Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love Emerges as Top-5 NFL Draft RB

The Fighting Irish star's elite speed, contact balance, and receiving skills make him a rare top-tier running back prospect.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:52pm

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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is entering the 2026 NFL Draft as a potential top-5 pick, thanks to his rare combination of speed, power, and pass-catching ability. Despite the devaluation of the running back position in the modern NFL, Love's game-breaking athleticism and well-rounded skill set have scouts projecting him as one of the first players off the board.

Why it matters

Love's draft stock has risen sharply in recent months, as the NFL has seen a resurgence of the running game with the rise of two-high defensive looks. His ability to thrive in a variety of schemes and excel as both a runner and receiver makes him a valuable three-down back, a rarity in today's pass-heavy league.

The details

Love's elite 4.36-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine showcased his game-breaking speed, which allows him to erase angles and outrun defenders to the edge. But he's more than just a straight-line burner - Love also displays impressive contact balance, spinning off would-be tacklers and powering through arm tackles. As a receiver, he's proven to be a natural pass-catcher who can win one-on-one matchups against linebackers and safeties.

  • Love had a standout 2025 season at Notre Dame, cementing his status as a top draft prospect.
  • He impressed scouts with his 40-yard dash time and other athletic testing at the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A star running back at the University of Notre Dame who is projected as a top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his elite speed, power, and receiving skills.

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What they’re saying

“When you think about positional value, that sounds pretty valuable to me.”

— Mark Schofield, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

Love will look to solidify his status as a top-5 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft with a strong showing at Notre Dame's pro day and in team interviews.

The takeaway

Jeremiyah Love's rare combination of game-breaking speed, power, and receiving ability make him a unique running back prospect worth a top-5 draft selection, despite the devaluation of the position in the modern NFL.