Heartbreak for Jeremiyah Love: A Heisman Trophy Dream Just Out of Reach!
Notre Dame's star running back, Jeremiyah Love, poured his heart and soul into the 2025 season, making a strong bid for college football's most prestigious individual award. Despite his incredible efforts, the Heisman Trophy remained just beyond his grasp.
Love secured a commendable third-place finish in the Heisman race, trailing behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. This marks the closest a Notre Dame player has come to winning the Heisman since Manti Te’o's second-place finish in 2012. Love garnered 46 first-place votes and 157 second-place votes.
But here's where it gets controversial... While he didn't win, Love's season was nothing short of extraordinary, and it's a testament to his dedication and talent. His performance elevated him to Heisman finalist status.
Love's stats speak volumes: He amassed 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries (averaging 6.9 yards per attempt) and added 27 receptions for 280 yards, totaling an impressive 1,652 yards from scrimmage. He equaled Audric Estimé's program record of 18 rushing touchdowns in a season and surpassed Jerome Bettis's record for total touchdowns with 21.
And this is the part most people miss... While his numbers were impressive, Love's impact went beyond mere statistics. He electrified the field, becoming a constant threat to score. In November alone, he scored touchdowns of 94, 48, 46, 45, and 68 yards!
In his third season, Love was awarded the Doak Walker Award, recognizing him as college football's best running back. He's the first Notre Dame player to achieve this honor, further solidifying his claim as one of the sport's top players.
Love has hinted that the 2025 season was likely his last at Notre Dame, though he hasn't completely ruled out a return for a fourth year. When he does leave, he's projected to be a first-round NFL Draft pick, potentially even a top-10 selection.
"I think he brings a lot of confidence to everybody in our program," Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said. "I’m just so proud of him, the football player he’s developed into but more importantly the man he’s become. Now I gotta convince him to come back for one more year.”
While Love's time in the gold helmet may be ending, Irish fans can take pride in witnessing arguably the greatest running back and one of the greatest players to ever wear the blue and gold. Do you think Love deserved to win the Heisman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
