With the Heisman Trophy race still wide open entering the final stretch of the regular season, former ESPN analyst Todd McShay believes one candidate isn’t getting nearly enough national attention. That player, he says, is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
While quarterbacks such as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State freshman Julian Sayin and Alabama’s Ty Simpson continue to headline the conversation, McShay argued this week that Love’s production and impact make him a legitimate dark horse contender.
“If he doesn’t get to New York, what the hell are we doing?” McShay said. “And I have a Heisman vote, so I’ll do my part.”
Todd McShay on The McShay Show doesn’t know how to describe Jeremiyah Love.
— CathVSConf☘️ (@CathVSConf) November 18, 2025
In the best way of course.
He says he knew JLove was going to be the best running back this year.
"If he doesn't get to New York, what the hell are we doing? And I have a Heisman vote so I'll do my… pic.twitter.com/UaCapTRVwY
Love has been central to Notre Dame’s 9-2 start, emerging as one of the most consistent offensive weapons in the country. His versatility and explosiveness have helped the Fighting Irish maintain balance offensively while staying in the mix for a New Year’s Six bowl.
Notre Dame faces a critical matchup Saturday against Stanford to end the season. He had a strong performance with eight carries for 171 yards and three touchdowns against Syracuse. Love now attempts to break through a Heisman field dominated by quarterbacks.
With national analysts now amplifying his candidacy, Love enters the season’s final weeks as the player most likely to shake up the race.