Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.

Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love left the Fighting Irish's Week 14 game against Stanford in the first quarter.

Love appeared to have taken a hit to the ribs from a Stanford defensive player at the conclusion of a run on the team's second drive. He had touchdown on Notre Dame's first possession, his 18th scoring run of the season.

Love went immediately into the medical tent after exiting the field at Stanford Stadium. He then went to the locker room.

Love would return to action late in the second quarter. At halftime, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said Love would determine if he played at the second half.

"He's hurting. ... He wants to be out here competing," Freeman said. "I keep challenging him a little bit to make sure he does what's best for the team. If that means he needs to keep himself out, then we will make that decision."

Love carried for 9 yards on Notre Dame's first drive of the second half that end with a touchdown catch from Jordan Faison that put the Fighting Irish up 42-3.

Love is in the midst of a Heisman Trophy candidate season at Notre Dame. Prior to his injury, Love set a single-season program record for touchdowns in a single season at 21 with a 2-yard run.

A win for Notre Dame would help boost its chances of making the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Fighting Irish don't play in a conference, making this game their final one of the regular season.

Jeremiyah Love injury report

Love sustained an injury at the conclusion of a carry in the first half of Notre Dame's road game at Stanford.

According to the South Bend Tribune, Love exited the medical tent and returned to the sidelines before then heading back to the locker room with a member of Notre Dame's medical staff.

This story will be updated

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jeremiyah Love injury: Notre Dame star RB exits game against Stanford

Reporting by John Leuzzi, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect