**Jeremiah Love Named a Sporting News Preseason First Team All-American**
The college football world is buzzing with excitement as Sporting News unveiled its prestigious Preseason All-American teams, and among the elite names gracing the First Team is none other than Notre Dame’s dynamic running back, Jeremiah Love. The sophomore sensation, who burst onto the scene as a true freshman with electrifying speed, vision, and playmaking ability, has now been recognized as one of the nation’s best before even stepping onto the field for his second collegiate season. This honor not only cements Love’s status as a rising star but also signals high expectations for Notre Dame’s offense in the upcoming campaign.
Love’s inclusion on the First Team is no small feat. The Sporting News Preseason All-American list is one of the most respected in college football, compiled by analysts who meticulously evaluate returning talent, potential impact, and prior performance. For Love to earn this distinction speaks volumes about his rapid ascent in the sport. Last season, he emerged as one of the most explosive backs in the country, averaging an eye-popping 7.4 yards per carry while rushing for 821 yards and seven touchdowns—despite sharing carries in a deep backfield. His ability to break games open with long runs, combined with his versatility as a pass-catcher, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
What makes Love’s recognition even more impressive is the level of competition at the running back position across college football. The 2024 season features a loaded group of ball carriers, including established veterans and highly touted newcomers. Yet, Love’s blend of speed, agility, and football IQ set him apart. His freshman tape was filled with highlight-reel moments—whether it was his 83-yard touchdown sprint against USC or his clutch performances in critical downs against Clemson. Coaches and analysts alike have raved about his patience in allowing blocks to develop before exploding through seams, a trait uncommon in most young runners.
Notre Dame’s coaching staff has been vocal about Love’s work ethic and maturity beyond his years. Head coach Marcus Freeman has repeatedly praised his dedication to improving as an all-around back, particularly in pass protection—a skill that often separates good college running backs from great ones. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has also hinted at an expanded role for Love in the passing game, given his soft hands and ability to create mismatches against linebackers in space. If his development continues at this pace, Love could very well find himself in the Heisman conversation by season’s end.
The significance of this preseason honor extends beyond individual accolades. For Notre Dame, having a player of Love’s caliber on the First Team reinforces the program’s resurgence as a national powerhouse. The Fighting Irish have consistently recruited at a high level under Freeman, but Love represents the kind of game-changing talent that can elevate an entire offense. With quarterback Riley Leonard now at the helm and a veteran offensive line returning, Love is poised to thrive in an offense designed to maximize his strengths. The Sporting News nod serves as a reminder that Notre Dame isn’t just a playoff contender—it’s a team with the firepower to compete for a national title.
Of course, preseason awards are merely projections, and Love will be the first to acknowledge that his focus remains on winning games rather than collecting accolades. However, the spotlight that comes with being a Preseason All-American brings heightened scrutiny. Defensive coordinators will scheme specifically to stop him, and every opponent will view him as the focal point of Notre Dame’s attack. How Love handles this pressure will be a key storyline in 2024. If his freshman season was any indication, he’s more than ready for the challenge.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Love’s journey to this point is a testament to his perseverance. A four-star recruit out of St. Frances Academy in Maryland, he was highly sought-after but chose Notre Dame for its combination of academic excellence and football tradition. His transition to college football was seamless, a rarity for most freshmen, especially at a program with such lofty expectations. Now, as he prepares for his sophomore year, the expectations are even greater—but so is his potential.
The Sporting News Preseason All-American selection is just the beginning. If Love builds on his freshman campaign with an even stronger sophomore season, he could follow in the footsteps of recent Notre Dame greats like Kyren Williams and Josh Adams, who used dominant college careers as springboards to the NFL. Scouts are already enamored with his burst and lateral quickness, and another year of production could solidify him as one of the top running back prospects in the 2026 draft class.
For Notre Dame fans, Love’s recognition is a source of immense pride and excitement. In an era where the transfer portal and NIL deals have reshaped college football, seeing a homegrown talent rise to national prominence is a refreshing narrative. Love embodies the kind of player who can define an era for a program—a dynamic, humble, and relentless competitor who elevates everyone around him.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Jeremiah Love. The Sporting News has set the stage by naming him a Preseason First Team All-American, but the real work begins now. Can he surpass the hype and deliver another spectacular season? Will he lead Notre Dame to a College Football Playoff berth? One thing is certain: Love has the talent, drive, and supporting cast to make this a year to remember. The college football world is on notice—Jeremiah Love isn’t just a star in the making; he’s already arrived.
