History with Double Award: Notre Dame Fighting Irish football star running back Jeremiyah Love has etched his name into the annals of Fighting Irish history, becoming the first player ever to win both the prestigious Golden Domer of the Year Award and the Manning Award in the same season
In the storied legacy of Notre Dame football—a program rich with legends, championships, and iconic moments—few individual feats shine as brightly as the one recently accomplished by Jeremiyah Love. The dynamic running back has become the first player in Notre Dame’s history to win both the Golden Domer of the Year Award and the Manning Award in the same season, a testament to his electrifying on-field performance and off-field leadership.
The Golden Domer of the Year is awarded annually to the most outstanding student-athlete in Notre Dame football, recognizing excellence not just on the gridiron but in academics, leadership, and community service. The Manning Award, on the other hand, is a national honor presented to the top college quarterback—but in recent years, has expanded to include exceptional offensive talents beyond just signal callers, recognizing those who redefine offensive excellence. Jeremiyah Love’s inclusion and win represent a modern evolution of the award’s criteria, highlighting how transformative his impact was this season.
Love’s season was nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of the year, he rushed for over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading the Fighting Irish to an 11-1 regular season record and a berth in the College Football Playoff. His rare blend of speed, vision, and physicality made him a nightmare for defenses and a centerpiece of the Notre Dame offense. More than just raw numbers, it was his consistency in big moments—particularly late-game drives and key conference matchups—that made him stand out as a clutch performer and natural leader.
But Love’s impact extended beyond statistics. Teammates and coaches consistently praised his work ethic, humility, and willingness to put the team first. In team meetings and practices, he emerged as a vocal leader and someone younger players looked up to. Head Coach Marcus Freeman called Love “the heart of our team,” and cited his maturity and dedication as key reasons for the team’s success. “He’s a special talent,” Freeman said, “but even more so, he’s a special person. That’s what separates him.”
What makes Love’s dual awards even more significant is the history and prestige behind each honor. The Golden Domer of the Year has long been seen as Notre Dame’s highest individual accolade, previously awarded to program greats who went on to NFL stardom and professional success beyond football. The Manning Award, established by the Sugar Bowl Committee and the Manning family, is one of the most respected awards in college football, typically reserved for quarterbacks who demonstrate elite talent and poise under pressure. For Love to earn both in the same season not only defies expectations but also raises the bar for what is possible for non-quarterback offensive players in college football.
In doing so, Jeremiyah Love joins a rare group of players who transcend their position, their statistics, and even their program. He has become a symbol of what Notre Dame football strives to represent: excellence in every facet. His achievements will be etched into the walls of the Guglielmino Athletics Complex alongside other legends, and his legacy will serve as inspiration for future generations of Fighting Irish players.
As he now prepares for the next chapter—whether declaring for the NFL Draft or returning for another collegiate season—one thing is certain: Jeremiyah Love’s 2024 campaign will be remembered as one of the greatest in Notre Dame history. And with two of the sport’s highest honors now attached to his name, his place among the Irish elite is secure.