What's Happening?
Notre Dame's standout running back, Jeremiyah Love, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. This announcement concludes any speculation about his potential return to college football for another
season. Love, a Heisman finalist, completed the 2025 season with impressive statistics, including 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries, along with 280 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Over his three-year college career, he amassed 3,476 scrimmage yards and 42 touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per touch. Love is widely regarded as a top prospect for the upcoming draft, with projections placing him as a likely first-round pick, potentially within the top 10 selections.
Why It's Important?
Jeremiyah Love's entry into the NFL Draft is significant for several reasons. As one of the top running back prospects, his draft position could influence team strategies and player valuations in the upcoming draft. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Kansas City Chiefs, which have identified running back as a need, may consider Love as a key addition to their rosters. His potential selection in the first round would mark a notable achievement for Notre Dame, as he would become the 71st player from the university to be drafted in the first round and the first running back since Jerome Bettis in 1993. Love's performance and draft outcome could also impact the market for running backs in the NFL, potentially setting a precedent for future draft classes.
What's Next?
The next steps for Jeremiyah Love include preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled to begin on February 23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This event will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his skills and athleticism to NFL scouts and executives. The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to April 25 in Pittsburgh, where Love's draft position will be determined. Teams with a need for a running back, such as the Cardinals, Saints, and Chiefs, will be closely evaluating his performance at the Combine and other pre-draft events. Love's draft journey will be closely watched by analysts and fans, as his selection could have significant implications for team rosters and draft strategies.
