Notre Dame football faced disappointment this season, missing out on a bowl game and the College Football Playoff (CFP). Running back Jeremiyah Love addressed the team’s choice not to participate in a bowl, highlighting their intent to represent their 2025 season appropriately.
Jeremiyah Love on Notre Dame’s Playoff Miss
According to Love, the decision not to play in a postseason bowl was a collective team choice, emphasizing a desire to maintain team integrity. Notre Dame concluded its season with a record of 10-2, ending on a ten-game winning streak. However, they finished just outside the CFP, ranking as the first team out in the final committee rankings.
Selection Committee Rankings
- Notre Dame began the rankings high and was expected to qualify for the 12-team playoff field.
- They were dropped by one position in the final rankings, leaving them out of contention.
- The team suffered crucial early-season losses: 0-2 start with losses to Miami and Texas A&M by a total of four points.
Athletic director Pete Bevacqua criticized the selection process and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The ACC apparently lobbied for No. 10 Miami over Notre Dame. While the Irish are independent in football, they compete in most sports as ACC members which complicates their positioning in the playoff structure.
Team Reactions and Future Goals
Love stated the initial reaction to missing the CFP was one of sadness. “Everybody at that time didn’t understand why,” he remarked, noting that with time, the team recognized their own shortcomings led to their current position. He also mentioned the importance of representing the team properly for future seasons.
This season, Jeremiyah Love rushed for 1,372 yards and aims to become the first running back to win the Heisman Trophy since Derrick Henry in 2015. He is among the finalists, competing alongside quarterbacks Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt, Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, and Julian Sayin of Ohio State, the latter two leading their teams into the Playoff.
Looking Ahead
As they closed the season, the team participated in a charity event. Love expressed pride in their performance, acknowledging the missed opportunity but also highlighting the positive end to a successful season. His reflections encapsulated both the disappointment of their playoff miss and their determination to improve in future competitions.
