Jeremiyah Love has been proving to everyone for a while now that he's the best player in this year's NFL Draft. However, NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana caught on to just how good the Notre Dame running back was earlier than most other people.
During an appearance on SportsCenter, insider Kyle Brandt told a story about how he and his father ran into Montana on the sidelines of the 2024 tilt between No. 19 Army and Notre Dame. Brandt explained that his father is an Army alum, so the pair were hoping for an upset, considering the Cadets were good enough to be in the Top 25. However, when they asked the famous former Irish quarterback if he thought there was a chance for an upset, Montana quickly quashed their hopes and dreams.
"He goes 'not with number four right there,'" Brandt told Scott Van Pelt. "And he points to Love as Love is kind of warming up before the game."
Notre Dame football running back Jeremiyah Love earned early praise from Joe Montana
"We see Joe again as the second half is starting Loves had two touchdowns in the first half," Brandt continued. "My dad goes, 'any chance of a comeback tonight, Joe?' On the first play from scrimmage of the second half, Love goes 60-plus yards. Joe goes, 'not with number four out there.'"
Brandt finished his story of watching the Notre Dame game with Joe Montana and his father by saying, "That was when the real legend for me started in that New York night in Manhattan, as Joe Montana is just absolutely hyping us up about this wonderful thing."
Notre Dame blew out Army that day, beating the Cadets 49-14. There was indeed no comeback to be had. Jeremiyah Love only had 7 carries, but he ran for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had a 6-yard catch for another TD.
Love is no longer a well-kept secret. The Notre Dame star is almost certainly going in the Top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft. When he is selected, Joe Montana will almost certainly be smiling ear-to-ear.