As the 2025 college football season approaches, analysts are already zeroing in on standout prospects, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is commanding plenty of attention. Early projections for the 2026 NFL Draft hint that Love could become the first Notre Dame running back taken in the first round. So, what makes him such a compelling candidate?
Why Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love Is Climbing Draft Boards Fast
Love has become impossible to overlook. He sees holes before they open, runs with authority, and makes defenders whiff in the open field. As a rusher, he’s the full package.
As the 2026 NFL Draft creeps closer, the talk around him grows louder. Analyst Steve Muench went all-in with praise on the latest episode of “The Todd McShay Show.”
“I think juice is the first word that comes up when you watch this guy,” Muench said. “He gets a lane, and he can go. Like I said, he can scoot. You know, he can see you later. And you don’t always see that.
“There are some guys who have that long speed, you know, that smooth, build-up long speed, who aren’t as explosive. This guy has got some. He can hesitate a little bit, give his blocker a chance to get in position, and you see that explosive burst.”
Love, the 6’0”, 206-pound RB from St. Louis, made waves at Christian Brothers College. He led his team to consecutive state titles in 2021 and 2022.
He tallied 1,291 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, earning Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year honors. A dual-sport athlete, he also won the 100-meter state title with a 10.76-second sprint and recorded a 22-1¾ long jump.
At Notre Dame, Love made an impact as a freshman in 2023, racking up 385 rushing yards and two total touchdowns across all 13 games. The following season, he exploded as the starter, helping lead the team to a national title.
He rushed for over 1,000 yards, scored 17 touchdowns, and logged five 100-yard games. His 98-yard touchdown in the CFP first round set a playoff record.
Despite a late-season knee injury, Love scored in every game, a program first. With nearly 1,400 all-purpose yards and 28 catches in 2024, he’s projected as Notre Dame’s first-round RB since Jerome Bettis.
Love offers a rare offensive blend perfect for today’s NFL. His track-tested speed makes him a nightmare in space, whether turning the corner on a handoff or slipping past defenders as a receiver.
Against top-tier opponents, he consistently outruns angles and transforms simple plays into explosive gains. What truly sets him apart is how he marries that elite speed with sharp instincts: navigating tight lanes, reading blocks, and making people miss in tight quarters.
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He’s not just fast; he’s smart, slippery, and dangerous from anywhere on the field.
