Where did Jordan love go to college?

Introduction: More Than Just a College Story

When Jordan Love’s name was called by the Green Bay Packers with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the football world was shocked. Aaron Rodgers’ potential successor had come from Utah State University—not Alabama, not Clemson, not Ohio State—but a Mountain West Conference school that hadn’t produced a first-round quarterback in decades.

But Jordan Love’s educational journey is far more than just the story of which college he attended. It’s a testament to perseverance through unspeakable tragedy, a mother’s unwavering support, and a young man who refused to let circumstances define his future. This is the complete story of where Jordan Love went to college and how that decision shaped the quarterback now leading one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

Early Life: Growing Up in Bakersfield, California

The Love Family: A Law Enforcement Household

Jordan Alexander Love was born on November 2, 1998, in Bakersfield, California, into a family deeply rooted in public service. His childhood home was modest but filled with love, discipline, and the values that come from parents who dedicated their lives to protecting others.

Orbin Love Jr., Jordan’s father, served as a sergeant with the Bakersfield Police Department for 27 years. Known throughout the community for his warm smile and unwavering faith, Orbin was more than just a police officer—he was a youth pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church and a Sunday school teacher who touched countless lives. His commitment to serving both his community and his faith defined the environment in which Jordan grew up.

Anna Love, Jordan’s mother, worked as an officer for the California Highway Patrol. Like her husband, Anna dedicated her career to public safety, patrolling California’s highways and ensuring the safety of travelers. The combination of both parents working in law enforcement created a household where discipline, responsibility, and service to others weren’t just values—they were a way of life.

The Only Son Among Sisters

Jordan grew up as the only boy in a blended family with three sisters: Kami (the oldest), Emily, and Alexis (the youngest). With sisters spanning about a dozen years in age difference, Jordan was simultaneously the baby brother to some and the protective older brother to others.

Orbin Love had always cherished his three daughters, but he openly longed for a son—someone he could coach in sports, teach about being a man, and share his love of athletics with. When Jordan was born, Orbin’s dream came true. The bond between father and son became immediate and inseparable.

Childhood in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, located in California’s Central Valley about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, isn’t known for producing elite football talent. It’s an agricultural and oil industry town with a population of around 400,000—far from the glamorous image many associate with California.

Jordan’s childhood was typical of American suburbs: playing youth sports, attending church regularly with his family, and spending time with neighborhood friends. But two things set Jordan apart from an early age:

1. Athletic Talent
Jordan showed natural athleticism across multiple sports. Whether it was football, basketball, or track, coaches noticed something special about the Love boy—quick reflexes, competitive fire, and an ability to see plays develop before they happened.

2. The Father-Son Bond
Orbin Love coached many of Jordan’s youth sports teams. Teammates and parents remember seeing father and son arrive early to practice and stay late, working on fundamentals. Orbin wasn’t just Jordan’s coach; he was his best friend, mentor, and biggest supporter.

“My dad was my superhero,” Jordan would later say in interviews. “Everything I did, I wanted to make him proud.”

The Tragedy That Almost Ended Everything

July 13, 2013: A Day That Changed Everything

On July 13, 2013, Jordan Love’s world shattered. He was just 14 years old—a rising sophomore at Liberty High School with dreams of playing college football someday.

That morning, Orbin Love Jr. dropped off one of Jordan’s sisters and returned home. In the bedroom he shared with Anna, Orbin died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 51 years old.

The news devastated the Love family and the entire Bakersfield community. Orbin had served the police department for nearly three decades and was beloved by colleagues and community members alike. His death came suddenly and without clear warning, leaving his family searching for answers.

The Hidden Health Crisis

Years later, Jordan would reveal what the family believed contributed to his father’s death. Orbin had recently changed his blood pressure medication, and the family suspects this adjustment may have caused severe side effects that affected his mental state. It wasn’t depression in the traditional sense—it was a medical tragedy that cost Orbin his life and left his family shattered.

The Bakersfield Police Department honored Sergeant Orbin Love Jr.’s 27 years of faithful service, remembering him as “a man truly loved” whose “beautiful smile” and deep faith touched everyone who knew him.

Jordan Almost Quit Football

The loss of his father nearly ended Jordan’s football career before it truly began. During his sophomore year at Liberty High School, just months after Orbin’s death, Jordan seriously considered quitting the sport that had connected him so deeply to his father.

