Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has put together another spectacular season that has opponents struggling to contain him, yet the talented athlete remains focused on areas where he believes he can still improve his game.

With nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns already in the books this season, Love has established himself as one of college football’s most dynamic offensive weapons. Despite these impressive statistics, the humble star sees significant room for growth in his playing style.

A mindset focused on excellence

During a pregame interview with ESPN’s College GameDay when the crew visited Pittsburgh for Notre Dame’s matchup against the Panthers, Love shared his thoughts on where he wants to develop further. His self-awareness and commitment to improvement demonstrate the mentality that separates good players from great ones.

Love explained that he needs to focus more on his north-south running game, meaning looking downfield to gain yards rather than shifting laterally. This adjustment would make him even more effective at advancing the ball and breaking through defensive lines that already struggle to stop him.

The candid assessment reveals an athlete who refuses to rest on his accomplishments. Rather than celebrating his current production, Love actively analyzes his game to identify weaknesses and opportunities for enhancement.

Drawing inspiration from NFL stars

When discussing his playing style and aspirations, Love does not shy away from lofty comparisons. He happily draws parallels between himself and Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs, describing the NFL running back as a game-changer for his team.

Beyond Gibbs, Love models his approach on legendary running backs Barry Sanders and Saquon Barkley. These comparisons reflect both his confidence and his understanding of what elite running back play looks like at the highest levels.

Sanders revolutionized the position with his elusive running style and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Barkley has become one of the NFL’s most complete backs, combining power, speed and receiving skills. By studying these players, Love demonstrates his commitment to developing a well-rounded skill set.

What he loves about the game

While Love acknowledges areas needing improvement, he also shared what brings him joy on the football field. He expressed his passion for making defenders miss and creating spectacular plays, something he accomplishes with remarkable frequency.

This aspect of his game has become his calling card. Love possesses an uncanny ability to navigate through traffic, change direction without losing speed, and turn seemingly ordinary plays into explosive gains. His highlight reel grows longer with each game as he leaves defenders grasping at air.

The combination of natural talent and joy for the game creates an infectious energy that elevates his teammates and excites fans. When Love touches the ball, something special often happens, and he clearly relishes those moments.

Building on championship success

Love played a crucial role in leading the Fighting Irish to their National Championship berth last season. He posted 1,125 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns during that memorable campaign.

This season, with three regular-season games still remaining, he has already compiled 988 rushing yards, 254 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. These numbers suggest he is on pace to match or exceed his previous production while facing increased attention from opposing defenses.

The consistency of his performance across multiple seasons demonstrates that his success stems from more than just physical gifts. His work ethic, football intelligence and ability to maintain peak performance throughout long seasons separate him from players who flash brilliance only occasionally.

Playoff implications loom large

Notre Dame enters its matchup against Pittsburgh with its College Football Playoff position nearly secured, barring any unexpected disasters. The Fighting Irish have compiled an impressive resume that should guarantee them a spot in the postseason tournament.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, remains in the playoff conversation if the Panthers can win their remaining games. This dynamic creates an intriguing matchup where both teams have significant stakes, though Notre Dame holds the more comfortable position.

Heading into the game, the Fighting Irish were favored by 12.5 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook, reflecting their superior overall performance this season. However, rivalry games and contests with playoff implications often produce unexpected results.

The road ahead

As Love continues developing his north-south running approach, defenses will face an even more difficult challenge. His current ability to make players miss in space already creates problems, but adding more direct downfield running would make him nearly impossible to game plan against.

The improvement he seeks would enhance his effectiveness in short-yardage situations and goal-line scenarios. While his elusiveness serves him well in open space, adding power running to his repertoire would make him a complete back capable of succeeding in any situation.

His willingness to identify and work on weaknesses while maintaining confidence in his strengths shows the mature mindset of a player who understands that greatness requires constant evolution. Many talented athletes struggle to honestly assess their games, either becoming overconfident in their abilities or focusing too heavily on flaws.

Impact beyond statistics

Love’s influence on Notre Dame extends beyond the numbers he posts each week. His explosive playmaking ability forces defenses to account for him on every snap, creating opportunities for teammates as opponents dedicate extra resources to stopping him.

His receiving ability out of the backfield adds another dimension that offensive coordinators can exploit. The 254 receiving yards he has accumulated this season represent a significant weapon that keeps defenses honest and prevents them from loading up against the run.

As the Fighting Irish push toward the College Football Playoff, Love’s combination of current production and commitment to improvement positions him as a player capable of dominating on the biggest stages. His journey from talented prospect to championship contributor to potential playoff star demonstrates the power of talent combined with relentless self-improvement.

The humility he displays in acknowledging areas for growth, even while posting elite statistics, sets an example for young athletes at all levels. Success has not bred complacency but rather fueled his desire to reach even greater heights.