IT MUST BE DONE: Notre Dame Standouts Jeremiyah Love and Leonard Moore Drop Shocking Statement While Preparing for Mentorship Training.
It must be done. That was the sentiment echoed by two of Notre Dame’s rising stars—Jeremiyah Love and Leonard Moore—as they stepped into a new chapter that extends beyond the football field. These two promising athletes, already recognized by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as top performers in the Fighting Irish program, made a statement that caught many by surprise. It wasn’t about game stats, draft stock, or their dominance on Saturdays. Instead, it was about responsibility, character, and a growing sense of purpose. In a time when name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals dominate headlines and social media influence overshadows team-first mentalities, Love and Moore are choosing to use their platform to lead, teach, and uplift.
The moment came during a team-wide briefing focused on offseason development. What was supposed to be a standard conversation about upcoming workouts and routine schedules suddenly turned into a defining moment for the program. Love, the dynamic running back whose speed and agility have made him a constant threat to opposing defenses, stood up before teammates and staff with Moore, the long, rangy defensive back known for his instinctive playmaking. Together, they introduced a new mentorship initiative—a program aimed at guiding younger players not only through the technical rigors of college football but also the emotional, academic, and spiritual challenges that come with it.
“It must be done,” Love reportedly said, his voice steady but intense. “If we’re going to build something that lasts, we’ve got to do more than just ball out. We have to lead.” Moore nodded alongside him, adding, “We can’t expect greatness on Saturdays if we’re not investing in each other every day.”
The room fell silent for a moment. Then came applause—not the kind meant for a flashy play or record-breaking stat line, but the genuine kind that recognizes courage, maturity, and vision.
This wasn’t just talk. Love and Moore have quietly been laying the foundation for this effort since the end of last season. According to sources close to the program, both players have spent considerable time mentoring early enrollees, offering guidance on everything from nutrition and film study to mental health and time management. Their passion for the project grew during spring camp when they noticed a few younger teammates struggling to adjust. Rather than let coaches handle it, they took action. They spent extra hours after practice, arranged one-on-one sessions, and began working with academic advisors and sports psychologists to understand how they could better support their teammates.
What makes their declaration so powerful is not just the words—it’s the intention. In an era where self-promotion often trumps team loyalty, Love and Moore are leaning into old-school values with a modern twist. They’re embracing leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility. And it’s resonating.
For Love, the journey to this moment has been deeply personal. The St. Louis native arrived at Notre Dame with high expectations, ranked as one of the top running backs in the nation. His freshman season was a blend of highlight plays and learning moments. But behind the scenes, he was battling self-doubt. “There were nights I questioned if I belonged,” he shared in a recent interview. “But I had older guys who looked out for me, guys who didn’t have to say anything but chose to.”
That support changed the course of his college experience. It inspired him to be that steady presence for someone else. Now entering his sophomore year, Love isn’t just focused on becoming the next breakout star in South Bend—he’s focused on making sure no teammate feels isolated or unsupported. His vision for the mentorship initiative is rooted in empathy and action.
Leonard Moore’s path has been similarly transformative. A Texas native and standout cornerback, Moore has been making waves since arriving on campus. His coverage skills and football IQ have quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike. But it’s his character that truly sets him apart. Moore, who grew up watching his parents serve as mentors in their community, understands the ripple effect of positive influence. “My mom used to say, ‘You don’t have to be perfect to lead. You just have to care enough to try,’” Moore said during a recent podcast appearance. That mindset is now fueling his efforts at Notre Dame.
The mentorship program they’re developing isn’t just symbolic—it’s structured. Love and Moore are collaborating with coaching staff, team captains, and university personnel to build a framework that pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen based on personality, position, and personal needs. There will be weekly check-ins, accountability sessions, and guest talks from alumni and professionals across various fields. It’s mentorship with muscle—intentional, consistent, and rooted in values.
The statement they made—“It must be done”—now echoes through locker rooms and training halls. And it’s not going unnoticed. Head Coach Marcus Freeman has publicly praised both players for their initiative, calling it “a culture-defining moment” for the program. “We always talk about building men, not just football players,” Freeman said. “What Jeremiyah and Leonard are doing exemplifies that mission.”
Teammates are buying in. Freshmen have reported feeling more confident and connected. One even shared anonymously, “I was ready to transfer. I felt lost. Then Leonard pulled me aside one day and just talked to me—not about football, but about life. That changed everything.”
The Fighting Irish community at large has also embraced the message. Alumni have reached out to express their support. Donors have inquired about funding resources to support the program. Faculty members are discussing how to incorporate mentorship into student-athlete development courses. The ripple effects are already being felt—and they’re just getting started.
Critics might argue that players should focus more on performance than off-field initiatives. But Love and Moore don’t see it as either-or. They see holistic leadership as essential to elite performance. “If your mind’s not right, your game won’t be right,” Love said in an Instagram post reflecting on the project. “And if we don’t take care of each other, what are we even building?”
The weight of expectations at a school like Notre Dame can be overwhelming. National titles, Heisman hopes, and NFL dreams all hang in the balance. But amid the pressure, these two players are choosing to dig deeper, lead louder, and love harder. They understand that legacy isn’t just measured in yards gained or passes defended—it’s measured in lives impacted, standards elevated, and teammates made stronger.
What Jeremiyah Love and Leonard Moore have sparked is more than a moment. It’s a movement. A declaration that greatness must extend beyond game day. A call to arms for athletes to become mentors, to invest in one another, and to rise together. Their statement—”It must be done”—is not just a call for accountability, but a challenge to every program in college football.
The Fighting Irish have long prided themselves on tradition, excellence, and brotherhood. With this bold and selfless initiative, two of their brightest young stars are carrying that torch into a new era—one where leadership is defined not by volume, but by vision.
As summer workouts give way to fall camp, eyes will be on Love and Moore—not just to see what they do with the football, but to witness what they build behind the scenes. If their impact off the field matches their potential on it, Notre Dame isn’t just preparing for a successful season. They’re preparing for something much bigger—a legacy that truly lives up to the ideals of the Golden Dome. It must be done, and now, thanks to Love and Moore, it is.
