2026 NFL Draft Class: Jeremiah Love’s Rising Stock

The 2026 NFL Draft class has sparked interest for various reasons.

Among those intriguing prospects, Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love stands out.

There’s always been some debate regarding the value of running backs in today’s game, but Love is entering the league at a time when the running game might just be making a comeback. The Seattle Seahawks recently clinched a Super Bowl with a strong running game, and although passing still dominates, the trend of two-high defenses is nudging offenses to lean a bit more on the run as a helpful option alongside passing plays.

Timing is just one piece of Love’s evaluation puzzle. His draft stock has seen a notable rise, moving from a potential top-10 pick in early mock drafts to a top-five player as the actual draft nears. There’s something else contributing to this surge.

Simply put, Love’s speed is remarkable for a running back. This was evident on the field last season and even more so at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he clocked a swift 4.36-second 40-yard dash. What’s particularly impressive is that his speed isn’t just about the scheme; it translates well into the passing game, too.

Take his touchdown against Syracuse, for instance. While the play design flowed to the right, Love demonstrated the vision to spot an opening inside. Once he spotted it, he unleashed his speed and reached the second level before the Syracuse defense had a chance to react. It’s worth noting how he can erase angles, even against defenders.

Yes, safeties in the NFL might have better angles, but Love often defies expectations. His contact balance and agility allow him to turn would-be tackles into significant gains. A prime example can be seen in a game against Pittsburgh, where his gap/power play showcases his versatility. This play stands out for a couple of reasons.

One, it exemplifies the versatility of his scheme; Love can hit home runs from various play designs. Two, his speed and awareness shine through as he cuts upfield behind his blockers, pushing into the next level. Despite the safety having a better angle, Love still managed to execute a near-violent spin move that sent him on his way to a 56-yard touchdown. This kind of maneuver is evident throughout his film and will serve him well in the NFL.

In another counter design against USC, he faced a good angle from the safety but still outran him on a 63-yard run, underscoring his remarkable speed.

Now, Love might not be a typical power back, but he certainly won’t be easily stopped on contact. While he may lack brute lower-body strength, his ability to maintain balance during tackles is impressive. Defenders need to be precise and technically sound when attempting to bring him down.

If they miscalculate, they might find themselves at a disadvantage. In a play against Stanford, for instance, Love showcased his balance by shrugging off multiple tackle attempts. The moment a defender mistimed a tackle, he used his power to push through and keep moving, extending the play.

In a different instance against Pittsburgh, he exemplified again how he can turn a lost play into an explosive run by simply outrunning a defender who mistimed his moment to strike.

While the running game may slowly be regaining relevance, the NFL is still predominantly a league focused on passing.

This brings up the question of what running backs can offer in the passing game, especially when discussing early draft picks. Are they capable of being “three-down” backs? Can they contribute effectively as receivers?

Love might have untapped potential in this area. If selected early in the first round, you’ll likely see highlight plays that demonstrate his abilities—like a wheel route against Texas A&M, where he effectively evaded coverage and showcased his catching skills. Another play to highlight might be when he ran a corner route, showing his route-running ability against a linebacker, using different gears to create separation.

Overall, expect those moments to be featured during his draft night.

In summary, Love presents a complete package as a running back. He’s versatile, capable of explosive plays regardless of the scheme, and his speed and route-running abilities could make him a significant threat in the NFL’s passing game.

When considering the position’s value, it’s hard to deny that he has considerable worth.