As has been the case over the last few weeks, the Notre Dame offense made a statement right at the outset of the game. On Saturday night, weary Fighting Irish fans didn't have to wait long to see Jeremiyah Love set a new school record just halfway through the first quarter.
Love came into the game tied with Jerome Bettis for touchdowns in a season at 20. On the first ND drive of the game, Love carried his team all the way down the field, amassing 54 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown run. In all, Love had all but 12 yards of the Irish's offense on their first drive. Despite some concerns that an excellent Stanford run game could present problems, he'll continue to mount his Heisman campaign, even in a game that didn't start until 10:30 pm South Bend time.
Love's touchdown was his 21st of the season for Notre Dame and puts him in sole posession of the school record. Love had 19 total touchdowns a season ago, but that was across 16 games as Notre Dame made a run to the College Football Playoff national championship game.
All you need is LOVE 🫶💚
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 30, 2025
His 2️⃣1️⃣st touchdown of the season ☘️#GoIrish☘️ | @JeremiyahLove pic.twitter.com/6WaG9p3af0
Jeremiyah Love sets Notre Dame single season touchdowns record
No one can put an asterisk next to this record as the amount of games that "The Bus" played in was 12 thanks to a bowl game.
Bettis's record had stood since 1991. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Love is projected to be one of the top running backs taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, should he declare for it. Love still has one year of eligibility at Notre Dame should he choose to use it.