Jeremiyah Love’s Historic Heisman Victory: Ending a Decade-Long Running Back Drought at Notre Dame

The hallowed halls of college football history are being rewritten, not by the arm of a record-shattering quarterback, but by the churning legs and undeniable will of a running back from Notre Dame. Jeremiyah Love, the dynamic junior out of South Bend, has captured the imagination of the nation and, in a monumental announcement from On3, has been crowned the recipient of the most prestigious individual award in college athletics: the Heisman Trophy. This victory is more than just a personal triumph for Love; it’s a seismic shift in the landscape of the Heisman race, breaking a ten-year stranglehold that quarterbacks have held on the award. The last time a running back hoisted the bronze statue was Derrick Henry of Alabama in 2015, a testament to the aerial dominance that has defined modern college football. Love’s ascension to the pinnacle of individual achievement signals a resurgence for the traditional ground game and a return to the roots of the sport, all while carrying the weighty expectations that come with donning the iconic Golden Helmet for the Fighting Irish.

Love’s journey to Heisman glory has been a masterclass in perseverance, explosive talent, and an unyielding commitment to his craft. From his freshman season, where he flashed glimpses of his prodigious potential, to his breakout sophomore campaign that laid the groundwork for this historic year, Love has steadily built a resume that simply became too compelling for Heisman voters to ignore. While his 2024 season was impressive, with over 1,100 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in limited touches, it was his 2025 season that truly cemented his place in Heisman lore. This year, Love transformed from a promising talent into an unstoppable force, a battering ram with breakaway speed who consistently gashed opposing defenses for monumental gains. His statistics are staggering: a prodigious total of over 2,500 all-purpose yards, including more than 2,000 rushing yards and a jaw-dropping 30 touchdowns. These are numbers reminiscent of the legendary running backs who once dominated the Heisman conversation, figures that transcend mere statistical benchmarks and scream “Heisman winner” in an era that has largely forgotten the art of the running back. He was a constant threat, whether he was breaking through the line for a long touchdown run, catching a crucial pass out of the backfield to move the chains, or returning kicks with a fearless determination that often resulted in electrifying plays. Every Saturday, Love provided a highlight reel, a testament to his versatility and sheer athleticism that kept fans and analysts alike captivated.

Beyond the raw numbers, what truly set Love apart this season was his ability to elevate Notre Dame’s offense and, by extension, the entire team. In an era where many offenses are predicated on throwing the ball forty or fifty times a game, Notre Dame leaned heavily on Love, and he delivered consistently. He became the undisputed focal point, drawing defensive attention that opened up opportunities for his teammates and allowing the Irish offense to thrive. His leadership, both on and off the field, was evident in every snap. He ran with a purpose, often dragging multiple defenders for extra yards, embodying the grit and determination that defines Notre Dame football. There were countless moments throughout the season where Love simply willed his team to victory. Whether it was a crucial fourth-down conversion in a tight game, a game-winning touchdown run in the final minutes, or simply wearing down a defense with his relentless carries, Love consistently answered the call. His performance against top-ranked opponents was particularly noteworthy, as he consistently performed at his best when the stakes were highest, silencing critics and solidifying his Heisman candidacy with each dominant outing. He demonstrated an uncanny ability to find seams, accelerate through contact, and maintain balance, making would-be tacklers look silly with his subtle shifts and powerful leg drive.

The narrative surrounding running backs and the Heisman Trophy has been a somber one for a decade. The rise of spread offenses and dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks has pushed the traditional running back to the periphery of the Heisman conversation. Voters have increasingly gravitated towards quarterbacks who rack up eye-popping passing and rushing yardage, along with high touchdown totals. For ten years, the mold for a Heisman winner has been a quarterback, making Love’s victory a monumental achievement. It speaks to the undeniable impact he had on every game and the sheer volume of his production. It also highlights a growing appreciation for the foundational elements of football – the ability to control the line of scrimmage, move the chains with brute force, and punish defenses with sustained drives. Love’s win serves as a powerful reminder that while the game evolves, the fundamental importance of a dominant ground game remains a potent force. He proved that a running back, even in this era, can be the most valuable player in college football, capable of carrying his team to contention and captivating the national spotlight.

The historical significance of Love’s Heisman cannot be overstated, not just for the running back position, but for Notre Dame football itself. The Fighting Irish faithful have long yearned for another Heisman winner to add to their illustrious lineage. While Notre Dame boasts seven Heisman Trophy winners in its storied history, the last one, Tim Brown, won the award way back in 1987. For nearly four decades, the program, despite its consistent national relevance, had been unable to produce another Heisman recipient. Love’s victory ends that protracted drought, bringing the prestigious award back to South Bend and injecting a renewed sense of pride and excitement into the program. His name will now be etched alongside legends like Brown, Johnny Lattner, Paul Hornung, and Angelo Bertelli, forever cementing his place in Notre Dame lore. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the coaching staff, the strength of the offensive line, and the collective effort of the entire team that enabled Love to reach such unprecedented heights.

The road ahead for Jeremiyah Love is undoubtedly bright. With a Heisman Trophy now firmly in his grasp, he enters rarefied air as one of the most recognizable and celebrated athletes in all of college sports. The pressure will be immense, but Love has demonstrated a remarkable ability to thrive under the spotlight. His humility and team-first attitude have endeared him to fans and teammates alike, suggesting that this Heisman is not an endpoint, but rather a catalyst for even greater achievements. For college football, Love’s victory opens the door for a re-evaluation of how the Heisman Trophy is awarded. It sends a clear message that while quarterback play is undeniably crucial, the impact of a truly generational running back can still be the defining factor in a player’s Heisman campaign. As the echoes of his historic season reverberate across the college football landscape, Jeremiyah Love stands as a beacon of hope for running backs everywhere, proving that with enough talent, determination, and opportunity, the Heisman Trophy can indeed find its way back into the hands of a player who earns his yards the hard way, one powerful stride at a time. His legacy is now forever intertwined with the Heisman, a symbol of his individual brilliance and the renewed prominence of the running back in the heart of college football.