“Every time I stepped on the field, I thought about him,” Jordan later recalled. “It was too painful. I didn’t know if I could continue playing without him there.”

Football had been the thing Jordan and Orbin shared—the practices, the games, the film sessions at home, the long talks about quarterback play. Without his father on the sidelines, football felt empty.

Anna Love: The Rock of the Family

It was Anna Love who saved her son’s football career and, perhaps, his future.

Despite her own overwhelming grief—she had lost her husband, her partner of many years, and the father of her children—Anna recognized that Jordan needed football. She understood that quitting wouldn’t honor Orbin’s memory; it would abandon the dream father and son had built together.

“Your dad would want you to keep playing,” Anna told Jordan. “Use football to honor him. Make him proud.”

Anna’s words resonated. Jordan decided to continue, channeling his grief into motivation. Every practice, every game, every touchdown would be a tribute to Orbin Love Jr.

From that point forward, Anna Love became her son’s fiercest supporter. She would eventually attend every single game Jordan played—high school, college, and NFL. Even while working full-time for the California Highway Patrol, Anna made Jordan’s football career a priority, just as Orbin would have done.

High School: Liberty High School in Bakersfield

Starting Small: The Backup Quarterback

Jordan Love attended Liberty High School in Bakersfield, where his football journey began humbly. Initially small in stature as a freshman, Jordan served as the backup quarterback on the freshman team. He wasn’t the star player; he was just another kid trying to earn his spot.

Orbin Love, coaching his son’s teams, had always insisted Jordan was a quarterback. Some coaches wanted to move him to running back or wide receiver—positions where athletic kids with good speed traditionally played. But Orbin saw something in Jordan that others missed: field vision, arm strength, and the mental makeup of a quarterback.

The Turning Point: Junior Year

Midway through his junior year, everything changed. Jordan had grown taller, filled out physically, and developed as a passer. The varsity coaching staff elevated him to starting quarterback for Liberty High School’s Patriots.

It was a bittersweet moment. Jordan was finally becoming the quarterback his father always believed he could be—but Orbin wasn’t there to see it. Every snap, every completion, every victory carried the weight of his father’s absence and the motivation to make him proud.

Senior Year: Leading Liberty to History

Jordan Love’s senior season in 2015 was special. He led the Liberty High School Patriots to their first-ever Central Section Division I Championship—a historic achievement for the school.

Statistical Highlights:

• Completed 114 of 224 passes (50.9%)
• Accumulated 2,148 passing yards
• Multiple touchdowns and game-winning drives
• Led team to sectional championship game

Beyond statistics, Jordan developed a reputation as a clutch performer who elevated his game in big moments. College scouts began noticing the kid from Bakersfield who played with unusual poise and arm talent for a high school quarterback.

The Recruitment Reality: Only One Major Offer

Despite leading his team to a championship and putting up solid numbers, Jordan Love faced a harsh reality during the recruiting process: major college programs weren’t interested.

UCLA didn’t offer. USC didn’t call. Stanford wasn’t interested. Even California schools like Cal and Fresno State passed. The five-star recruits that dominated recruiting rankings played at powerhouse programs in Texas, Florida, and across the South. Jordan Love from Bakersfield, California, wasn’t on their radar.

In the end, Jordan received only one legitimate FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) scholarship offer: Utah State University.

It wasn’t the Pac-12. It wasn’t a national championship contender. But Utah State believed in Jordan Love when nobody else did.

The College Decision: Why Utah State University?

The Only School That Believed

In 2016, when Jordan Love was making his college decision, he didn’t have the luxury of choosing between multiple powerhouse programs. He had one option: accept Utah State’s scholarship offer or drop down to a smaller division.

For a kid who had overcome his father’s death and led his high school to a championship, the choice was clear. Jordan Love would attend Utah State University in Logan, Utah, and play for the Aggies football program.

Why Utah State Made Sense:

1. The Opportunity
Utah State offered Jordan a chance to play at the highest level of college football. While the Mountain West Conference wasn’t the SEC or Big Ten, it was still Division I FBS football—the pathway to the NFL.

2. The Belief
Utah State’s coaching staff saw what others missed. They evaluated Jordan not just on his high school statistics but on his potential—the arm strength, the mobility, the mental makeup of a quarterback who could lead a program.

