While Notre Dame suffered two losses early this year, the Irish still have plenty of star power and ESPN proved that on Friday.
This just wasn’t one analysts thinking, it was multiple as they selected the top-25 players in college football with Leonard Moore and Jeremiyah Love being included on the list. They comprised the list like it was an All-Star team, so they didn’t need to mind positions when picking.
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Moore was No. 16 as Adam Rittenberg broke down why saying “he’s one of the sport’s top cover corners, allowing only six completions on 15 targeted pass attempts.” He also mentioned that Notre Dame’s defense is much better when he’s on the field, as that showed this past weekend against NC State.
As for Love, he checked in at the No. 14 slot, this time Bill Connelly with why the star back made the list. What impressed them was his ability to just churn out yards, but they know the big plays are coming.
Looking at the rest of the list, the Irish will take on No. 21 and No. 19 this weekend in USC’s Makai Lemon and Jayden Maiava. They’ve already faced No. 10 Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, along with Miami’s quarterback Carson Beck at No. 9, No. 6 offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, and their top overall play in defensive lineman Rueben Bain.
It’s a great list of some of the top players in college football, and Notre Dame is well represented on the list and has faced some of the best nationally.
Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) comes up with an interception against the Boise State Broncos at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: ESPN names 2 Notre Dame stars in its midseason top-25 player rankings
