Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love Rated Top Running Back 2026 NFL Draft

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has emerged as the standout running back prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft following a breakout 2024 season where he rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, helping lead the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff. Known for his speed—stemming from a high school track championship—and his ability to make defenders miss, Love is praised for his athleticism, patience, and balance through contact, making him a dynamic threat on the field. Analysts from Pro Football Focus and other scouting sources rank him as the top running back in the 2026 draft class, highlighting his potential to be a first-round pick. While his receiving skills are solid, experts note room for improvement in becoming a more significant receiving threat beyond screen passes. Love remains focused on performance over hype, motivated by past setbacks and eager to solidify his status as a premier player in college football and a future NFL star. Notre Dame enters the 2025 season with high expectations, aiming to build on their recent success with Love as a central figure.