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Could Love Be the Cowboys' Next Star Running Back?
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love could be the perfect fit for Dallas' offense if he falls in the draft.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:56pm
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As the Dallas Cowboys look to bolster their defense in the upcoming NFL Draft, there's a chance a top offensive talent like Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love could fall to them. Love is considered one of the top prospects in the draft after a standout career with the Fighting Irish, and his combination of speed, power, and receiving ability could make him an ideal fit in the Cowboys' offense alongside Javonte Williams.
Why it matters
The Cowboys have had success in the past taking offensive playmakers in the first round, like they did with CeeDee Lamb in 2020. If Love is available when Dallas picks, he could provide a dynamic backfield duo with Williams and take pressure off the defense, which is the team's main focus this offseason.
The details
Love is coming off a dominant two-year stretch at Notre Dame, rushing for 2,497 yards and 35 touchdowns while averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He's drawn comparisons to past Cowboys first-round picks like Ezekiel Elliott for his well-rounded skill set, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield or line up in the slot could make him a versatile weapon in Dallas' offense.
- Over the past two seasons at Notre Dame, Love rushed for 2,497 yards and 35 touchdowns.
- At the 2026 NFL Combine, Love ran a 4.36 40-yard dash.
The players
Jeremiyah Love
A standout running back from Notre Dame who is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Javonte Williams
The Cowboys' current starting running back, who had a breakout season in 2025 after being a second-round pick.
Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys' previous first-round running back pick in 2016, who went on to win Rookie of the Year and make the Pro Bowl.
CeeDee Lamb
The Cowboys' first-round pick in 2020, who has emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
What they’re saying
“If Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is available, which he shouldn't be (but neither was CeeDee) the Cowboys need to have that discussion.”
— James Bouligny, Author
“Love was electric for the Fighting Irish the past couple seasons and is considered one of the top prospects in the draft.”
— James Bouligny, Author
What’s next
The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the 12th and 20th overall picks. If Love is available when they are on the clock, they will have to decide whether to address their defensive needs or add another offensive playmaker to their roster.
The takeaway
The Cowboys have shown a willingness to take offensive stars in the first round when the value is there, and Love could be the next in line if he falls to them. His combination of talent and fit in Dallas' offense makes him an intriguing option, even with the team's defensive needs.
