Former Kentucky Wildcat and 2017 Wuerffel Trophy winner Courtney Love was named the Director of Player Development for the Kentucky football program in 2026, returning to a role he previously held from 2019–24 before gaining experience in the business sector.
In his position, Love is responsible for preparing student-athletes for success beyond football through Kentucky’s “4 for 40” program, focusing on their personal, academic and athletic development.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Love also served as a defensive graduate assistant at Kentucky in 2018 following a standout playing career with the Wildcats. A two-year starter at middle linebacker, he totaled 168 tackles in 26 career games, earning the starting nod in all 26 contests. He was twice elected team captain by his teammates and represented Kentucky at Southeastern Conference Football Media Days in both his junior and senior seasons. Love helped lead the Wildcats to appearances in the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl and the 2017 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl.
He capped his senior season in 2017 by earning the Wuerffel Trophy, presented annually to college football’s top community servant. He also was named to the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, one of just 11 FBS players selected, and was a Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist.
Love’s recognition stemmed in part from his impactful community service, including his work with Amachi Central Kentucky, a mentoring program that supports children affected by parental incarceration. He continues to serve as a mentor to his mentee, Antonio.
Prior to transferring to Kentucky, Love played in 12 games at Nebraska in 2014 as a redshirt freshman, recording six tackles, including one for loss. He was honored with the Nebraska HERO Leadership Award and named to the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team.
Love earned his bachelor’s degree in community and leadership development from Kentucky in May 2017 and went on to complete a master’s degree in sport leadership from UK in 2023.
