Julian Love has spent years being easy to miss, but he made it hard to ignore on Wednesday night.
In the Seahawks’ 13-10 win over the New England Patriots, the Notre Dame alum delivered the kind of performance that can force a little more attention his way. Seattle was already dealing with an injury to starting quarterback Sam Darnold just five plays into the game, yet Love helped steady the defensive side with one of the biggest plays of the night.
He finished with 6 tackles, 2 stuffs, 1 pass breakup, and an interception. That pick came with the score tied at 10, and it loomed large in a game the Seahawks needed to open the 2026 NFL season 1-0.
Pro Football Focus gave Love a 90 overall grade, the best mark among Seattle defenders. Nehemiah Pritchett was next at 80.7.
The interception also fit a familiar pattern for Love against the Patriots. In February, he picked off Drake Maye in the Super Bowl, adding 3 tackles and 1 pass breakup in that game while returning the interception 35 yards. On Wednesday, he got Maye again.
Julian Love intercepted Drake Maye in the Super Bowl. He got him again tonight.
One of the most underrated players in the NFL, out of Notre Dame. pic.twitter.com/EAz53bubzo
- Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) September 10, 2026
The conversation around Notre Dame safeties usually starts with Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens and often includes Xavier Watts after his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. Love, though, has been in the league longer than both and has built a strong case through steady production.
His breakout stretch began in 2022, when he posted 124 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, and 3 stuffs. The next season brought 123 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups.
In 2024, he added 109 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. Even last year, when he played only 8 games, he still managed 34 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 pass breakups.
If he can stay healthy, Love may finally get the recognition his play has been demanding for a long time.
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Brian Kelly Had One Tough LSU Admission During Clemson Week 1
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Kelly also made clear that LSU still has his attention, and not just because of the past. He said he admired what the program has done under Lane Kiffin, a remark that adds another layer to a season already full of coaching chatter around the sport. With a 200-76 career record and a track record that keeps him in future job discussions, Kellys comments only underscore how closely the coaching carousel and the SEC remain linked, even when he is no longer part of it. [Read more 🡒]
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Cooper Flanagan and James Flanigan are the names worth tracking because Notre Dame wants that position group involved, and Flanagan in particular fits as the type of target that can change how the passing game looks in this matchup. Up front, the Irish also have a specific test in protecting CJ Carr, and how well the tackles handle Rices pressure off the edge should say plenty about how comfortable the offense can be on Saturday. [Read more 🡒]
Notre Dames Home Opener Brings A Defensive Test Fans Cant Ignore
No. 3 Notre Dame gets its first home look of the season against Rice, and the early focus is squarely on the Irish defense. Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Chris Ash are preparing for a challenge that should ask plenty of questions up front, especially with Rice expected to lean hard on the run and try to force Notre Dame into a long afternoon of sound gap control and clean tackling.
That makes the interior of the line worth watching, where Tionne Gray steps into the spotlight against a Rice front that will try to create traffic inside. The linebackers will have their hands full too, chasing down rushing playmakers and staying disciplined as the Irish try to make sure the opener on their own turf is decided by their defensive standard, not by a loose fit or a missed tackle. [Read more 🡒]