3. The Fit
Logan, Utah, was a small college town (population around 50,000) that offered a focused environment for Jordan to develop. There would be no distractions, no pressure to immediately compete for a starting job against five-star recruits. Jordan could grow at his own pace.

4. Honoring His Father
Orbin Love had always wanted his son to play college football. Accepting Utah State’s scholarship meant fulfilling that dream, even if Orbin couldn’t be there to see it.

Anna Love’s Blessing

Anna Love supported her son’s decision completely. Though Logan, Utah, was about 650 miles from Bakersfield, Anna committed to making the drive for games. Jordan wouldn’t step onto that field without family support—she would make sure of it.

In the summer of 2016, Jordan Love packed his belongings and headed to Utah State University, ready to write the next chapter of his story.

Utah State University: The College Experience

Campus and Setting

Utah State University, located in Logan, Utah, sits in the beautiful Cache Valley at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. Founded in 1888, USU is Utah’s land-grant institution with approximately 27,000 students across all campuses.

The main campus in Logan offers a classic college town experience—tree-lined pathways, historic buildings mixed with modern facilities, and a tight-knit community where students and athletes interact regularly. For Jordan Love, coming from Bakersfield, Logan represented something new: a small-town atmosphere with genuine four-season weather (including heavy snow in winter).

Maverik Stadium, home of the Utah State Aggies football team, seats just over 25,000 fans—a far cry from the 100,000+ capacity stadiums of the SEC. But what the stadium lacked in size, Aggie fans made up for in passion and loyalty.

Academic Journey: Human Movement Science

While Jordan Love came to Utah State to play football, he also committed to his education—something both his parents had emphasized throughout his upbringing.

Jordan enrolled in the university’s Human Movement Science program, a degree focused on understanding how the human body functions during physical activity. The major covers topics including:

• Exercise physiology
• Biomechanics
• Motor learning and control
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation
• Sports performance optimization

This academic path aligned naturally with Jordan’s athletic career. Understanding human movement, athletic performance, and physical development helped him approach his own training with greater intelligence.

Graduation Achievement:
Jordan Love graduated from Utah State University in Fall 2019 with his degree in Human Movement Science—a significant accomplishment considering the demands of being a starting quarterback for a Division I program.

His mother Anna, who had worked for years as a highway patrol officer while raising four children, instilled the importance of education. Graduating before entering the NFL draft demonstrated Jordan’s commitment to finishing what he started.

Freshman Year (2016): Redshirt Season

The Redshirt Decision

Jordan Love arrived at Utah State in 2016 as a true freshman. The coaching staff made the decision to redshirt him for the season—a common practice in college football where a player practices with the team but doesn’t appear in games, preserving four years of eligibility while developing physically and mentally.

What “Redshirting” Means:
In college athletics, players have five years to complete four seasons of eligibility. A redshirt year allows a player to practice, train, attend meetings, and learn the system without using one of their four playing seasons.

For Jordan, the redshirt year served multiple purposes:

1. Physical Development
At 6’3″ and approximately 175 pounds as a freshman, Jordan needed time to add strength and muscle mass to withstand the physicality of college football.

2. System Learning
College offenses are significantly more complex than high school. Jordan spent the 2016 season learning Utah State’s playbook, studying film, and understanding what coaches expected from their quarterback.

3. Mental Preparation
Still processing his father’s death from three years earlier, Jordan needed time to adjust to college life, being away from family, and the pressures of major college football.

The 2016 Aggies Season

While Jordan watched from the sideline, the 2016 Utah State Aggies struggled to a 3-9 record—the worst season in recent program history. The team’s quarterback play was inconsistent, and the offense failed to generate consistent production.

For Jordan, watching that difficult season reinforced what he needed to improve. He studied every game, every decision, every mistake. He was preparing for his opportunity.

Redshirt Freshman Year (2017): The Emergence

Earning the Starting Job

The 2017 season began with Jordan Love as the backup quarterback. However, injuries and inconsistent play from the starter gave Jordan his opportunity midway through the season.

In the seventh game of the year, Jordan Love became Utah State’s starting quarterback. He wouldn’t relinquish the job for the rest of his college career.

