In one of the most shocking developments of the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, 5-star quarterback Jeremiyah Love has made waves by decommitting from Notre Dame and committing to Ohio State, bypassing two powerhouse programs, Alabama and Auburn.
This unexpected decision has stunned the recruiting world and flipped the college football landscape on its head. The flip not only impacts the future of the schools involved but also signals the ever-changing dynamics of recruiting in college football.
Love, a highly talented 6’4″, 210-pound quarterback from California, was originally committed to Notre Dame, a program known for its tradition, stability, and strong academic reputation. Love’s commitment to the Fighting Irish was seen as a major victory for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, who had invested significant time and resources into securing the top quarterback prospect in the nation. However, despite his long-standing pledge to Notre Dame, Love surprised everyone when he chose to decommit and announced his commitment to Ohio State—leaving many questioning what led to this dramatic turn of events.
What makes this choice even more astounding is the stiff competition Love had to bypass, with two of the most prominent programs in college football—Alabama and Auburn—also vying for his services. Alabama, under the leadership of Nick Saban, has been a dominant force in college football for over a decade. The Crimson Tide has consistently been at the top of college football’s elite programs, winning national championships and producing top-tier NFL talent. For Love, the opportunity to play for a coach of Saban’s caliber and be part of Alabama’s national title contention would have been hard to pass up.
Similarly, Auburn, while not as consistently dominant as Alabama, is still one of the most respected programs in the SEC, with a rich football history. The Tigers have long been a tough competitor in the SEC, and the chance to play in one of the most competitive conferences in college football would have been an exciting proposition for Love. Both Alabama and Auburn made strong cases for his commitment, but in the end, Love made a choice that has taken everyone by surprise.
Ohio State, under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day, has emerged as one of the top destinations for elite quarterbacks in recent years. Day’s innovative offensive system and track record of developing quarterbacks for the NFL made Ohio State an irresistible option for Love. With former Buckeye quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins becoming first-round NFL draft picks, it’s clear that Ohio State offers a proven pathway to the next level for quarterbacks. This reputation for quarterback development, combined with Ohio State’s high-powered offense and elite playmakers, made the Buckeyes an appealing destination for Love, who thrives in an up-tempo passing attack.
Ohio State’s offense, which features an aggressive passing game, powerful running backs, and some of the best wide receivers in the nation, is a perfect fit for Love’s skill set. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and accuracy, Love has the tools to excel in an offense that encourages quarterbacks to make big plays and push the ball downfield. In addition, Ohio State’s consistency as a national contender made it the ideal choice for Love, as he can step into an environment where winning championships is the expectation.
The decommitment from Notre Dame and commitment to Ohio State also underscores a significant shift in how top-tier recruits are making their decisions. While Notre Dame is a respected and prestigious program, Ohio State’s recent success and its ability to consistently develop quarterbacks for the NFL proved to be a major selling point for Love. In today’s landscape of college football recruiting, elite quarterbacks are increasingly prioritizing systems that give them the best chance to develop, showcase their talents, and ultimately make it to the next level.
For Ohio State, this is a monumental victory. Love is one of the top quarterbacks in the country, and his commitment strengthens the Buckeyes’ future both in the Big Ten and on the national stage. With Love’s addition, Ohio State now has a bona fide star in the making, and the Buckeyes’ future looks even brighter.
As for Jeremiyah Love, his decision to decommit from Notre Dame and choose Ohio State over Alabama and Auburn has set the stage for what could be a highly successful career in Columbus. With his talent, versatility, and the coaching he’ll receive at Ohio State, Love is poised to make an immediate impact and become one of the faces of college football in the coming years. The college football world is watching closely, eagerly awaiting what this next chapter in his journey will bring.
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