There’s nothing like a classic rivalry to kick off college football season. It might not be as intense as the 80’s and 90’s, but Notre Dame-Miami still packs a punch. It helps that both of these programs have massive expectations entering this year. The Fighting Irish had a phenomenal 2024 campaign, making it to the CFP championship game. Despite wielding one of the sport’s top offenses, the Hurricanes fell just short of the postseason.
With two contenders facing off, expect some spectacular individual performances from both squads. These are the top college football player props to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for the Week 1 matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes.
Notre Dame enters this contest as 2.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 49.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Notre Dame vs. Miami best prop bets
Jeremiyah Love 16+ receiving yards (-107)
Entering this season, Jeremiyah Love has a case as the best running back in college football. A quick glance at his 2024 numbers back this up: 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on an absurdly efficient 6.9 yards per carry. Few players in the nation combine the junior’s elite blend of agility, speed, and discipline. It helps that Notre Dame rosters one of the sport’s top offensive lines.
There’s no reason to assume Love won’t enjoy another productive season in South Bend. However, there are questions about the Irish offense under new quarterback CJ Carr. The redshirt freshman will need all the help he can get from Notre Dame’s talented supporting cast. However, Miami has made a significant effort to revamp its secondary. As a result, don’t be shocked if Love gets more work than usual in the passing game. After all, there’s nothing wrong with getting your best player involved as much as possible. It may take just one reception tonight for the speedster to clear this modest total.
Elija Loftin 25+ receiving yards (-115)
The biggest acquisition for the Hurricanes was quarterback Carson Beck. The former Georgia gunslinger was a divisive figure in Athens. Despite some prolific passing numbers (3,485 yards, 24 TD), he had a propensity for turnovers (12 INT). Still, the senior is a threat to air it out on any given snap. With that being said, big plays in the passing game might be hard to come by on Sunday. Notre Dame wields an elite secondary, led by All-American cornerback Leonard Moore.
If Beck avoids deep throws, he’ll have to find pass catchers in the middle of the field. The likeliest candidate to see extra targets is tight end Elija Lofton. The ‘Canes are high on the sophomore, who spent 2024 as a backup. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson likes getting the tight end position involved. Look no further than last season’s starter, Elijah Arroyo, a second-round pick of the Seahawks. Beck also has a solid track record with TEs, dating back to his time with superstar Brock Bowers. Don’t be shocked if the QB forms an immediate connection with his newest 6’3″ weapon.
