Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love’s draft stock has gone from strength to strength in the past few weeks. He reinforced the projections of being the first running back off the board in the 2026 class and a possible top-10 pick on draft night, with an impressive showing at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Analyst Makes Huge Jeremiyah Love Prediction
Love ran an incredible 4.36-second time in the 40-yard dash on Saturday to whet the appetites of NFL scouts and general managers.
During Monday’s segment of the “Up And Adams” show, draft analyst Todd McShay, who had the running back as the top prospect in his mock draft, made a huge prediction about Love’s draft status.
“I don’t think Jeremiyah Love gets out of the top five, and it won’t shock me if he’s the third pick in this draft.” 👀
NFL analyst Todd McShay expects BIG things for the Notre Dame RB in this year’s draft@McShay13 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/S6Z8NexMZc
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 2, 2026
“That’s weird for me, to have a running back No. 1 overall,” McShay said. “I’m not saying he’s [like Jahmyr Gibbs] as a receiver yet, but to see the way he’s able to run routes and to see that 4.36 legit right there posted for us at his size. He’s special. You look at the top of the draft, right? We all agree that Fernando Mendoza’s going to the Raiders.
“After that, I think it’s probably going to be an edge rusher to the Jets, maybe Sonny Styles gets into that mix. But then you look at Arizona at 3, Tennessee at 4, even the Giants at 5 with Skattebo coming off of that injury. I don’t think Jeremiyah Love gets out of the top five, and it wouldn’t shock me if he’s the third pick in this draft.”
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Former Penn State Nittany Lions star Ki-Jana Carter was the last running back to be picked No. 1 overall when he was selected in the 1995 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Only 23 running backs have been picked No. 1 overall on draft night.
During Monday’s segment of the “Get Up” show, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky bestowed the highest honor of the 2026 draft class upon Love.
“When it comes to the best player in the draft, that’s Jeremiyah Love.”
—@danorlovsky7 on who’s the best player in the NFL Draft 👀 pic.twitter.com/1cLPLRRkdj
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 2, 2026
“This young man put out an absolute show when it comes to physical talent, athletic ability, at the combine,” Orlovsky said.
“To be his size, and to run 4.36, coming off of his performance and career at Notre Dame, I know he’s not gonna go No. 1 overall. That is more than likely going to be Fernando Mendoza. But when it comes to the best player in the draft, that’s Jeremiyah Love.”
Love had an incredible season for the Fighting Irish, tallying 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries, resulting in 18 touchdowns and winning the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s best running back. As well as being a Heisman Trophy finalist, Love further earned a PFSN College Running Back Impact score of 92.4.
