If you look at the Heisman odds, you won’t see Jeremiyah Love’s name anywhere close to the top.
In years where there are multiple highly visible quarterbacks, it’s hard for a running back to win. Arch Manning (+600), Cade Klubnik (+900), and Garrett Nussmeier (+900) are all at the top of various Heisman lists.
Love’s name not being up there could change very quickly. Notre Dame’s schedule could play in his favor.
The Fighting Irish open out at Miami (FL) and have a home date with Texas A&M.
The Canes will undoubtedly try to force Notre Dame to lean on inexperienced quarterback CJ Carr, and that would start with taking Love away from the offense. Mike Denbrock’s play-calling will have a significant impact on Love. If the Canes put eight in the box, Love is dodging one wave of defenders from having multiple big runs. If Denbrock uses Love in the screen game, it will bring in “combined yardage” into the discussion. If Love runs for 120+ yards and has another 30+ yards receiving, it will allow him to pass the first test.
If Love has a solid night against the Canes, the expectation would be another big one at home against Texas A&M. The Aggies will have a game’s worth of film to scheme against Love. If Love passes that test, then he can start entering the Heisman chat.
If the schedule holds form, Notre Dame has five signature games on the schedule. The two already mentioned, a trip to Arkansas and home dates with Boise State and USC.
Love will need to have big numbers in all of those games, along with video game numbers against the rest of the schedule.
Even with all that, he will need help.
The three top quarterbacks will probably need to have a stumble or two.
Manning has the DNA to be a big-time quarterback, and his last name certainly helps. The Longhorns open their season at defending National Champion Ohio State. There are also trips to Florida and Georgia. Let’s be honest, if Texas goes undefeated or has one loss with their schedule, Manning will be a virtual shoe-in for the Heisman Trophy.
Outside of date with LSU, Klubnik doesn’t have any other high visible games. Klubnik could overcome the weak schedule if he puts up video game numbers.
Nussmeier squares up against Klubnik and six other preseason-ranked opponents. Like Manning, playing in the SEC has its privileges. There are plenty of signature games to make a statement, and usually, SEC QBs are given a mulligan or two if they have a bad game.
More than those three quarterbacks, Love’s chances are not only connected to his numbers but also to Notre Dame’s record.
If the Fighting Irish can finish the season undefeated or with one loss, Love might have a chance to get an invitation to New York.