2017 Season Statistics:

• Games Played: 12 (Started final 6)
• Completions/Attempts: 196/364 (53.8%)
• Passing Yards: 2,237 yards
• Touchdowns: 14
• Interceptions: 10
• Rushing: 9 touchdowns on the ground

Jordan’s dual-threat ability—his capacity to hurt defenses both through the air and with his legs—immediately changed Utah State’s offensive potential. He displayed the arm strength to make every throw, mobility to escape pressure, and poise in the pocket that belied his limited experience.

The Aggies finished 6-7, earning a bowl game appearance—a dramatic improvement from the previous season’s 3-9 record.

Signs of Brilliance

Several games during the 2017 season hinted at Jordan’s elite potential:

• Multiple comeback victories showcasing clutch gene
• Big plays through the air demonstrating arm talent
• Rushing touchdowns proving he could beat defenses multiple ways

NFL scouts began taking notice. Who was this kid from Bakersfield playing at Utah State?

Sophomore Year (2018): Breaking Out on the National Stage

The Season That Changed Everything

Jordan Love’s sophomore season in 2018 announced his arrival as one of college football’s premier quarterbacks. He put together a record-breaking campaign that forced NFL scouts to take Utah State seriously.

2018 Season Statistics:

• Games Played: 13
• Completions/Attempts: 293/447 (65.5%)
• Passing Yards: 3,567 yards (school single-season record)
• Touchdowns: 32 (school single-season record)
• Interceptions: 6
• 300-Yard Passing Games: 7 (school single-season record)
• Team Record: 11-2

National Rankings:
Jordan Love finished the 2018 season ranked 8th nationally in passing touchdowns and established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the Group of Five conferences.

Memorable Performances

Several games from the 2018 season showcased Jordan’s elite talent:

vs. Air Force:
Jordan threw for 416 yards and 4 touchdowns, dismantling one of the Mountain West’s best defenses.

vs. New Mexico State (New Mexico Bowl):
In Utah State’s bowl victory, Jordan threw for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns, cementing his reputation as a big-game performer.

vs. BYU:
Against the in-state rival, Jordan delivered a clutch performance that helped Utah State win a competitive game.

The NFL Draft Decision

After his record-breaking sophomore season, Jordan Love faced a significant decision: enter the 2019 NFL Draft or return to Utah State for his junior year.

Many analysts projected Love as a potential first or second-round pick in 2019. His arm talent, mobility, and production made him an attractive prospect. But there were concerns:

• Limited starting experience (only one full season as the starter)
• Young age (would turn 21 during his junior year)
• Room to grow physically and mentally

After consulting with his mother, coaches, and advisors, Jordan made his decision: he would return to Utah State for his junior season.

The choice demonstrated maturity and confidence. Jordan believed he could improve his draft stock and leave college as a more complete quarterback.

Junior Year (2019): The Challenging Final Season

Expectations vs. Reality

Jordan Love entered the 2019 season with enormous expectations. Mock drafts projected him as a potential top-15 pick. NFL scouts attended every Utah State game. The pressure was on.

Unfortunately, the 2019 season didn’t go according to plan.

2019 Season Statistics:

• Games Played: 13
• Completions/Attempts: 200/314 (63.7%)
• Passing Yards: 2,796 yards
• Touchdowns: 14
• Interceptions: 13 (career-high)
• Team Record: 7-6

Jordan’s production declined significantly from his record-breaking sophomore campaign. The interception total spiked, and Utah State’s offense struggled with consistency.

What Went Wrong?

Several factors contributed to Jordan’s challenging junior season:

1. Offensive Coordinator Change
Utah State hired a new offensive coordinator who implemented a different system. The offense that had maximized Jordan’s strengths in 2018 was replaced with a scheme that didn’t fit as naturally.

2. Offensive Line Struggles
Utah State lost key offensive linemen from the 2018 team. Jordan faced significantly more pressure and had less time to make decisions.

3. Supporting Cast Departures
Several of Jordan’s top receivers from 2018 had graduated or moved on. He was working with less experienced targets.

4. Defensive Game Plans
After his breakout 2018, opposing defenses game-planned specifically to stop Jordan Love. They disguised coverages, brought more pressure, and forced him into difficult decisions.

