As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Notre Dame's standout running back, Jeremiyah Love. While this year's draft class isn't particularly deep in RB talent, Love is carving out a reputation as a truly special prospect.
Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Love is drawing comparisons to some of the elite running back prospects of recent years, notably Bijan Robinson, the former Texas Longhorn who has made waves with the Atlanta Falcons. According to draft expert Todd McShay, Love shares similarities with Robinson, describing him as "silkier, smoother, with quicker feet." McShay highlights Love's ability to hit a crease and turn modest gains into explosive plays, reminiscent of his memorable 98-yard run in last year's College Football Playoff.
This week, Love will have the chance to showcase his talents at the combine, including running the 40-yard dash alongside other top RBs. This performance will be crucial in solidifying his status as a top-tier prospect, comparable to Robinson, who impressed with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, leading to his selection by the Falcons with the eighth pick in 2023.
Love, standing at 6-foot and weighing 214 pounds, has already demonstrated impressive speed on the field. In a dominant win over Syracuse, he reached a top speed of 21 mph on a 68-yard touchdown run, a testament to his athletic prowess. For context, Robinson's fastest recorded speed was 21.85 mph on a 69-yard reception against the Washington Commanders.
With a stellar 2025 season that saw him named a Heisman finalist after scoring 18 touchdowns in 12 games, Love possesses many of the attributes that have made Robinson a standout in the NFL. A strong showing at the combine could cement Love's place in the top 10 of the draft, with projections like Tankathon's mock draft suggesting the New Orleans Saints might select him with the eighth pick. Should this happen, Love would join the ranks of Robinson and Ashton Jeanty as one of the few running backs to be drafted so high since 2020.