The Arizona Cardinals rookie class is sparking excitement so far in the preseason. After third-round pick Carson Beck impressed in the team's preseason opener, it was Jeremiyah Love's turn to make headlines in a 27-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
Although Cardinals fans had to wait a week to see Love, he didn't disappoint, showcasing the traits that made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He finished with 11 carries for 58 yards while displaying his elite open-field ability with a highlight-reel spin move and another play in which he hurdled over a defender. Love also flashed his versatility by catching three passes for 14 yards.
Jeremiyah Love shows why Cardinals drafted him No. 3 overall
In all, the former Notre Dame star showed why the Cardinals fell in love with him and why fans will love him on a weekly basis as well. As far as his first preseason performance, once Love settled into the game, his explosiveness became impossible to ignore.
“I kind of got into a little bit of a groove,” Love said following the performance, via the team’s official website. “Kind of wish I would have played just a tad bit longer, but I think I played enough for people to see.”
Love played the entire first half, which was enough to offer a glimpse of what he can become in Arizona's offense. His highlight was a 15-yard run featuring a hurdle over a defender that showcased the athleticism Cardinals fans have been waiting to see.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR 🆙
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 14, 2026
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Although Love suffered an ankle injury, head coach Mike LaFleur quickly eased any concern by saying the rookie would have returned if it had been a regular-season game. LaFleur's comments also suggest the Arizona Cardinals weren't overly concerned, reinforcing how important Love already appears to be in their offensive plans. With a high number of touches in the game, LaFleur was pleased with what Love did on the ground and in the passing attack.
“Well, if you have a back that can run routes out of the backfield, you typically have favorable matchups,” LaFleur said. “There’s obviously certain linebackers that are really good at covering guys. If you got a guy that you feel is pretty dynamic, that can obviously be a pretty big weapon for you.”
As Love's rookie evolution continues, his ankle will be worth monitoring, but his ability as a receiver may become the bigger storyline. Arizona already knew he could run between the tackles. What Thursday's debut revealed was a running back capable of creating mismatches all over the field. If his preseason debut was any indication, the Cardinals didn't just draft their next starting running back; they may have found one of the NFL's next premier dual-threat offensive weapons who is just getting started.
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