Marcus Freeman keeps hinting Jeremiyah Love could return to Notre Dame

It has been two weeks since Notre Dame football officially ended its season after being subbed from the College Football Playoff and then declining its bowl invitation. Since then, fans have been patiently awaiting the news they feel like they already know is coming.

Star Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has a big decision to make: does he stay with the Irish for one more season, or take his talents to the NFL? Fans feel like it would be a miracle if he stays in South Bend for another year, but there is one person who isn't giving up hope just yet.

During the Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday night, Love was brought onto the stage with Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, and Freeman was able to talk about just how much Love means to not just the Notre Dame football team as a player, but as a person as well. Freeman even used the opportunity to try and hint that Love could decide to return to the Irish next season.

"We all see what he can do on a football field, and the many different skill sets that he has, but I think about the young man who walked into our program three years ago," Freeman said. "Who might be leaving after this season."

That one word, "might," is what Notre Dame fans are holding on to right now because if there is anyone who knows what Love is thinking about his career, it is Freeman.

Now, Love did make a bit of a face after Freeman hinted at the fact that Love might be leaving. That face was a smile, also a look of "alright, coach, I am still thinking about it," but either way, it seems like his mind may not be fully made up.

Jeremiyah Love gives fans hope he could stay in South Bend for another season

Not only did Freeman give Notre Dame fans hope that he could stick around South Bend for another season, but Love did as well.

Joining SportsCenter before the Heisman Trophy ceremony, Love spoke about his time with Notre Dame and what he felt his career has been like, and what he hopes it will become. When asked if there was a chance he could play for the Irish again next season, Love gave an answer that can still give Notre Dame fans hope.

"I'm most likely done, I haven't made an official announcement or anything like that, but I've been discussing things with my family," Love said. "We will be coming to a conclusion here pretty soon, within the next week or so. I got to do what’s best for me. I got to take care of my family. So, maybe most likely, maybe there is a small chance I continue playing collegiate ball."

While it does feel like Love has made up his mind, the fact that he said there is even a small chance he could stick around for another season seems like enough hope for Irish fans going forward.