There should be no doubt heading into the 2025 season who the top running back is in the 2026 NFL Draft. That title belongs to Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. He brings a rare blend of speed and power that gives him legitimate All-Pro potential at the next level. That said, there are still a few areas where he needs to improve. If he shows growth in those spots this fall, he could hear his name called in the top ten next April.
Love’s football journey began at Christian Brothers High School in St. Louis, where he led the Cadets to back-to-back Missouri state championships. Over his final two seasons, he racked up 2,287 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. He was also a standout in track, winning the Missouri Class 5 state title in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.76 seconds.
Coming out of high school, Love was a highly regarded four-star recruit. 247Sports gave him a day-two NFL Draft grade before he ever stepped foot on a college campus. He drew offers from national powers like Alabama, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Michigan. He ultimately chose Notre Dame.
His freshman year in South Bend was quiet. He made just one start, in the Sun Bowl, finishing with 39 yards on 15 carries in a 40-8 win over Oregon State. His most productive game came against Ohio State, where he rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries. He also contributed as a kick returner, which could be a role he carries into the NFL.
Love’s breakthrough season
In 2024, Love broke out in a big way. He ran for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning Notre Dame Offensive Player of the Year honors. He also became a more complete threat, catching 28 passes for 237 yards and two scores. One of his best performances came in the playoff opener against Indiana, when he averaged 13.5 yards per carry and totaled 108 yards on just eight touches. His signature moment came in the Penn State game when he powered through multiple defenders for one of the toughest short-yardage touchdowns in the history of college football.
This view of Jeremiyah Love's touchdown 😳 pic.twitter.com/oSdhKereqU
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 10, 2025
That run summed up what makes Love special. His elite lower-body strength and balance allow him to break tackles at a rate most backs cannot match. Last season, he forced 62 missed tackles and posted a 38 percent forced missed tackle rate, the second-best mark among Power Four backs according to PFF.
In addition to his power, Love brings surprising burst. He had a run of at least 29 yards in eight different games and totaled 15 runs of 15 yards or more. He is also incredibly secure with the football, finishing the year with zero fumbles on 234 career carries.
However, two areas raise concern: durability and third-down value.
Late last season, Love dealt with a knee injury. It was not serious, but it is notable considering Notre Dame kept his workload light. He has never had more than 16 carries in a college game, and in six contests, he saw fewer than 10 carries last season. Until he proves he can handle a full workhorse role, that question will linger for NFL teams.
His receiving game is also a work in progress. He was not used much as a pass catcher in high school and had just eight receptions as a freshman. While he hauled in 28 passes last year, his average depth of target was negative 0.6 yards. Nearly every catch came behind the line of scrimmage. In addition, his pass protection technique still needs refinement. To his credit, Notre Dame is trying to fast-track his development by giving him reps at wide receiver during spring ball.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, teams like the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys could be in the market for a game-changing back like Love. Wherever he ends up, expect him to make an immediate impact if he stays healthy and continues to round out his game.