5. Pressing Too Hard
With NFL scouts watching every throw, Jordan admittedly tried to do too much at times. Instead of taking what defenses gave him, he forced throws into tight windows, resulting in turnovers.

The Growth in Adversity

Despite the statistical decline, the 2019 season taught Jordan valuable lessons:

• Mental toughness: Handling adversity and criticism
• Accountability: Owning mistakes and learning from them
• Adaptability: Adjusting to different systems and circumstances
• Perspective: Understanding that struggle builds character

Jordan’s mother Anna never missed a game, making the 650-mile drive from Bakersfield to Logan throughout the season. Her presence reminded Jordan that he wasn’t alone in the struggle.

The NFL Draft Decision and Preparation

Declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft

After completing his junior season and graduating with his degree in Human Movement Science, Jordan Love declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

His stock was uncertain. The phenomenal 2018 season made scouts salivate over his potential. The challenging 2019 season raised questions about consistency and decision-making.

Draft Projections:
Mock drafts varied wildly—some had Jordan as a late first-round pick, others projected him in the second or third round. The uncertainty added stress to the pre-draft process.

NFL Combine and Pro Day

Jordan Love participated in the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he impressed scouts with his physical tools:

Combine Measurements:

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 224 pounds
• Arm Length: 32 3/8 inches
• Hand Size: 10 inches
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.74 seconds

Scouts loved his size, arm strength, and athleticism. The concerns remained about consistency and decision-making under pressure.

Interview Process

Throughout the pre-draft process, NFL teams interviewed Jordan extensively. They wanted to understand:

• How he handled adversity
• What he learned from his challenging junior season
• His mental makeup and leadership qualities
• His understanding of defensive schemes

Jordan’s story—overcoming his father’s death, being overlooked by major programs, succeeding at Utah State—resonated with teams looking for character and resilience.

April 23, 2020: Draft Night Shock

The Green Bay Packers Trade Up

On April 23, 2020, the NFL Draft was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Players and families watched from home as their futures unfolded on television.

Jordan Love sat with his family in Bakersfield, hoping to hear his name called. As the first round progressed, quarterbacks started coming off the board:

• Pick 5: Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
• Pick 6: Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)

Jordan watched and waited.

With the 26th pick, the Green Bay Packers made a trade with the Miami Dolphins, moving up from pick 30 to pick 26. Speculation ran wild—who were the Packers targeting?

When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced, “With the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select… Jordan Love, quarterback, Utah State,” the football world was stunned.

The Controversy

The Jordan Love pick immediately became one of the most controversial selections in recent draft history:

Why the Controversy?

1. Aaron Rodgers Was Still Playing
The Packers already had a franchise quarterback in Aaron Rodgers—a future Hall of Famer who had just led Green Bay to the NFC Championship Game. Why draft his replacement when the team had other needs?

2. The Packers Could Have Helped Rodgers
Green Bay needed a wide receiver to complement Davante Adams. Several talented receivers remained on the board. Instead, the Packers used their first-round pick on a quarterback who wouldn’t play for years.

3. History Repeating
The situation echoed 2005 when Green Bay drafted Rodgers while Brett Favre was still the starter. That worked out—but would lightning strike twice?

4. Jordan’s Inconsistent Junior Year
Critics pointed to Love’s 17 interceptions and questioned whether he was worth a first-round pick.

Jordan’s Reaction

Jordan Love later admitted he was “shocked” when Green Bay called his name.

“I wasn’t expecting the Packers,” Jordan said in interviews. “I knew they had Aaron Rodgers. I thought they might draft a receiver or defense. When I heard my name, I was surprised but grateful. It’s an honor to go to an organization like Green Bay.”

Anna Love’s Pride

In Bakersfield, Anna Love watched her son become a first-round NFL draft pick—the highest selection from Utah State in decades. Through tears, she thought of Orbin, who had believed in Jordan before anyone else did.

Jordan had fulfilled his father’s vision. The kid from Bakersfield who lost his superhero at 14 years old was now a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

What Utah State University Gave Jordan Love

More Than Football Development

Jordan Love’s three years at Utah State University (2016-2019) transformed him from an overlooked high school quarterback into an NFL first-round pick. But the value of his college experience extended far beyond football:

1. Education and Degree
Graduating with a degree in Human Movement Science demonstrated Jordan’s commitment to completing what he started. His parents, both dedicated public servants, had always emphasized education’s importance.

