at the highest level of college football.
- Expectation Setter: While a positive, it also sets a high bar for Love. Opposing defenses will undoubtedly key in on him, and he will be expected to maintain, if not exceed, his previous season’s production.
Love’s individual accolade is part of a broader narrative of high expectations for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2025. They are coming off a remarkable 14-1 season that saw them reach the National Championship Game, ultimately falling to Ohio State. This success has fueled optimism, and the team’s roster is brimming with talent.
Beyond Love, Notre Dame also had another player named to the Walter Camp Preseason First Team: sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore. Moore also had a standout freshman season, earning FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors and solidifying his place as a shutdown corner. Having two First-Team Preseason All-Americans – one on offense and one on defense – is a rare feat, shared only by defending National Champion Ohio State on this year’s Walter Camp list. This dual representation underscores Notre Dame’s balanced strength heading into the season.
The 2025 schedule presents significant tests for Notre Dame and Love. They kick off the season with a major test at Miami on August 31, followed by a home game against Texas A&M on September 13. These early matchups will provide immediate opportunities for Love to demonstrate why he’s considered an elite game-changer and to build on the momentum of his preseason honors.
For Jeremiyah Love, the Walter Camp Preseason All-America selection is a major milestone, but it’s just the beginning. To convert this preseason hype into postseason reality, he will need to:
- Maintain Consistency: Continue to produce at an elite level, week in and week out, against tough competition.
- Stay Healthy: The grind of a college football season is arduous, and staying on the field is paramount for any running back.
- Expand His Game: While already a dual threat, further developing his pass-catching abilities and blocking will only enhance his versatility and NFL Draft stock. Reports indicate he has been specifically working on his pass-catching during the offseason.
- Lead the Offense: As a veteran leader of the offensive backfield, he’ll be looked upon to set the tone and elevate the play of those around him.
Jeremiyah Love’s journey from a highly-touted recruit to an “elite game-changer” is a testament to his talent and dedication. With the Walter Camp Preseason First Team All-America honor now under his belt, all eyes will be on him as he looks to lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to another successful season and solidify his position as one of the premier players in college football. The stage is set for an electrifying year for the dynamic running back.
