If there is one player that Notre Dame fans will always root for, especially long after his career with the Irish, it is running back Jeremiyah Love. There have been many players that fans have loved who have gone through the Notre Dame football program, but Love just feels a little different.
Love's unique story was showcased earlier this season on College GameDay, revealing that growing up, doctors suggested that he was on the autism spectrum. Love's parents chose not to pursue an official diagnosis and learned that sports were a great way for him to deal with some of his more interesting tendencies.
As Love got older, his football talent could not be denied, and it led him to South Bend to play for the Irish and head coach Marcus Freeman. Notre Dame fans know the story of Love's career from there, and it is such an inspirational story.
That story and his level of play earned him not just awards given to him by his team, but a 2025 Disney Spirit Award, which is given to college football's most inspirational player.
Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is the winner of the 2025 Disney Spirit Award, given to CFB's most inspirational figure.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) December 11, 2025
"This is a great honor. I'm very glad that people can look at my story and feel inspired. That's really what I play this game for."pic.twitter.com/frhynPg9xa
There truly doesn't feel like a better player this award could have gone to this season, especially when looking back at Love's career. In 2024, Love dealt with different injuries that kept him out of games, but in the College Football Playoff, he certainly excelled.
In the 2025 season, Love started out slow, but quickly picked up steam and became the best running back in the country. When receiving the award, Love said he almost became emotional when hearing why he was the one receiving it.
Love didn't know he would be getting the award until Freeman surprised him with it at Notre Dame's football awards banquet. Love will always be an inspiration in football, both college and the NFL, and if he has worn an Irish uniform for the final time, fans can't wait to see what he does in his next stage of life.