Jeremiyah Love has quickly positioned himself among college football’s elite backs, turning heads with his breakout sophomore campaign. His explosive cuts, sharp field vision, and tackle-breaking strength have made him a nightmare for defenses.
Love’s dynamic rushing skill set has already drawn comparisons to NFL star Bijan Robinson, a Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons who was a top-10 draft pick praised for his vision, balance, and receiving skills.
From CFB Star to First-Round Lock? Love Builds Robinson-Level Buzz
Love has emerged as one of college football’s most electrifying backs, and with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, comparisons to NFL standouts have begun to surface. Todd McShay, speaking on The Todd McShay Show, did not hold back when asked by fellow draft analyst Steve Muench if Love could crack the first round.
“I think he does, if he can stay healthy and show a little bit of improvement in the passing game,” McShay said. “I think the run skills are absolutely there. I think he’s a first-round running back in terms of his run skills. And I mean all of it combined: the agility, the acceleration, the vision, the patience, the contact balance, the power. All those things combined, he is a first-round running back.”
However, McShay flagged Love’s limited receiving usage at Notre Dame as a potential concern.
“But the game is not just about that. In fact, almost equal emphasis [is] on the passing game, and so I think he’s got to make some strides there,” he added.
Love’s ability to operate as a pass-catcher out of the backfield could determine whether he solidifies his standing as a first-rounder.
“Quite honestly, it just wasn’t a big pass-heavy offense,” McShay admitted. “So that’s going to be interesting to see this year.”
NFL Comparisons: Robinson, Hall, and Mixon
McShay compared Love’s skill set to multiple current pros.
“I saw some similarities with Bijan [Robinson]… some similarities with Breece Hall… and even some Joe Mixon,” McShay said, adding, “All those guys are a little bit heavier… maybe not Bijan… but they were all in that range.”
He highlighted Love’s patience and sudden burst: “Play 21 against Miami Ohio… I was like ‘Oh there it is’… He does that.”
Love’s numbers back the hype. In 2023, he played in all 13 games behind Audric Estime, gaining 385 rushing yards and scoring twice.
As a 2024 starter, Love exploded for 1,125 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns (17 rushing, 2 receiving) across 16 games, including a 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana in the CFP, the longest in tournament history.
He totaled 1,362 all-purpose yards, averaging over 7.0 yards per touch and catching 26 passes. If he continues his upward trajectory, Love could become Notre Dame’s first first-round RB since Jerome Bettis in 1993.