2. Character Building Through Adversity
The challenging 2019 season taught Jordan how to handle criticism, adjust to adversity, and maintain perspective during difficult times—lessons that would prove invaluable in the NFL.

3. Leadership Development
As Utah State’s starting quarterback for 2.5 seasons, Jordan learned to lead teammates, communicate with coaches, and represent his university with class.

4. A Support System
Utah State’s coaches and teammates became Jordan’s second family. In Logan, Utah, far from home, he found people who believed in him and supported his journey.

5. Honoring His Father’s Dream
Every game Jordan played at Utah State honored Orbin Love Jr.’s memory. The father who coached his youth teams would have been proud to see his son star at the Division I level.

Utah State’s Pride

For Utah State University, Jordan Love’s success validated their evaluation and development. The coaching staff that offered the kid from Bakersfield a scholarship when nobody else would had discovered a diamond in the rough.

Utah State Career Records Set by Jordan Love:

• 1st in Career Total Offense: 9,003 yards
• 1st in Career 300-Yard Passing Games: 12 games
• 2nd in Career Passing Yards: 8,600 yards
• 2nd in Career Pass Completions: 689
• Career Winning Record: 21-11 as a starter

When the Green Bay Packers selected Jordan Love in the first round, Utah State celebrated. Their faith in an overlooked prospect had been rewarded at the highest level.

Life After College: The NFL Journey

The Waiting Period (2020-2022)

Jordan Love spent his first three seasons in Green Bay as Aaron Rodgers’ backup—the exact situation everyone anticipated when he was drafted. During this period:

• 2020: Jordan appeared in limited action, completing 4 of 8 passes
• 2021: Limited playing time behind MVP Aaron Rodgers
• 2022: Continued development while Rodgers played at an elite level

The waiting was difficult, but Jordan used the time to study Rodgers’ preparation, learn from Packers coaches, and develop his understanding of NFL defenses.

The Opportunity (2023-Present)

When Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets in 2023, Jordan Love became the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback—four years after being drafted.

2023 Season:
Jordan justified the Packers’ faith, leading Green Bay to the playoffs and showing the talent that made him a first-round pick.

2024 and Beyond:
In 2024, Jordan Love signed a massive contract extension, becoming one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. The kid from Bakersfield who attended Utah State had arrived.

The Foundation: Honoring Orbin Love’s Legacy

Jordan Hands of 10ve Foundation

Shortly after entering the NFL, Jordan Love established the Jordan Hands of 10ve Foundation (a play on his jersey number 10 and the word “love”). The foundation’s mission focuses on:

• Supporting youth in underserved communities
• Promoting mental health awareness
• Providing resources for families affected by suicide
• Honoring his father’s memory through service

Jordan’s oldest sister, Kami Love, serves as the foundation’s executive director, helping Jordan give back to communities like Bakersfield that shaped him.

Anna Love’s Role

Anna Love, who retired from the California Highway Patrol in 2019, remains Jordan’s biggest supporter. She continues attending every game—just as she promised when Jordan was in high school.

“My mom has been to every single game since my dad passed,” Jordan told reporters. “She’s my rock. Everything I do is for her and to honor my dad’s memory.”

Lessons from Jordan Love’s Educational Journey

What We Can Learn

Jordan Love’s path from Bakersfield to Utah State to the NFL offers powerful lessons:

1. Believe in Yourself When Others Don’t
Jordan received one FBS scholarship offer. Major programs didn’t want him. But he believed in his potential and made the most of his opportunity.

2. Use Adversity as Motivation
Losing his father could have ended Jordan’s football career. Instead, he channeled grief into motivation, honoring his father’s memory through his success.

3. The Right Fit Matters More Than Prestige
Utah State wasn’t a powerhouse program, but it was the right environment for Jordan to develop. Sometimes the best choice isn’t the most prestigious—it’s the one that fits.

4. Family Support Is Everything
Anna Love’s unwavering support kept Jordan grounded through tragedy, adversity, and success. Her presence at every game symbolized the love that carried him forward.

5. Education Has Value Beyond Football
Jordan graduated with his degree before entering the NFL—something his parents would have insisted on. Education provided a foundation beyond football.

