in 2005, love enrolled at ball state university in muncie, indiana and played as a true freshman wide receiver on the football team. that season, he saw action in all eleven games and recorded 19 receptions for 185 yards and three touchdowns. he also made 19 carries for 89 rushing yards. on special teams, love returned 22 kick-offs for 545 yards, which included a 94-yard return for a touchdown against ohio. he led the team in all-purpose yardage with 74.7 yards per game. at the end of the season, he was named co-recipient of the john hodge award for the team's most outstanding freshman player.