Notre Dame Star Jeremiyah Love Talks New Position Coach, 2024 Season, Improving His Game

Last season, Notre Dame had a star emerge in running back Jeremiyah Love. It seemed that every Saturday, he was putting together an instant highlight reel whether he was ripping off a 60 plus yard touchdown run, hurdling a defender, or delivering a mean stiff arm to a would-be tackler. This season, Love returns as a true junior, ready to do his part once again in the Irish backfield. 

Yesterday, he spoke with the media about the long season last year, his injury suffered against USC, and their new running back coach Ja'Juan Seider. Love has been getting national attention for being one of the best returning players in college football for the 2025 season, and is thought to be, by many, as an early Heisman candidate and someone to keep their eye on for the duration of next season. In order for him to be in the mix, Love will have to continue to perform at a high level, which means he will have to remain healthy for another long season. 

"I had an MCL sprain. I think it was grade two. I didn't need to get surgery. It wasn't that serious. Obviously I played through it, so you can see it wasn't that serious. Just a minor little MCL sprain. Something that isn't major. Just had to get rehab and just work on it. That was it."

The time off after the National Championship proved to be much deserved and necessary for many players on this roster, but Love may have been at the top of that list for his performance last year. He talked to the media about his ability to recover and the much needed rest after a long 2024 season: 

"For me it was just taking a mental break," Love explained. "It's hard playing 16 games in 16 straight weeks, playing against good teams at that. My process was just getting my mental right. Getting away from football for a little bit. Getting myself connected to my family because I didn't really speak to them during the season because I was so busy and I was locked in. Connected a little with family. Doing some things I like to do. Playing video games, watching TV, a workout here and there to keep my body in shape. Go for a run or something like that."

This offseason also saw a changing of the guard when it comes to coaching in the running back room. Former Irish running back coach Delland McCullough is headed to the NFL to join Pete Carroll in Las Vegas to coach the Raiders. Head coach Marcus Freeman hired former Penn State running back coach Ja'Juan Seider to come in and take over their loaded running back room. 

"He's a really chill guy," Love said of his new position coach. "He's trying to understand everyone in the room, assess everyone's strengths and personalities. I think he'll be a big help for me understanding defenses more. He used to be a quarterbacks coach, so he knows how to read defenses. I think he used to play quarterback. He knows how to read defenses, he knows who's doing what.

"Having him in our room will help all of us get a deep understanding of defenses and what coverage they're in," continued the Irish running back. "If you see the safety rotating over, that could be an indicator somebody is going to come down and blitz. He'll help with our football knowledge, and he's a great coach. He's got great indy drills, lots of good bag work. Everybody has a solid foundation in the room, so he's just going to build upon that. He just wants to increase our knowledge of everything."

With all the attention Love is getting, it's to get wrapped up in the limelight of being a highlight player for a brand like Notre Dame. It's rumored he will be on the cover of the new NCAA football game that comes out this summer, and he drew a bit of attention when he headed to the Super Bowl this past February to watch the Chiefs battle the Eagles. Yesterday, Love was asked if he felt like a "celebrity" now, and his answer was perfect:

""I don't really see it as that. I'm making plays on the field. I'm making plays on the field and people are seeing them and recognizing them for being a pretty good player. I don't see myself as a celebrity. I'm not that big. I'm getting there. It's just cool seeing people give me my props. One of the best players in the league gave me my props. It was a cool experience. It's just cool. I don't think of myself as a celebrity. I'm just someone who loves to play football and happens to be good at it."

Notre Dame fans certainly love watching this talented back perform, and he's working to show them an even better version in 2025.