Last year, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost the national championship to Ohio State Buckeyes in a 34-23 score line. After Notre Dame’s opening drive, Ohio State went on to score 31 unanswered points which the Fighting Irish had no answers for. Though they gave it in a fourth quarter push, overcoming a tough team like the Ohio State seemed a difficult task at that moment.
It isn’t like the players didn’t give it their best. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love had a breakout year, rushing 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on 163 carries. One of his most memorable runs from last season was a 98-yard TD against Indiana, leading the Fighting Irish to the national championship. He contributed to the team despite battling flu symptoms at that time.
But Love is here to put everyone on notice. Perhaps, the heartbreak from the natty slipping from his hands was a great motivator. If 2024 was a breakout season for Love, 2025 might be the one that sets him up for Heisman standards. In an article for The Player’s Tribute titled ‘Delayed Not Denied‘, Love explained his approach towards the season ahead of the season opener game against Miami.
“I remember the work we put in to get there. I remember that it wasn’t enough. And I remember what Coach Free said to us in the locker room after the game. ‘Our national championship hasn’t been denied — it’s just been delayed,” Love wrote.
If you notice the key words in Love’s quote, it shows his willingness to not back down from trying again. He described how he had been pondering upon the word ‘delayed’ and how only the ones in the same ‘room’ as him would understand the gravity of this situation.
“”Truth is? I don’t care what you think all that much. You aren’t here for fall camp. You aren’t in the weight room at 6 a.m. with me. You aren’t in the huddle. You wouldn’t bleed for these guys. But I am. And I would. I promise that. And we’ve got a chip on our shoulders now. I don’t care if you’ve heard that one before. It’s true in here,” Love added.
Oh man. Miami — and the rest of college football — is getting a pissed off Jeremiyah Love in 2025.
Notre Dame’s Heisman-caliber RB is holding on to the pain of losing the natty and using it as motivation.
“I will never forget that night.”
That’s scary.https://t.co/BSRoXdxth0 pic.twitter.com/SPDoSOhzs4
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) August 28, 2025
Call it redemption for the Fighting Irish, but fans can definitely expect Love and his team going all out to express this frustration in the upcoming season opener.
Fox analyst Joel Klatt bets on Jeremiyah Love to win the Heisman Trophy this season
In a recent episode of his show, Joel Klatt placed his bets on the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this season. After a breakout season in 2024, Jeremiyah Love found a place in Klatt’s list. He was Klatt’s favorite alongside Florida’s DJ Lagway and Alabama’s Ryan Williams for college football’s highest honor.
Considering the kind of form Love has shown so far, Klatt believes Love could be a key part in Notre Dame’s newfound success. Speaking of the Fighting Irish running back’s Heisman-winning chances, he said:
“This guy [Love] is a phenomenal player. Think of it this way. I’m going to be surprised if he’s not in New York because of the way I believe in their team and believe in him and their philosophy. He’s that dynamic. If he stays healthy, he’s going to be upwards of 1,700, 1,800, maybe even 1,900 yards, maybe even 2,000 yards.” (35:39)
Besides, Klatt already believes Notre Dame still have the pedigree in them to contend for the title. And perhaps this time, Jeremiyah Love lifts the Heisman trophy along with the national championship.
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