As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches and the buzz around the NFL Combine intensifies, one name continues to surface in conversations about elite offensive talent: Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The former Heisman finalist has the NFL world buzzing as the next great running back to enter the league and could see his stock rise all the way into the top 10.
Jeremiyah Love Dubbed ‘The Dude’ by Analyst Amid Kansas City Buzz
During a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” NFL and draft analyst Louis Riddick helped break down the upcoming 2026 draft class. When asked who he believes is the biggest offensive difference-maker available, Riddick didn’t hesitate.
“You know what, I’m gonna say: Jeremiyah Love,” Riddick said confidently. “I’m telling you, Brett Veach is sitting there going, ‘Please, New Orleans, don’t take him.’ While New Orleans is going, ‘Are you nuts? You think we’re gonna pass that dude up?’ But Jeremiyah’s the dude.”
Is #NotreDame running back Jeremiyah Love the best player in this upcoming #NFLDraft?#NFL pic.twitter.com/Uhh2rfOWUY
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 23, 2026
It’s not often the Chiefs find themselves drafting this high. But after an uncharacteristically down year by their championship standards, Kansas City now has a rare opportunity: select a true offensive difference-maker without having to trade up.
Riddick’s comment about Brett Veach, general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, speaks volumes. The implication? If Love is still on the board when Kansas City is picking, the card might be sprinted to the podium.
It’s not often the Chiefs find themselves drafting this high. But after an uncharacteristically down year by their championship standards, Kansas City now has a rare opportunity: select a true offensive difference-maker without having to trade up.
And pairing Love with Patrick Mahomes should send a chill through the rest of the league.
The Chiefs’ struggles on the ground last season were well documented. The run game lacked explosiveness, consistency, and the ability to control tempo in key moments. With Mahomes coming off a knee injury, re-establishing a dominant ground attack isn’t just ideal, it’s necessary.
Enter Love.
According to PFSN’s Consensus Big Board, he’s ranked as RB1 and the No. 6 overall prospect in the entire class. That means both value and positional need align, something that rarely happens this cleanly.
What separates Love from most backs is his dual-threat ability. He’s explosive between the tackles, patient in zone concepts, and has home-run speed in the open field. But he’s also a legitimate weapon in the passing game, ranking inside the top 20 among college running backs in receiving yards with 280, showcasing natural hands and advanced route-running ability out of the backfield.
His overall PFSN CFB RB Impact Score of 92.4 underscores just how dynamic he is. Love isn’t a situational player. He’s not scheme-dependent. He’s a three-down weapon who can alter defensive game plans the moment he steps on the field.
For Kansas City, this move would represent more than just drafting talent; it would be a strategic recalibration. Supporting Mahomes means easing the burden on the passing game, keeping defenses honest, and regaining balance on offense.
With the league already struggling to contain Mahomes when he has a reliable run game, adding a back of Love’s caliber could unlock another level of efficiency for Andy Reid’s offense.
If he’s available when the Chiefs are on the clock, Riddick’s prediction may prove prophetic.
