From South Bend to Sundays: Jeremiyah Love is ready to take over.
Written by Brandon Pulmano
Founder | Sideline Society Media
There’s a moment in the third quarter of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football’s October clash with USC Trojans football that tells you everything about Jeremiyah Love. Second play from scrimmage, handoff, 63 yards and hes gone. By the end of the day, 228 rushing yards, the most ever by a Notre Dame player inside Notre Dame Stadium. Not against a tune up opponent but against USC, on national television. The moment demanded it, and he answered.
That’s who Love is: not just a highlight back, but one who rises as the stage gets bigger.
Born May 31, 2005, in St. Louis, Love was raised on discipline. His mother, L’Tonya, served as a police sergeant, and his father, Jason, an Army veteran, coached him early. Structure came before football. At Christian Brothers College High School, he dominated both the field and track, winning a Missouri state title in the 100 meters with a 10.76 speed that shows up every time he hits the second level.
A highly coveted recruit, Love chose Notre Dame over powerhouse programs and spent his freshman year developing behind Audric Estime. When the backfield became his in 2024, he didn’t just step in he redefined the role. This is what the modern running back looks like again.
At a time when the position is regaining value, Love fits exactly what NFL teams want heading into the 2026 draft: a true every-down back. He runs between the tackles, catches out of the backfield, and protects in pass pro no situational label, just production. The speed gets headlines, but it’s his contact balance that separates him. A 94 yard touchdown against Boston College made him the first Notre Dame player with multiple 90-yard runs, showcasing not just burst, but vision and control at full speed.
As a receiver, he creates mismatches, turning into more than a runner he’s a coverage problem. Across three seasons, Love totaled 2,882 rushing yards, 63 receptions for 594 yards, and 42 touchdowns, including 21 scores with zero fumbles in 2025. The numbers are elite, the efficiency rare.
The recognition reflects it. Love ranks No. 2 overall on Daniel Jeremiah NFL analyst’s board across all positions. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.36 forty, matching Jahmyr Gibbs with more size, and became one of just six FBS players to post multiple seasons averaging over 6.5 yards per carry with at least 15 rushing touchdowns. These aren’t just stats they’re outliers.
The comparison points to Bijan Robinson, a complete back who justified top-10 value immediately. Physically, Love carries shades of DeMarco Murray, but his play style is closer to a blend of Jahmyr Gibbs in space and Travis Etienne as a vertical threat. It’s that combination home-run speed, lateral burst, and natural receiving ability that separates him. He’s not just the best running back in this class, but one of the most complete offensive weapons in the entire draft.
And the mindset matches. At Notre Dame’s pro day, Love made it clear: “Hall of Famer. Offensive Rookie of the Year.” No hesitation. To some, that’s bold but the tape backs it.
Because when the moment calls…
Jeremiyah Love doesn’t just show up. He takes over.
