In 1990, future Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis made his college football debut with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Bettis’ freshman season saw very sporadic use out of the running back, with just 15 rushing attempts all season as he got adjusted to the college game.
His sophomore season, though, remains legendary in the school’s history. Bettis rushed for 16 touchdowns and added another four receiving touchdowns to set the Notre Dame single-season record of 20, which stands to this day.
Notre Dame is also where Bettis had his famed “The Bus” nickname bestowed on him by fans who compared the running back’s force and power while running to that of a bus.
It’s time to start thinking of another nickname because another Bettis is heading to South Bend. Sunday morning, On3 reported that 2025 wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. would be following in his father’s footsteps and going to play for the Irish.
BREAKING: Class of 2025 WR Jerome Bettis Jr. has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 190 WR from Atlanta, GA chose the Fighting Irish over Texas A&M, Duke, & Ole Miss
“Success is earned, not inherited. Go Irish ☘️”https://t.co/85E6LnEkwE pic.twitter.com/BY1peIT73s
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 17, 2024
Shortly after Fawcett broke the news, Bettis Jr. posted a video talking about continuing his dad’s legacy and confirming he’d be heading to Notre Dame.
☘️☘️ pic.twitter.com/JcZVgKctla
— Jerome Bettis Jr (@jeromebettisjr) March 17, 2024
As Fawcett notes, Bettis Jr. also had interest from the Texas A&M Aggies, Duke Blue Devils, and Ole Miss Rebels, but the opportunity to go to Notre Dame and continue what his father started was too much for the wide receiver to pass up.
