Jeremiyah Love is headed to the NFL.
The Notre Dame star running back and Heisman Trophy finalist announced that he’s declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, officially closing the book on a standout college career that saw him rise from promising recruit to one of the most dynamic offensive players in the country.
Love made his decision public via social media, keeping it straightforward and heartfelt. “Those who know me best know I'm very direct,” he wrote.
“So I am going to get straight to the point and share that I have made the decision to declare for the NFL Draft.” He went on to thank Notre Dame’s support staff, his teammates, and the student body, calling his time in South Bend a transformative experience.
Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love announces on Instagram that he’s declaring for the NFL Draft.
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) December 17, 2025
An all-time Irish great, on and off the field. pic.twitter.com/w3PnTw8p4D
“It is with a wealth of gratitude I will take the many experiences Notre Dame has given me and apply those lessons learned as I move onto the next level,” he said.
And what a level-up it’s shaping up to be.
Love leaves behind a legacy that’s going to be hard to top in South Bend. Over three seasons, he racked up 2,882 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns on 433 carries.
This year alone, he posted 1,372 yards and 18 scores on the ground, while adding another 280 yards and three touchdowns through the air. That kind of production didn’t just earn him the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back-it etched his name into Notre Dame’s record books.
His 18 rushing touchdowns this season tied Audric Estime’s 2023 mark for the most in a single season in program history. He also became the first Irish running back ever to record 17 or more rushing touchdowns in a season-a stat that speaks to both his consistency and his ability to finish drives.
Love’s game is built on a rare blend of speed, vision, and power. He’s the kind of back who can hit the hole with burst, break tackles at the second level, and turn a routine carry into a highlight.
But what separates him from the pack is his versatility. He’s not just a between-the-tackles bruiser-he’s a legitimate threat in the passing game, a three-down back built for today’s NFL.
And that’s exactly what makes him such an intriguing prospect heading into April. With his résumé, accolades, and skill set, Love is expected to be one of the top skill position players off the board in the 2026 draft. Teams looking for a plug-and-play contributor in the backfield won’t have to look far.
For Notre Dame, it’s the end of an era. Love was more than just a stat-sheet stuffer-he was the engine of the offense, a leader in the locker room, and a player who delivered in big moments. His departure leaves big shoes to fill, but also a lasting example of what elite talent and work ethic can produce in South Bend.
As for what’s next, Love made it clear: he’s ready to represent his family and Notre Dame at the next level. And if his college career is any indication, he won’t just be showing up in the NFL-he’ll be making noise.