Jeremiyah Love Reflects on Notre Dame’s Magical Playoff Run That Redefined the Irish’s Identity and Championship Aspirations in 2025
Notre Dame’s 2025 College Football Playoff run will be remembered as one of the most electrifying and emotionally charged chapters in the program’s storied history. It wasn’t just about the victories or the stats—it was about belief, identity, and the rediscovery of what it truly means to be Notre Dame football. At the heart of it was sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love, whose breakout performances, leadership, and humility helped fuel the Irish’s stunning rise to the national stage.
When the season began, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Marcus Freeman, entering his third full year as head coach, had constructed a roster filled with high-end talent, especially in the trenches and the backfield. But few predicted just how transformative Love would be—not only in terms of production, but in spirit. And when asked to reflect on what made Notre Dame’s playoff run so magical, Love points first not to stats or highlight reels, but to brotherhood.
“We played for each other,” Love said after Notre Dame’s semifinal win. “Every week, it felt like we were building something more than just a football team. We believed. Even when others didn’t.”
That belief became evident early in the season. After a 3-0 start, Notre Dame faced a critical test against a top-10 Michigan squad in the hostile confines of the Big House. Love rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown, breaking off multiple long runs that silenced the crowd and energized the Irish sideline. The win over Michigan was more than just another notch in the win column—it was a statement. The Irish could go toe-to-toe with the elites.
Love’s performance caught the attention of national analysts, and his stock began to soar. What separated him from other backs wasn’t just his speed—though his breakaway ability was undeniable—but his patience, vision, and toughness. He consistently turned potential losses into modest gains, and modest gains into game-changing plays. With each week, he became more central to Notre Dame’s identity: physical, fast, and fearless.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. A mid-season slip-up against USC—a game marred by turnovers and red-zone struggles—threatened to derail the Irish’s momentum. That week in practice, Love emerged as a quiet but steadying voice in the locker room.
“No one flinched,” he recalled. “We knew who we were. That loss didn’t define us—it reminded us that every inch matters, every detail counts.”
The team responded in dominant fashion the following week, blowing out a resurgent Stanford team behind Love’s three-touchdown performance. From there, Notre Dame went on a tear, reeling off convincing wins over Florida State, Purdue, and Texas A&M. By season’s end, they had not only secured a spot in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, but also earned the respect of pundits who had long questioned whether Notre Dame could truly compete with the sport’s top tier.
In the first round of the playoff, Notre Dame faced a dangerous Ole Miss team known for its high-octane offense. The Irish leaned heavily on their ground game to control the clock, and Love delivered in the biggest moment. He finished with 181 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a back-breaking 52-yard score in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. It wasn’t just the yardage that stood out—it was the way Love ran. Every carry was purposeful, every cut deliberate.
“That game was personal for all of us,” Love said. “People said we didn’t have SEC speed or strength. That lit a fire.”
The quarterfinal matchup was even more daunting—an away game against Georgia, the defending national champions, loaded with five-star talent on both sides of the ball. It was the type of game that in past years had exposed Notre Dame’s shortcomings. But this time, the Irish were different. They didn’t flinch.
The contest turned into an instant classic. After falling behind 17-3, Notre Dame clawed its way back. The offensive line began winning at the point of attack, and Love made Georgia pay. He racked up 114 total yards and scored the game-winning touchdown on a screen pass with just under two minutes remaining. Notre Dame’s defense held strong, and the Irish pulled off the upset of the tournament.
“Georgia was the measuring stick,” said Love. “We showed that we belonged. Not just to play, but to win.”
The semifinal matchup brought a familiar foe: Ohio State. The Buckeyes had beaten Notre Dame in a close game just a season earlier, and the memory of that loss lingered. But this was a different Irish team—tougher, smarter, and more battle-tested.
The semifinal turned into a showcase for Freeman’s defense and Love’s versatility. While he didn’t post gaudy numbers on the ground, Love played a crucial role as a decoy, blocker, and receiver. He hauled in five passes for 87 yards, including a crucial third-down conversion on the game-winning drive. Notre Dame eked out a 27-24 victory, and for the first time in over a decade, the Irish were headed to the national championship.
Love spoke with reporters after the win, clearly emotional. “It’s not just about football,” he said. “It’s about proving what Notre Dame stands for. We’re not just history—we’re the future too.”
Though the Irish ultimately fell to Alabama in the title game, Love’s impact on the season—and the program’s direction—was undeniable. He finished the year with over 1,600 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns. More importantly, he had become the face of a resurgent Notre Dame identity: fast, physical, relentless, and united.
As the offseason begins, Love’s name is already appearing on early Heisman watchlists. Scouts rave about his balance, his motor, and his football IQ. But for Love, the mission is unfinished.
“We got close, but close isn’t enough,” he said. “This run was special, but we want to finish the job.”
Off the field, Love has become one of the program’s most respected voices. He regularly meets with younger players, takes time to speak with fans, and leads film sessions voluntarily. Coaches praise his maturity and professionalism, and teammates describe him as the glue that kept the team together during the high-pressure playoff push.
For Marcus Freeman, having a player like Love has been pivotal.
“Jeremiyah brings more than talent—he brings belief,” Freeman said after the playoff run. “He’s the kind of player that elevates everyone around him.”
Notre Dame’s magical 2025 playoff run may not have ended with a trophy, but it achieved something perhaps even more significant—it restored belief that the Irish can and will win at the highest level of modern college football. And at the center of it all was Jeremiyah Love, the sophomore from St. Louis who ran like he had something to prove and led like he had nothing to lose.
As the Irish prepare for another run in 2026, expectations will be higher, the spotlight even brighter. But with leaders like Love in the backfield and Freeman on the sideline, the foundation is strong. Notre Dame is no longer just a name built on history—it’s a team built for now.
And thanks to Love’s breakout campaign and humble leadership, the Irish faithful can once again dream big—because the magic isn’t over. It’s just getting started.
