Notre Dame Football Has Two AP Preseason First-Team All-Americans—Here’s Why It Matters Heading into 2025
Notre Dame can celebrate a significant preseason triumph as two standout stars—junior running back Jeremiyah Love and sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore—have been honored as AP Preseason First-Team All-Americans, placing the Fighting Irish among the elite nationally and setting a bold tone for the season ahead.
Both players were officially named to the 2025 AP Preseason All-America First Team. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame’s dynamic running back, earned the nod on offense, while Leonard Moore was selected on defense as one of the nation’s elite cornerbacks.
Their selections are no surprise given their incredible 2024 campaigns. Love rushed for 1,125 yards and scored 17 rushing touchdowns—and added two receiving touchdowns—highlighting his role as a trusted offensive weapon.
Moore, meanwhile, made a breakout impact as a true freshman. After stepping into the starting lineup mid-season, he recorded 48 tackles, 11 pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in just 10 starts, earning FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors.
By having two players on the AP’s first-team list, Notre Dame joins a short list of elite programs—like Texas and Penn State (three each) and Ohio State, Clemson, Alabama, and Pittsburgh (two each)—highlighting just how much respect both Love and Moore command nationally.
— National recognition: Love and Moore are now firmly on the national radar, further elevating Notre Dame’s profile.
— Momentum heading into 2025: Preseason accolades can boost player confidence and help set high expectations across the roster.
— Leadership by example: Love’s offensive versatility and Moore’s defensive tenacity position them as cornerstones for the team’s identity.
- Named to the AP Preseason First Team on offense.
- Also recognized by other prestigious outlets like Walter Camp and included on Maxwell and Doak Walker Award watch lists.
- His accomplishments include being one of the few FBS backs to score in every regular-season game last year, finishing with elite efficiency and consistency.
- Named AP Preseason First-Team All-American on defense as a cornerback
- Also honored by The Sporting News and Walter Camp, and included on watch lists for top defensive awards.
- Built his freshman credibility with standout performances, including holding opponents to under 41% completion rates late in the season.
This is the 2025 AP Preseason All-America First Team, selected by media members who vote on the AP Top 25. The 27-player team spans offensive and defensive positions, highlighting the best of the best prior to the season’s games.
Notre Dame’s representation—two players—is among the top nationally and underscores the belief that the Irish will compete at a high level this season.
- Validation of talent: These honors reflect extraordinary individual performance and serve as a prelude to what fans can expect this season.
- Recruiting and program momentum: Having marquee names recognized on national lists helps attract other talented recruits and energizes the program’s trajectory.
- Team morale and leadership: Love and Moore already carry weight as leaders—this recognition empowers them to guide teammates into the season physically and mentally.
- Spotlight and expectations: With spotlight comes scrutiny. Both players must now live up to the hype, game in and game out—a challenge that can fuel greatness or expose weaknesses.
Notre Dame enters 2025 with two players who are among college football’s most acclaimed—Jeremiyah Love on offense and Leonard Moore on defense. Their AP Preseason First-Team All-America selections are both deserved and strategically significant, positioning them, and their team, for a season that could be defined by excellence.
As fall camp progresses and the season opener edges closer, eyes will be on these two stars to lead the Irish—not just with stats, but with leadership and consistency that can elevate the program. Whether they meet, exceed, or redefine expectations, one thing is clear: Notre Dame’s aspirations for 2025 are anchored by two All-Americans.
