The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23rd. Over seven rounds, franchises will inject fresh talent into their rosters. A month before the event, we take a comprehensive look at one of the top prospects: Jeremiyah Love, the dynamic running back from Notre Dame.
Jeremiyah Love – Running Back – 20 Years Old – Junior – Notre Dame
At 6’0” and 212 pounds, Jeremiyah Love is a force to be reckoned with. In 2025, the Notre Dame standout rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding another 280 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. Scouts currently project him as a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft, and some analysts are drawing comparisons to Reggie Bush.
Whereas selecting a running back in the first round isn’t always a popular strategy – the position is often filled by committee, and a steady stream of talent emerges from college programs each year – exceptional players like Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, and Jahmyr Gibbs have proven their game-changing potential. Jeremiyah Love is quickly establishing himself as the next name on that list.
Strengths: A Complete Package
The modern NFL demands versatility from its running backs. Teams aren’t simply looking for power or speed. they need players who can contribute in all facets of the game. Jeremiyah Love appears to be that complete package. He possesses a full repertoire of skills, a refined technical approach, and a reputation for reliability.
A successful running back committee isn’t just about having depth to cover injuries. Different backs excel in different areas – some are built for speed on the outside, others for power between the tackles, and still others for catching passes out of the backfield. Love’s ability to do it all makes him a uniquely valuable asset. As one source noted, he’s a “do-it-all” player.
Beyond his physical attributes, Love’s technique sets him apart. He demonstrates sudden changes of direction, exhibits patience when necessary, and avoids forcing runs. He’s capable of pausing mid-stride to evade defenders, a skill rarely seen at the collegiate level. And, according to reports, he’s a standout in terms of leaping ability, consistently clearing defenders in a way that hasn’t been witnessed in NCAA football for decades.
Perhaps most importantly, Love is a secure ball carrier and a reliable pass protector. He didn’t allow a single sack and conceded pressure on only 4.2% of pass-blocking snaps – the best rate among running backs in the 2026 draft class. Coaches value players who not only develop plays but similarly avoid costly turnovers and protect their quarterback.
Areas for Development: Adding More Power
While Love possesses a well-rounded skillset, one area where he could improve is pure power. Elite running backs like Bijan Robinson (258 carries in his last NCAA season) and Ashton Jeanty (374 carries) have demonstrated the ability to handle a heavy workload. Love, by comparison, carried the ball 199 times in 2025. While this could be a sign of his freshness and reduced risk of injury, it also suggests that his coaching staff may have been hesitant to rely on him in short-yardage or power situations.
Love isn’t a minor back, but pairing him with a more physically imposing running back would be ideal, similar to the dynamic of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier in Atlanta. This would allow him to focus on his strengths – speed, agility, and receiving ability – while a power back handles the more demanding carries.
Potential Destinations
Several teams could be a good fit for Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders have all been mentioned as potential destinations.
Love’s versatility makes him an attractive prospect for teams with varying quarterback situations. He could be a focal point of the offense for teams like the Jets and Cardinals, who are still building around their quarterbacks. Conversely, the Commanders could create a potent offensive duo by pairing him with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Nashville appears to be the most likely landing spot. Love would be a perfect complement to Cam Ward, alleviating some of the pressure on the young quarterback. The fact that both the Saints and Chiefs recently added running backs during the free agency period suggests that those teams recognize Love won’t be available when their turn comes at picks eight and nine. Reports also indicate that teams are intrigued by Love’s personality, with some noting traits consistent with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a focused and detail-oriented approach to the game.
The NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for these young athletes, and Jeremiyah Love is poised to make a significant impact. His combination of talent, versatility, and work ethic makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the class.
The draft will be held from April 23rd to April 25th. Keep an eye on Archysport for continued coverage of the draft and its impact on the NFL landscape.
