Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is heading to the 2026 NFL Draft. Where will the running back be taken in the draft?
Jeremiyah Love Enters the 2026 NFL Draft
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The best running back in college football is heading to the NFL.
After three seasons at Notre Dame, Love will forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Those who know me best know I’m very direct, so I am going to get straight to the point and share that I have made the decision to declare for the NFL Draft, “Love wrote in a social media post. “It is with a wealth of gratitude, I will take the many experiences Notre Dame has given me and apply those lessons learned as I move onto the next level,” Love said after thanking his family, coaches and teammates for their support. “I look forward to representing my family and Notre Dame in the NFL.”
In 2023, Love played sparingly as a freshman, rushing for 385 yards and one touchdown.
The following season, Love became Notre Dame’s starting running back. Love garnered 163 carries for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. Love helped propel Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Notre Dame eventually fell to Ohio State in the title game.
Love entered the 2025 season as the best running back in college football. Love lived up to the hype, rushing for 1,372 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. The junior running back also added 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns.
Love was named a Heisman finalist, losing to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
Notre Dame finished 10-2 but missed the College Football Playoff. With Notre Dame opting out of a bowl game, Love’s collegiate career is over.
Jeremiyah Love Draft Profile
The Jeremiyah Love era at Notre Dame 🫶 pic.twitter.com/PDQtA5iNAj
— Sidelines – Notre Dame ☘️ (@SSN_NotreDame) November 18, 2025
Love is going to be the first running back off the board. Where he ends up going in the first round will depend on need.
Love is No. 3 on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board. However, many teams at the top of the draft will likely be looking at quarterbacks, offensive linemen, edge rushers, and wide receivers.
The Kansas City Chiefs are a team that desperately needs to improve their rushing attack. With Patrick Mahomes potentially out for the start of the season, adding a player like Love could help Mahomes’ replacement.
The Minnesota Vikings are another team that could be looking at Love in the first round. The Vikings rank 24th in rushing. Adding a potent rushing attack will only help in the development of J.J. McCarthy.
