On Tuesday, Notre Dame’s electrifying running back Jeremiyah Love announced he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft, following a junior campaign that earned him third place in Heisman voting.
A Decision Rooted in Gratitude
Love’s announcement came just three days after the Heisman Trophy was awarded to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. In an Instagram Story post, Love said, “Making the decision to attend Notre Dame was easy because of the people,” and continued, “From the amazing football support staff to my fellow students – I could not have picked a better place for me to grow into the man I am today.” He added, “It is with a wealth of gratitude I will take the many experiences Notre Dame has given me and apply those lessons learned as I move onto the next level. I look forward to representing my family and Notre Dame in the NFL.”
Record-Breaking Junior Campaign
Love’s junior season was a statistical powerhouse. He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, while also catching 27 passes for 280 yards and adding three receiving scores. Those numbers not only led Notre Dame but also positioned him as one of the top running backs in the country.
First Doak Walker Award Winner
The season’s performance earned Love the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s best college running back. He became Notre Dame’s first player to receive the honor, cementing his place in the program’s history.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Beyond the junior year, Love’s sophomore season was equally impressive. He rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on 163 carries, and caught 28 passes for 237 yards with two touchdowns. That effort helped Notre Dame reach the College Football Playoff (CFP) championship game, where the Fighting Irish fell 34-23 to Ohio State.
Notre Dame’s 2023 Season Snapshot
The 2023 season saw Notre Dame finish 10-2. Despite the strong record, the team did not qualify for the CFP and opted against participating in a bowl game, ending Love’s junior season without a postseason appearance.
Heisman Context
Love’s third-place finish in Heisman voting was a testament to his consistent excellence. The award ultimately went to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, highlighting the depth of talent across the nation.
Transition to the NFL
By declaring for the draft, Love will begin the next chapter of his football journey. He expressed confidence that the lessons learned at Notre Dame will serve him well at the professional level.
Key Takeaways
- Jeremiyah Love skips senior season to enter the NFL draft after a standout junior year.
- He finished third in Heisman voting, behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
- Love became Notre Dame’s first Doak Walker Award winner, a first-time honor for the program.
Love’s decision reflects both his gratitude toward Notre Dame and his readiness to take on the challenges of the NFL. The announcement marks the end of a remarkable collegiate career and the beginning of a new one on the professional stage.
