Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love Projected as Top NFL Draft Prospect

Analysts praise Love's explosive athleticism and versatility as a runner and receiver

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is generating significant buzz as one of the top offensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts have highlighted Love's impressive production, explosive athleticism, and versatility as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Love is projected as a potential top 10 pick and could provide a major boost to an NFL team's offense.

Why it matters

Love's emergence as a premier draft prospect is significant for Notre Dame, which is looking to continue its recent success in producing NFL-caliber talent. His versatility and big-play ability could make him an immediate impact player at the next level and a valuable asset for whichever team selects him.

The details

In his standout 2025 season, Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries for the Fighting Irish. He also showcased his skills as a receiver, catching 27 passes for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns. Analysts have praised Love's blend of physicality and explosiveness, as well as his ability to contribute in the passing game. He is currently projected as a potential top 10 pick, with the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, and New Orleans Saints among the teams that could target him.

  • Love had back-to-back seasons with a 90-yard rushing touchdown for Notre Dame.
  • He earned a PFSN College Running Back Impact score of 92.4 in 2025.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A former running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who is projected as one of the top offensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Alec Elijah

A PFSN analyst who has elevated Love to one of the premier offensive talents in the 2026 draft class.

Field Yates

An ESPN draft analyst who has linked Love to potential landing spots with the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints.

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What they’re saying

“After struggling with injuries in an aging backfield last season, the Minnesota Vikings could get the jolt they need by adding a talent like Jeremiyah Love. While slightly lighter and leaner than previous backs, Love consistently overperforms his size, blending physicality with explosive athleticism.”

— Alec Elijah, PFSN Analyst (PFSN)

“You can make the case for both the Commanders and the Saints at No. 7 and No. 8 to be real Jeremiyah Love suitors just based on where they're at. He is a special, special talent, is Jeremiyah Love. Jeremiyah Love's grade might be the highest, along with Fernando Mendoza, in the class.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Draft Analyst (The Rich Eisen Show)

What’s next

Love will look to continue impressing scouts and evaluators leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where he is expected to be one of the first running backs selected.

The takeaway

Jeremiyah Love's emergence as a top offensive prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class highlights the continued pipeline of talent coming out of the Notre Dame program. His blend of power, speed, and versatility make him an intriguing option for teams in need of a dynamic playmaker at the running back position.