We continue our countdown with a key member of one of the nation’s most talented linebacking corps and the most electric player on the football team. We will see a lot of #4 on both sides of the ball for Notre Dame in 2025.
Jeremiyah Love - junior, running back
Everything that needs to be said has been said about Heisman-hopeful Love. The superstar running back cemented himself as the best in college football at his position after a sparkling sophomore season. In 16 games, he managed 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, breaking the program record for consecutive games while scoring a touchdown in the process. He remains the greatest offensive threat for the Irish, capable of hitting a home run every time he touches the ball. His combination of strength, quickness and breakaway speed places him at the top of opponent scouting reports. Despite running behind a deeper and more experienced offensive line this season, he will do so without the mobile Riley Leonard beside him in the backfield. Especially in the season opener, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and the Notre Dame offense will lean on Love to prop up quarterback CJ Carr, as the sophomore takes his first snap as a starter. Staying healthy will be the utmost priority after nagging injuries slowed him down toward the end of a deep playoff run. His workload was managed closely throughout the offseason as he nursed a lingering ankle issue, but he appears to be at 100% for a big week-one test.
Jaiden Ausberry - sophomore, linebacker
As a redshirt freshman, Ausberry was a disruptive presence from the weak-side linebacker position in all 16 games for Notre Dame, despite only starting one. He features in one of the deepest linebacker rotations, if not the deepest, in the country. Like last season, regardless of whether or not he earns the official starting role, Ausberry will see a similar workload to sophomore Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and junior Jaylen Sneed, who were also productive last season from the same position. His 6.5 tackles for loss, which was tied for second-best on the team, showcased his big-play ability getting into opponent backfields. Using a blend of rangy athleticism and sound tackling, the redshirt sophomore is expected to take his game to the next level under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash.
