Jeremiyah Love injury update: Star Notre Dame RB exits Stanford game, then returns

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was evaluated for a rib injury during Saturday night’s game against Stanford. Love exited the contest with 7:08 remaining in the first quarter after a hit to the midsection during a 4-yard run.

Love returned to the game with 2:31 left in the second quarter. He had a 1-yard run three plays later. At halftime, ND coach Marcus Freeman told sideline reporter Stormy Buonantony that Love was hurt and he would decide at halftime if he returns to the game.

“That’s a reflection of the type of character he has,” Freeman said. “He wants to be out here, he wants to compete. I keep challenging him a little bit to make sure he does what’s best for the team, and if that means he needs to keep himself out, then we’ll make that decision.

“But I don’t want to make that — I want him to make that decision. We’re gonna have a long talk at halftime, and I just want him to make the decision that’s best for the team.”

Love started the second half.

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Before reappearing in the backfield, Love spent about 20 minutes of real time in the locker room. He initially rejoined the team on the sideline with about 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Buonantony reported Love was in the locker room to get fitted for a rib protector. He had 58 yards and 1 touchdown on 9 carries before going down.

After the play, the Irish training staff, accompanied by head coach Marcus Freeman, met Love on the field. From there, he went into the injury tent for a brief evaluation. He then reappeared on the sideline with his helmet on, but only for a few more minutes.

Twelve minutes of real time after the apparent injury — Blue & Gold beat reporter Tyler Horka observed Love going to the locker room. He later returned to the sideline at 11:33 p.m. ET. However, he did not play on the ensuing drive, a Notre Dame touchdown to give the Irish a 28-0 lead with 7:26 to play in the second quarter.

Before the injury, Love set a new single-season program record for most total touchdowns in a season. He scored his 21st on a 2-yard run in the first quarter, breaking a tie at the top of the list with Jerome Bettis. Love also tied Audric Estimé (2023) for Notre Dame’s all-time single-season rushing touchdown record with 18.

Entering the game, Love was 132 yards from surpassing Vegas Ferguson for most rushing yards in a single season (1,437 in 977). With his 58 yards before the injury, Love only needed 74 more to eclipse Ferguson’s mark.

Love was also 103 yards away from breaking Golden Tate’s single-season yards from scrimmage record (1,682) in 2009. Before the injury, Love only needed 45 yards.

Notre Dame also hoped to showcase Love for the final time before Heisman Trophy voting closes Dec. 8. Last Tuesday, Love was second in Heisman Trophy Odds (+375), only trailing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (-105), according to BetMGM.

Love is looking to become the first running back to win the Heisman Trophy since running back Derrick Henry in 2015.

Tyler Horka contributed to this report.