Notre Dame turned to redshirt freshman CJ Carr as its quarterback with Riley Leonard out of eligibility and off to the NFL, but a strong running game headed by Jeremiyah Love was expected to be the focal point of the Fighting Irish offense this season.
Love's usage in Notre Dame's season opener against Miami, however, created more questions than answers about how the Irish are trying to build their offense.
The junior running game saw limited usage throughout first half and into the third quarter during Sunday night's game against the Hurricanes, even as Notre Dame's offense lagged behind Carson Beck and Miami.
Here's what you need to know about Love's status and his usage against Miami.
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What's wrong with Jeremiyah Love?
Love finished the 2024 season playing through injury, but he isn't known to be dealing with any injury despite only touching the ball sporadically against the Hurricanes.
At one point deep into the third quarter, Love had registered only four carries for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame's offense, meanwhile, moved along sluggishly and appeared to need a jolt, leaving fans confused as to why the ball wasn't going to the player many pundits pegged as a potential Heisman Trophy contender.
In case there was any doubt about his health, Love did start to see the ball when Notre Dame reached the red zone late in the third quarter. He quickly doubled his carries with four in a span of less than three minutes in addition to a would-be first down run that was erased by a holding penalty. The drive resulted in a touchdown.
Until those final minutes of the third quarter, Love was being out-touched by fellow junior running back Jadarian Price, who posted an efficient 45 yards on his first six carries.
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Love's usage confused fans and pundits alike as Notre Dame searched for an offensive identity at Hard Rock Stadium:
I’d probably give the ball to Jeremiyah Love idk
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 1, 2025
“Love out of the witness protection program”
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) September 1, 2025
Sean McDonough with the line of the weekend, discussing Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love pic.twitter.com/WLifLBqy99
Notre Dame features Jeremiyah Love, one of nation's top running backs, so of course Irish throw on 6 of 1st 7 plays before Miami forces a punt
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 31, 2025
Love rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry as a sophomore in 2024, adding 237 yards through the air.