Notre Dame Announces Jeremiyah Love News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 3:20 PM ET

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost in the College Football Playoff national title game a year ago. This time, the Irish finished with a 10-2 record and were surprisingly left out of the 12-team field.

Notre Dame then chose not to participate in a bowl game in a big decision.

In 2026, the Irish will have some key departures, with the biggest one being star running back Jeremiyah Love, who has been a name to watch for NFL teams all year long.

Love had 949 yards with 15 touchdowns on the ground in 2024, and this year he rushed for 1,372 yards with 18 touchdowns to lead the way for Notre Dame.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the NC State Wolfpack during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium.Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Love was named a Heisman Trophy finalist as well, and he joins Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Julan Sayin (Ohio State ) and Diego Pavia ( Vanderbilt) as the finalists.

On Thursday, Notre Dame announced another honor for Love.

"A force for good. The Disney Spirit Award is presented annually to college football ’s most inspirational figure. Congratulations to Jeremiyah Love on being the 2025 Disney Spirit Award Recipient."

A force for good ☘️

The Disney Spirit Award is presented annually to college football’s most inspirational figure.

Congratulations to Jeremiyah Love on being the 2025 Disney Spirit Award Recipient ☘️#GoIrish☘️ | @JeremiyahLove | @DisneyParks pic.twitter.com/QU7anzQXi3
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 11, 2025

The Disney Spirit Award is given to the "Most Inspirational Figure" in college football. The Irish star also won the team MVP award previously, so it's been a good run for him.

Last year, Georgia Bulldogs fans Megan Twist and Richard Bremer won the award.

Other notable names to win the award include James Conner, Sterling Shepard, Bob Stoops and Tim Tebow.

The first award was given out in 1996, and Love became the first Notre Dame player to win the award.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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