ESPN Analyst Compares Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love to Elite NFL Star

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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has decided to forgo his final season of college eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft. According to ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, Love could be the top offensive player in the draft and has been compared to elite Detroit Lions running back Jamyr Gibbs in terms of the impact he can make at the next level.

Why it matters

Love is considered one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft, and his decision to leave Notre Dame a year early has generated significant buzz among NFL teams. As a potential top-10 pick, Love's selection could have major implications for whichever franchise is able to land him.

The details

Riddick praised Love's versatility and ability to be an every-down back in the NFL, saying "You draft running backs in the top 10 when they give you Jamyr Gibbs type of return on investment, and that is what Jeremiyah Love is going to give you in a bigger package." Love may not have the pure speed of Gibbs, but his combination of size, power, and skill sets him up to be an elite pro running back.

• Jeremiyah Love announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on February 24, 2026.
• The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place on April 23, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 23, 2026, where Jeremiyah Love is expected to be one of the top picks, potentially going as high as the top 10.