What's Happening?
Jeremiyah Love, a star running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has declared for the 2026 NFL draft. Love, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist, announced his decision on social media, expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates. During the 2025 season, Love set a Notre Dame record with 21 all-purpose touchdowns and ranked fourth nationally with 1,372 rushing yards. He also won the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back. Love's decision comes after Notre Dame's 10-2 season, which did not result in a College Football Playoff appearance, leading the team to opt out of a bowl game.
Why It's Important?
Love's declaration for the NFL draft is a pivotal moment for both his career and Notre Dame's football program. As a top prospect,
Love is expected to be one of the first running backs selected, potentially impacting team strategies in the NFL. His departure marks a significant loss for Notre Dame, which will need to find a replacement for his offensive production. Love's move also reflects a broader trend of college athletes prioritizing professional opportunities, which can influence recruitment and retention strategies in college sports.
What's Next?
In the lead-up to the NFL draft, Love will likely participate in combines and other pre-draft evaluations to solidify his position as a top pick. NFL teams will assess his performance and potential fit within their rosters. For Notre Dame, the focus will shift to recruiting and developing new talent to fill the void left by Love's departure. The team's coaching staff will also work on adjusting their offensive strategy to maintain competitiveness in future seasons.
