Notre Dame Running Back Jeremiyah Love Earns Recognition as the No. 4 Overall Player in College Football for 2025.
Jeremiyah Love’s ascent into the elite echelon of college football has been nothing short of remarkable. Recently named the fourth-best player in the nation heading into the 2025 season, the Notre Dame running back has officially etched his name among the game’s brightest stars. For a program with a storied history of dominant backs, Love’s rapid rise adds another chapter to the legacy of Notre Dame’s offensive excellence. But what makes this honor so significant is how swiftly and effectively Love has evolved from a promising recruit into a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish offense—and now into one of the best players in all of college football.
Coming out of Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Missouri, Love was already turning heads. He was ranked as a four-star recruit by most services, praised for his elite speed, lateral quickness, and vision in the open field. Even in high school, his agility and breakaway capability made him a dangerous weapon on any snap. While some recruits take a couple of years to develop and adapt to the college game, Love wasted no time. From the moment he stepped onto the field in South Bend, he brought with him a level of maturity, explosiveness, and dedication that set him apart. As a true freshman, he flashed glimpses of greatness, showing he was more than just another back in a rotation—he was a future star.
In his sophomore season, Love seized the opportunity to become the lead back. Injuries and attrition at the position opened the door for him to take on a heavier workload, and he responded with performances that made headlines and captured the attention of fans, analysts, and scouts across the nation. His combination of speed and power became the driving force behind Notre Dame’s offense. Whether slicing through SEC-caliber defenses in out-of-conference showdowns or grinding out tough yards against elite defenses in November, Love proved that he could carry the load and be the offensive centerpiece.
Love’s statistical resume is impressive, but his impact goes far beyond the numbers. In 2024, he rushed for over 1,400 yards and added 17 total touchdowns, averaging over six yards per carry. But it wasn’t just about the volume—it was how he got those yards. His vision in identifying holes, his patience in waiting for blocks to develop, and his explosive acceleration once he saw daylight made him nearly impossible to contain. He didn’t just run past defenders—he made them miss, broke through arm tackles, and turned routine plays into highlight-reel runs. In the screen game, he proved just as deadly, catching passes out of the backfield and creating mismatches against linebackers who simply couldn’t keep up.
One of the defining moments of his 2024 campaign came in a primetime game against USC, Notre Dame’s bitter rival. With playoff hopes on the line and both teams scrapping for momentum, Love delivered a performance for the ages. He rushed for over 180 yards, scored two touchdowns, and constantly kept the Trojans’ defense on its heels. Every time the Irish needed a big play, the ball went to Love—and he delivered. That game helped cement his status as not just the best player on his team, but one of the most dominant forces in college football. It also turned him into a household name across the country.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has often praised Love’s work ethic and leadership. According to those close to the program, Love is one of the hardest-working players on the roster. He’s known for staying late after practices, studying film relentlessly, and mentoring younger players in the locker room. That level of dedication, combined with his natural talent, has made him a leader by example. For a Notre Dame team looking to take the next step under Freeman, having a player like Love at the center of the offense is a massive advantage.
But perhaps the most telling part of Love’s story is his humility. Despite all the accolades, including being named the fourth-best player in all of college football for the 2025 season, Love has remained grounded. He’s repeatedly deflected praise to his offensive line, his coaches, and his teammates. He’s credited his family and faith for keeping him focused and motivated. That character, combined with his on-field dominance, is part of what makes him such a compelling figure—not just for Notre Dame fans but for the entire college football community.
What makes this honor even more significant is the context in which it comes. College football is in a golden era of offensive playmakers. From elite quarterbacks throwing for 4,000 yards to wide receivers putting up video-game numbers, competition for top rankings is stiffer than ever. For a running back to crack the top five nationally—especially one who isn’t playing in the SEC or Big Ten—is a testament to just how dominant Love has been. In a game increasingly geared toward passing, he has made the ground game fashionable again, reminding fans and analysts alike of the power and beauty of a dominant rushing attack.
NFL scouts have taken notice as well. While the 2025 NFL Draft is still many months away, Love is already appearing near the top of many early big boards. His combination of size, speed, balance, and vision makes him an ideal prospect for the next level. Analysts project him as a potential first-round pick—something increasingly rare for running backs in today’s NFL. Yet Love’s versatility, durability, and production make him hard to overlook. Teams that value a true three-down back with home-run potential are watching him closely.
At Notre Dame, Love has become the face of the program. His jersey is flying off the shelves. His highlights are dominating social media. And as the 2025 season approaches, he’ll carry the hopes of an entire fanbase that believes this could be the year the Irish finally break through the College Football Playoff and contend for a national title. If that happens, it will almost certainly be because Love continues to perform at an elite level.
His recognition as the fourth-best player in college football isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a moment that reflects the resurgence of Notre Dame as a serious contender. For years, the program has flirted with greatness but often fallen just short against the elite. With Love in the backfield, that dynamic has changed. He gives Notre Dame a weapon capable of taking over any game, against any opponent, on any stage. In a sport where one elite player can tilt the field, Love is that difference-maker.
As the season looms, expectations will be sky-high. Defenses will key on stopping Love. Coordinators will design entire game plans around containing him. Yet, if the past is any indication, none of that will matter. He thrives under pressure. He welcomes the challenge. And with each carry, each cut, and each touchdown, he continues to show why he’s not just a great player—but one of the very best in the country.
There’s also a cultural aspect to Love’s rise that resonates. At a time when college football is undergoing major transformations—from NIL and transfer portal shifts to conference realignments—Love represents something increasingly rare: a homegrown star who develops within a program, remains loyal, and becomes a leader. He didn’t chase spotlight elsewhere. He didn’t jump ship when things got tough. He stayed, worked, improved, and now he’s reaping the rewards. That journey is something that fans, teammates, and even rivals can respect.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Love as the 2025 season unfolds. He’ll be in the Heisman conversation. He’ll be a focal point in every defensive coordinator’s meeting. And he’ll continue to be the heartbeat of Notre Dame football. Whether he’s carving up defenses at home in South Bend or in hostile road environments, one thing is certain—Jeremiyah Love will be at the center of the action.
His name now joins the ranks of legendary college running backs who not only dominated their era but also left lasting legacies. From Reggie Bush to Derrick Henry, Love is carving out a place in that storied tradition. And while his journey is far from over, this latest honor is a powerful acknowledgment of what he has already accomplished—and what greatness may still lie ahead.
For Notre Dame, for college football, and for fans everywhere, Jeremiyah Love is a reminder of what makes this sport so special. Talent, dedication, perseverance, and humility—all rolled into one electrifying athlete. As he prepares to take the field in 2025, one thing is clear: the nation’s No. 4 player is ready to chase something even bigger.
