Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is rapidly becoming one of college football’s most exciting playmakers, but his journey to the spotlight was anything but ordinary. Long before he rushed for a career-high 157 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 56-30 win over Purdue, Love and his family were navigating challenges that made parenting and even daily routines exceptionally difficult.
This Saturday, Love will again take center stage when the No. 22 Fighting Irish (1-2) visit Arkansas (2-2) in Fayetteville. The matchup comes at a key moment for both programs, but for Notre Dame’s star, the focus extends beyond football. For him, it is also about how his unique upbringing shaped the person and player he is today.
How Did Jeremiyah Love’s Family Help Him Manage Early Struggles?
The junior running back’s story was recently featured on ESPN’s College Football. Growing up, Love described himself as different from his peers. “Growing up as a kid, I guess you could say odd really. Like I did things on my own. Didn’t really have any friends growing up,” he admitted, reflecting on a childhood marked by isolation.
His parents, Jason and L’tyona, began noticing behaviors that stood out once he started school. His father, Jason, recalled how difficult even small routines became.
“He kept to himself a lot. So, he was pretty adventurous. That’s what I’m talking about. But when we started school, we started to notice certain things about Jeremiyah that was a little different. There’s different mannerisms, his attention to detail. If his shoes weren’t symmetrically placed in order, he would be mad… It took us 20 minutes to get him ready for school because he would just become dysfunctional.”
The adjustment was equally challenging for his mother, L’tyona, as she tried to understand what her son was experiencing. “At first I just thought he was being difficult and then I realized he couldn’t concentrate if things weren’t just the way he liked them,” she explained.
After years of trial, error, and patience, the Loves eventually helped Jeremiyah channel his meticulous tendencies into sports. What could have been viewed as “dysfunctional” became the foundation of his discipline, preparation, and competitive edge on the field.
Love himself recognizes that his particular habits gave him an advantage. “I always kind of knew I had some tendencies, but it didn’t really affect me because I totally accept the type of person that I am. I feel like that particularness about myself has helped me be a better football player. It gives me a lot of power over my own life,” he said.
Why Has Love Become Notre Dame’s Key Weapon?
After a stellar 2024 season where he recorded 1,125 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, and a College Football Playoff record-breaking 98-yard scoring run, Love entered this season as the offensive centerpiece for the Irish. His ability to break tackles, hurdle defenders, and stretch plays has made him one of the most dynamic running backs in the country.
In the backfield, Love shares duties with Jadarian Price, forming one of the top ground duos in the FBS. According to Love, their strong communication is part of the secret to their success, as he often identifies defensive looks and relays them to Price mid-game.
MORE: Marcus Freeman Excitedly Reveals Jeremiyah Love’s Off-Field Quality That Notre Dame Plans To Use This Season
As the Fighting Irish prepare for Arkansas, the team will once again lean on Love’s explosiveness. He is not only producing highlight-reel runs but also carrying the weight of Notre Dame’s hopes to steady its 1-2 start, having already recorded 284 rushing yards in just three games.
While quarterback C.J. Carr continues to grow into his role, it’s clear that Love remains the player most capable of flipping a game in an instant. The kickoff for this pivotal game is scheduled for noon ET and will be televised on the ABC network.
