What's Happening?
Jeremiyah Love, a standout running back from Notre Dame, has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following an impressive junior season. Love's decision comes after being projected as a first-round pick in several
mock drafts. His declaration was announced on December 16, and it was noted that Notre Dame's head coach, Marcus Freeman, humorously attempted to persuade Love to stay for another year during the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Despite the coach's efforts, Love's potential as a first-round draft pick made his decision to turn professional unsurprising. Love's performance at Notre Dame has been remarkable, culminating in winning the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation's top running back. He finished the 2025 season with 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top prospect for the upcoming draft.
Why It's Important?
Jeremiyah Love's entry into the NFL Draft is significant for both his career and Notre Dame's reputation for producing NFL-caliber running backs. Love is projected to be the first running back selected in the 2026 draft, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential impact in the NFL. His decision to declare for the draft reflects a strategic move to capitalize on his current high market value. For Notre Dame, Love's success continues a legacy of producing top-tier running backs, which can enhance the university's recruiting efforts and prestige in college football. The draft projections, which place Love in the first round, underscore the high expectations for his professional career and the potential influence he could have on the teams considering him.
What's Next?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As the draft approaches, teams will continue to evaluate Love's performance and potential fit within their rosters. The mock drafts have placed him with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys, indicating a strong interest from franchises looking to bolster their offensive capabilities. Love's performance in pre-draft evaluations and combines will be crucial in solidifying his draft position. Additionally, Notre Dame will look to fill the void left by Love's departure, potentially focusing on developing other promising players within their program.
