“He’s a stud”: Jerome Bettis praises Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for his talent, work ethic, and game-changing ability.

In the world of college football, few endorsements carry as much weight as praise from NFL legends. When Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis speaks, fans, players, and analysts alike listen closely. Recently, Bettis has expressed glowing admiration for Notre Dame’s standout running back, Jeremiyah Love, calling him “a stud.” This endorsement not only underscores Love’s extraordinary talent but also sheds light on why he is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting players in college football today.

Jerome Bettis: A Legend’s Perspective

Jerome Bettis, nicknamed “The Bus,” is celebrated for his powerful running style, durability, and consistent production throughout his NFL career. A Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Bettis brings decades of experience assessing talent and understanding what it takes to succeed at the highest level. When he praises a young player like Jeremiyah Love, it signals that Love possesses qualities that extend beyond just physical ability—qualities that promise success and longevity.

Jeremiyah Love: Notre Dame’s Rising Star

Jeremiyah Love has steadily built a reputation as a dynamic, powerful running back who combines size, speed, and vision with a fierce competitive edge. His impact at Notre Dame has been immediate and profound, making him a focal point of the team’s offense and a player to watch on a national scale.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Love stands out because of his unique blend of physical traits. At roughly 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, he carries the toughness and power to break tackles, much like Bettis did during his career. But Love isn’t just a bruiser; he also possesses agility and quickness that allow him to make defenders miss and gain yards after contact. His balance, low center of gravity, and burst through the line make him a complete back who can run between the tackles or bounce outside effectively.

Statistical Impact

Love’s numbers speak for themselves. Over recent seasons, he has consistently racked up rushing yards, averaged over six yards per carry, and scored crucial touchdowns in big games. His ability to gain positive yardage on nearly every carry keeps Notre Dame’s offense balanced and dynamic. Beyond the running game, Love has demonstrated versatility by contributing as a reliable receiver out of the backfield, adding a vital dimension to the Fighting Irish offense.

Why Jerome Bettis Calls Jeremiyah Love “A Stud”

Bettis’ praise of Love goes deeper than just surface-level admiration. Here are the key reasons why the Hall of Famer believes Love is truly special:

1. Work Ethic and Dedication

Bettis has repeatedly emphasized that talent alone isn’t enough to succeed in football. It’s the work ethic, the mental toughness, and the desire to improve that separate good players from great ones. Jeremiyah Love’s commitment to his craft—whether through rigorous training, studying game film, or seeking constant improvement—resonates deeply with Bettis.

In interviews and team settings, Love is known for his leadership, discipline, and willingness to put in extra effort. This mindset reflects the approach that helped Bettis endure a long, productive NFL career.

2. Physical Toughness and Durability

One of Bettis’ defining characteristics was his ability to absorb punishment and keep moving forward. He sees that same trait in Love. Despite the punishing nature of college football, Love rarely misses games, playing through pain and displaying resilience that is rare for a running back.

Bettis recognizes that this durability will serve Love well not only in college but also at the professional level.

3. Football IQ and Vision

Bettis praises Love’s ability to read defenses and anticipate openings. Love’s vision allows him to find gaps in the line, make split-second decisions, and exploit weaknesses. This mental aspect of the game is critical for running backs, and Bettis sees Love’s instincts as one of his strongest assets.

4. Versatility and Playmaking Ability

In today’s game, running backs need to do more than just run the ball. Bettis admires Love’s skills as a receiver and blocker, noting that his ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game makes him invaluable. Love’s knack for turning broken plays into big gains is exactly the kind of playmaking talent that Bettis respects.

How Love’s Game Reflects Bettis’ Influence

Jerome Bettis’ influence can be seen in how Love approaches the game. The physical, punishing style, combined with strategic thinking, mirrors “The Bus” in many ways.

Love’s ability to lower his shoulder and power through defenders evokes memories of Bettis’ runs in the NFL. At the same time, Love’s agility and adaptability bring a modern flair that makes him a uniquely effective back in today’s college football landscape.

Notre Dame’s Offensive Strategy Built Around Love

Notre Dame’s coaching staff recognizes Love’s immense value and often builds game plans that maximize his strengths. Bettis has noted that the Fighting Irish’s commitment to a balanced offense—with a strong running game supported by a capable passing attack—allows Love to thrive.

Power Running Game

Love is a central figure in Notre Dame’s power running scheme, tasked with wearing down defenses and controlling the clock. His ability to run between the tackles helps sustain drives and opens up opportunities for the passing game.

Receiving and Pass Protection

Notre Dame also leverages Love’s receiving ability, designing plays where he can catch passes out of the backfield or slip into open space. Additionally, his blocking skills protect the quarterback on passing downs, underscoring his all-around value.

What This Means for Love’s Future

Bettis’ endorsement signals that Love is on a path toward potentially elite success. If he continues developing his skills and maintains his health and focus, Love could not only dominate in college football but also become a high NFL draft pick.

The professional leagues value running backs who combine toughness, versatility, and football intelligence — qualities Love has in abundance.

Love’s Leadership and Character Off the Field

Beyond physical skills, Bettis also values character and leadership. Love’s role as a team leader and his positive attitude have earned him respect from coaches and teammates. Bettis has highlighted that this maturity is essential for players aspiring to reach the top of the sport.

Love’s commitment to community service and academic achievement reflects the well-rounded persona that Notre Dame prides itself on fostering.

Jerome Bettis calling Jeremiyah Love “a stud” is no small compliment. It recognizes not only the raw talent and physical gifts Love possesses but also his work ethic, football IQ, and leadership.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Jeremiyah Love as he continues to rise and potentially follows in the footsteps of legends like Bettis. With such a powerful endorsement and clear signs of greatness, Love’s future is bright—both at Notre Dame and beyond.