jeremiyah love on maxwell watch list
Today, Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love was named to the Maxwell Award watchlist. The Maxwell is awarded every year to the most outstanding player in college football; it recognizes superb play on the field and outstanding contributions to the game. Historically, this award is typically given to premier quarterbacks in the country, but last season, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty won the Maxwell after a stellar season. Jeanty was the first running back who won the award since Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015.
During the 2024 season, Love racked up 1,125 rushing yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, totaled 17 rushing touchdowns, 237 receiving yards and recorded two receiving touchdowns. The versatile back took advantage of being the primary ball-carrier for the first by quickly becoming one of the most dynamic and explosive players in the country after recording touchdown runs of 48, 64, 68, 76 and 98 yards. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Love at 100 percent in the post season due to an injury sustained in the last regular season game. Fortunately that didn’t stop him from rattling off a 98 yard touchdown run to open up the 2024 College Football Playoffs.
This season, Love returns to the Fighting Irish backfield and is expected to be a main focal point of the offense. Notre Dame returns an experienced offensive line and will be breaking in a first time starter under center for the first time since 2022. Love and the rest of new running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider’s stable of ball carriers should take the pressure off a first time starter at quarterback earlier in the season.
Notre Dame has found success in receiving the prestigious award with six players winning the award since it’s origin with the most recent player being star linebacker Manti Te’o in 2012. Love has the opportunity to be the first Irish running back to win the award since John Lattner who won the Maxwell in back to back seasons in 1952 and 1953. Love has received a lot of preseason hype and is being coined as one of, if not the best, returning running back in the country and has been named to numerous preseason All-American teams. With renewed energy and the additions at wide receiver via the transfer portal, Love should have even more room to operate and should land on the finalist list during the season.
