Steelers Eye Star Running Back Prospect for 2026 Draft Boost

Could the Steelers target star running back prospect Jeremiyah Love to bolster their lineup, amid draft speculations and family ties?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are making waves at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine, and with the 21st pick in the first round, they've got some strategic decisions ahead. While they've got multiple areas to shore up, one intriguing option is the running back spot. Notre Dame's standout, Jeremiyah Love, is catching some eyes as a potential game-changer.

Love's performance over the last couple of years has been nothing short of stellar. With 199 carries, 1,372 yards, and 18 touchdowns in 2025, he's established himself as a top-tier offensive threat.

Many see him as a likely top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. Adding a layer of intrigue, Love mentioned that his father is a die-hard Steelers fan, which has fueled some speculation about whether Pittsburgh might make a bold move to snag him.

“My dad is a Steelers fan, and he doesn’t really like the Cowboys,” Love shared during the combine, sparking chatter about his potential fit in Pittsburgh.

In 2025, the Steelers leaned on Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield. However, with Gainwell heading into free agency and Warren struggling to find consistent success as the lead rusher, there's room for improvement. Love could inject new life into their offense, especially with uncertainty at quarterback as Aaron Rodgers contemplates his next steps.

While the Steelers are more likely to address other pressing needs in the first round, the dynamic nature of the offseason means anything is possible. If circumstances shift in the coming weeks, running back might just leap to the top of Pittsburgh's priority list.