With just one game left in the 2025-26 football season - the Super Bowl showdown between the Seahawks and Patriots - all eyes are already shifting toward the next big event on the football calendar: the 2026 NFL Draft. And as the countdown continues (87 days and ticking), one name is rapidly climbing up draft boards and turning heads across the league: Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Love isn’t just a solid prospect - he’s a game-changer. A true dual-threat back with explosive speed and elite playmaking ability, he’s being projected by many analysts as a Top 10 pick.
NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah has him slotted at No. 8 overall and called him “the most electric playmaker in the draft.” And honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.
At 6-foot, 214 pounds, Love brings a rare blend of power and speed that makes him a nightmare for defenders. He’s got that home-run burst - the kind that can flip the field in a heartbeat - but he also runs with a physical edge, capable of breaking tackles and finishing runs with authority. Add in his versatility as a pass-catcher, and you’ve got a complete back who can stay on the field for all three downs.
His numbers back it up - and then some. Love wrapped up his Notre Dame career with a season that ranks among the best in program history. He was named a Unanimous All-American, becoming just the 38th player ever to earn that distinction in the storied history of Fighting Irish football.
Statistically, he was a force. Love finished the regular season ranked second in the nation in scoring, total points, and total touchdowns (21).
He was third in rushing touchdowns (18), fourth in rushing yards (1,372), and fifth in rushing yards per game (114.3), yards per carry (6.9), and all-purpose yards per game (137.67). That kind of production isn’t just impressive - it’s elite.
What makes those numbers even more remarkable is that Love shared the backfield with another talented runner in Jadarian Price, who also topped 600 rushing yards. That context matters.
Love wasn’t just the workhorse - he was part of a tandem and still managed to dominate on a national level. He was the only player in the country to rank in the Top 3 in scoring, total touchdowns, and total scrimmage yards while splitting touches with another back of Price’s caliber.
That speaks volumes about his efficiency and impact. Love didn’t need 300 carries to put up monster numbers. He made every touch count.
In terms of NFL fit, Love is tailor-made for today’s game. Think Jahmyr Gibbs.
Think Bijan Robinson. He’s in that mold - a new-age back who can line up anywhere, create mismatches in the passing game, and break off chunk plays on the ground.
He’s not just a running back; he’s a weapon.
For teams picking in the Top 10, especially those looking to add a dynamic offensive piece to elevate their quarterback or open up their scheme, Love checks every box. He’s the kind of player who can make an immediate impact and become a foundational piece for years to come.
There’s still time between now and draft night, and plenty of evaluations left to be done. But right now, Jeremiyah Love is making it clear: he’s not just one of the top backs in this class - he might be the most dangerous offensive weapon in the entire 2026 NFL Draft.