Bengals Host Top RB Prospect for Pre-Draft Visit

18-TD Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love an intriguing option for Bengals' 10th overall pick

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:48pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors of orange, blue, and green.The Bengals' interest in Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love could lead to an unconventional first-round pick as they look to bolster their offense.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are hosting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love on a top-30 pre-draft visit, opening the door for the 18-touchdown rusher to be considered with the team's 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love is expected to be a first-round selection, potentially going as high as the top-10, but the Bengals have not been previously linked to the star running back.

Why it matters

The Bengals have pressing defensive needs after a disappointing 2025 season, but adding an elite offensive weapon like Love could provide a major boost to their high-powered offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow. However, the Bengals already have a solid young running back in Chase Brown, so drafting Love may not be the most pressing need for the team.

The details

Love is coming off an impressive 18-touchdown season at Notre Dame and is widely projected to be a first-round pick, potentially going as high as the top-10. The Bengals, who hold the 10th overall selection, are hosting Love on a top-30 pre-draft visit, signaling serious interest in the running back. This is a bit of a surprise, as the Bengals have not been linked to Love throughout the pre-draft process and are expected to focus on improving their defense with their first-round pick.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A star running back from the University of Notre Dame who is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after rushing for 18 touchdowns in 2025.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who led the team's high-powered offense in 2025.

Chase Brown

A young running back for the Cincinnati Bengals who had a solid 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, who has already visited with the #Titans (4th) and #Giants (5th), heads to a visit with the #Bengals later today, sources say. Cincy picks 10th.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Bengals will continue their pre-draft evaluation process, including further discussions about whether Love is the right fit with the 10th overall pick given their defensive needs and the presence of Chase Brown in the backfield.

The takeaway

The Bengals' decision to host Jeremiyah Love on a pre-draft visit suggests they are seriously considering the star running back as a potential option with their first-round pick, even though their primary needs are on the defensive side of the ball. This could be an intriguing pick that would provide a major boost to their offense, but it may not be the most prudent use of their top selection.