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As a running back in the game of football, every yard counts. Whether it is breaking the next tackle, reaching the ball as far as possible toward the first down marker or depending on a teammate for a block to get down the field, running backs can help make or break a game. University of Notre Dame sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love takes this duty to a whole new level by doing one thing in particular that has gained national recognition: hurdling defenders.

Some may be wondering where Love came from this season. As a freshman, Love was the primary backup along with sophomore Jadarian Price to junior Audric Estime, but after Estime declared for the draft and opted out of the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, Love had the opportunity to have his first career start in a bowl victory for the Fighting Irish. During the offseason, Love put in the work, gaining 20 pounds, making him a harder target for opponents.

This season, Love became the go-to RB, starting in every game that Notre Dame Football has competed in. He has helped the Fighting Irish to a 14-2 record, with seven recorded wins against ranked opponents and one of the highest scoring offenses in the nation, eventually making it to the National Championship. In the 2024 season, Love had 163 carries for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“Listen, Jeremiyah Love is gonna create a big play. He’s got a chance to create a big play every time he has a ball in his hands,” said Notre Dame Dick Corbett Head Coach Marcus Freeman at a postgame press conference on Oct. 26, 2024. “And, that's what I saw today. Some really good connections and executions between the wideout and quarterback, but also Jeremiyah Love being Jeremiyah Love.”

Now, what has Love gained the attention of football fans around the nation for doing? Hurdling people. That’s right, hurdling his opponents during games has become Love’s favorite, and also most effective, way of gaining more yardage on each of his carries. This strategy has clearly worked as his average yards per carry has increased from 5.4 in the 2023 season to 6.9 in the 2024 season. Love’s hurdling first gained attention from fans and spectators during Notre Dame’s game against Army in Yankee Stadium, when he jumped over a defender for a touchdown. Since then, he has showcased his vertical many times, drawing in many fans, and impressing a lot of the football community.

“After the NIU game, I kinda just wanted to do [the hurdle] and once I got my first one off, it was just kinda like dang this is fun,” said Love in an interview prior to the College Football Playoff Championship. “Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I’ll probably take it and I just like to show off my athleticism and show what I can do. It’s also fun – jumping over people.”

“He is the engine that sparks this thing to go in a real positive direction every week. He seems to find a way to make an explosive play, hurdle somebody or run for 98 yards. It’s kind of a dealer’s choice. I’m honored to have him around,” said offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock in a postgame press conference after a Notre Dame victory against Indiana on Dec. 20, 2024.

Although not a hurdling highlight, the spotlight was also on Love after his 98-yard touchdown against Indiana in the first round of the College Football Playoff. After being handed the ball in Notre Dame’s own endzone, Love took off, dodging defenders and using his teammates’ blocks, all the way down to Indiana’s end to give the Fighting Irish the lead. Love’s speed and ability to break tackles are truly some of his most impressive qualities.

“He’s a confident football player. The thing I love about Jeremiyah Love is he’s protecting the football and not cause any turnovers,” said Freeman during the Army versus Notre Dame postgame press conference on Nov. 23, 2024. “It’s almost like he’s anticipating what the defense is gonna do and when he breaks through the second level, I don’t see many people that can catch him, but he’s practicing well, he’s taking care of his body and producing on game days.” 

When looking at players who are in the spotlight, it is important to not only see their impact on the field, but also the impact players can have on their own teammates. Love is no exception, and his grit and hard work on and off the field can be respected by many. Love’s own teammates speak highly of him, especially quarterback Riley Leonard who, after the win against Indiana, sported a Jeremiyah Love t-shirt during postgame interviews. 

“I got the best view in the house. Everytime I hand him the ball, I’m just watching like what is he gonna do now? He just continues to impress me,” said Leonard during a postgame interview after Notre Dame’s victory against Indiana in the First Round of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 20, 2024. “It’s the little things, right, it’s the second or third down where he’s stiff arming guys and getting first downs for us. It’s the little plays that might be 5-yard gains but for anybody else, it would be a 5 yard loss possibly ... Obviously, I think people are starting to see how special he is.”

And just to top off his already impressive resumé, Love is no stranger to this athleticism as he was a track and field athlete in high school, even earning the Missouri Class 5 State title in the 100-meter with a time of 10.76 seconds while also competing in the high jump. Some may say this is just a part of training while others may point to this as the start of Love’s hurdling career. 

Love is a sophomore, so who knows what his future holds, but if he continues to improve as he has this past season, his RB career is sure to be successful.

“To be honest, I’m just trying to do what’s best for my team. Making plays where it’s needed and this is a team sport and as long as we’re working together, things are gonna pop,” said Love at a press conference following the Notre Dame victory against Navy on Nov. 23, 2024. “I’m really just trying to do what’s best