When it comes to pure excitement, NFL rookie running back Jeremiyah Love has Arizona Cardinals fans and teammates eager to see what the dynamic playmaker will bring to the team and the NFC West.
Selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up has an opportunity to establish himself immediately as one of the league's most dynamic offensive weapons. His explosiveness as both a runner and receiver makes him a perfect fit in Mike LaFleur's offense. No matter who the quarterback is in Arizona, star tight end Trey McBride has high praise about what the rookie can bring to the table.
Trey McBride already sees what makes Jeremiyah Love special
“That dues’s a f------stud,” McBride said during a recent appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast. “He’s a stud, man. Just the few practices that we had together, his route running and his ability to f-----making plays is pretty cool. I’m excited to have him on our side for sure.”
McBride certainly sounds excited about what Love can bring to the Cardinals offense, and for good reason. The former Notre Dame star was the nation's top running back last season and proved that when he is on the field, opposing defenses must be very aware of his game-changing and big-play ability no matter where he is lined up on the field.
That explosive ability should make life easier for whoever starts at quarterback while also creating more opportunities for established playmakers like Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Jeremiyah Love's receiving ability could transform the Cardinals offense
Over his last two seasons at Notre Dame, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry but wasn’t utilized as much as he could’ve been as a route-running receiver while with the Fighting Irish. Expect LeFleur to utilize that ability in a big way in 2026, which is why NFL Mocks made the bold prediction that Love could post one of the greatest receiving seasons ever by an NFL rookie running back.
Although Love was drafted to elevate the running back room, his skillset as a receiver is what brings the most excitement. During an interview with Colin Cowherd leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, former Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman marveled at Love as a receiver and overall football talent.
“He is a unicorn,” Freeman said. “He is as talented and gifted an athlete as I’ve ever been around, and I think he could be an elite wide receiver, he could be an elite DB. He’s just gifted with a unique skill set, the balance, the ability to jump over you, the ability to run through you.”
If Love becomes the all-purpose weapon many expect him to be, the Cardinals won't just have found their running back of the future, they may have found the offensive centerpiece capable of accelerating the franchise's rebuild. Judging by Trey McBride's early reaction, that belief is already spreading throughout Arizona.
NFL, get ready for the Jeremiyah Love effect.
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