6. Struggle Builds Character
Jordan’s difficult junior season taught him lessons that success never could. Adversity revealed his character and prepared him for NFL challenges.

7. Honor Those Who Believed in You
Jordan never forgot that Utah State offered him a scholarship when nobody else would. He honors the university that gave him an opportunity.

Conclusion: From Bakersfield to Green Bay via Logan

Jordan Love’s educational journey is more than just “he went to Utah State.” It’s a story of resilience, family, tragedy overcome, and dreams realized against incredible odds.

When people ask “Where did Jordan Love go to college?” the answer is Utah State University. But the complete story includes:

• A father who believed in his son’s potential
• A mother who kept that dream alive after unimaginable loss
• A small-town kid overlooked by major programs
• A university that took a chance on untapped potential
• A player who honored his father’s memory through perseverance
• A first-round draft pick who defied expectations

Jordan Love attended Utah State University from 2016 to 2019, graduating with a degree in Human Movement Science. During his three playing seasons (2017-2019), he set multiple school records, earned a first-round NFL draft selection, and proved that your path to success doesn’t have to match anyone else’s.

Today, as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love represents hope for overlooked prospects everywhere. His journey from Bakersfield to Logan to Green Bay demonstrates that talent, character, and perseverance can overcome any obstacle—even when tragedy threatens to derail your dreams.

Every time Jordan takes the field, he honors three legacies:

• Orbin Love Jr., the father who saw his potential
• Anna Love, the mother who kept the dream alive
• Utah State University, the school that believed when others didn’t

That’s the complete story of where Jordan Love went to college—and why it matters.

Quick Facts Summary

Where Did Jordan Love Go to College?
Utah State University in Logan, Utah (2016-2019)

What Did He Study?
Human Movement Science (graduated Fall 2019)

College Career Statistics:

• 689 completions on 1,125 attempts (61.2%)
• 8,600 passing yards
• 60 passing touchdowns
• 29 interceptions
• 403 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns
• 21-11 record as starting quarterback
• Multiple school records

High School:
Liberty High School, Bakersfield, California

NFL Draft:
First Round, 26th overall pick by Green Bay Packers (2020)

Family:
Mother Anna Love (retired California Highway Patrol officer)
Late Father Orbin Love Jr. (Bakersfield Police Sergeant)
Three Sisters: Kami, Emily, and Alexis

Timeline: Jordan Love’s Educational Journey

1998: Born November 2 in Bakersfield, California
2013: Father Orbin Love Jr. passes away (age 14)
2013-2016: Attends Liberty High School
2015: Senior season—leads Liberty to first-ever Central Section Division I Championship
2016: Receives scholarship offer from Utah State University
2016: Enrolls at Utah State, redshirts freshman season
2017: Redshirt freshman season—takes over as starter midway through year
2018: Sophomore season—record-breaking year with 32 TDs, 3,567 yards
2019: Junior season—completes college career, graduates with degree
2020: Selected 26th overall by Green Bay Packers
2023: Becomes Packers starting quarterback
2024: Signs massive contract extension

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Jordan Love graduate from Utah State?
Yes, Jordan graduated in Fall 2019 with a degree in Human Movement Science before declaring for the NFL Draft.

Q: Why did Jordan only get one scholarship offer?
Jordan was overlooked by major programs due to playing at a smaller high school in Bakersfield and lacking exposure at elite recruiting camps.

Q: What happened to Jordan Love’s father?
Jordan’s father, Orbin Love Jr., died by suicide in July 2013 when Jordan was 14 years old. The family believes a change in blood pressure medication contributed to the tragedy.

Q: How many years did Jordan play at Utah State?
Jordan spent four years at Utah State (2016-2019) but played in games for three seasons (2017-2019) after redshirting in 2016.

Q: What records did Jordan Love set at Utah State?
Jordan holds Utah State career records for total offense (9,003 yards) and 300-yard passing games (12), and ranks second in career passing yards (8,600) and completions (689).

Q: Is Jordan Love’s mother still alive?
Yes, Anna Love retired from the California Highway Patrol in 2019 and continues to attend all of Jordan’s games.

Q: Where is Utah State University located?
Utah State University is located in Logan, Utah, in the northern part of the state near the Idaho border.

Q: What conference does Utah State play in?
Utah State plays in the Mountain West Conference, a Group of Five conference in college football.