Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is making waves as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft. The standout running back, and Doak Walker Award winner, had a memorable moment during his media session at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
When asked about meeting with "America's Team," Love quipped, "Who is that?" before sharing that his father, a Steelers fan, isn't fond of the Cowboys.
This candid response quickly caught attention, especially for a top-10 draft prospect.
Love is set to showcase his skills on Saturday in Indianapolis, and his numbers certainly back up his confidence. Over the past two seasons, he led college football with 35 rushing touchdowns and 40 total touchdowns. In 2025, he averaged an impressive 114.3 rushing yards per game at 6.9 yards per carry, notching 18 rushing touchdowns-a significant leap from the previous year.
Unlike many top prospects, Love confirmed he will participate in the 40-yard dash and all positional drills, demonstrating his readiness to prove himself on the field. "I want to be used as a weapon," Love stated, highlighting how Notre Dame's Coach Denbrock utilized him effectively in both the running and passing games.
ESPN's Todd McShay has drawn comparisons between Love and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, noting Love's "silkier, smoother, quicker feet" and unexpected athleticism. A strong performance on Saturday could further elevate his draft stock, with teams outside the top five eager for him to slip down the board.
The Cowboys, holding the 12th pick, might find Love out of reach, especially after extending running back Javonte Williams with a hefty contract. The Kansas City Chiefs, picking ninth, are frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah envisions Love joining forces with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, suggesting that Love could exploit defenses playing conservatively against Kansas City.
If Love is selected in the first round, he would be the first Notre Dame running back to achieve that since Jerome Bettis in 1993. With his talent and determination, Love is poised to end that long-standing gap this April.