The closer the 2026 NFL Draft gets, the more Jeremiyah Love forces teams to rethink how they value running backs.
Months ago, evaluators discussed him sneaking into the top 10. Now, the top five is the expectation, not the ceiling. For a running back in today’s NFL, that is a significant shift in positional value.
Teams have spent years convincing themselves not to draft running backs high, believing they can get better value later. Franchises prioritize quarterbacks, pass rushers, and offensive tackles early in the draft, causing even premium running backs to slide.
Jeremiyah Love Is Forcing Teams to Rethink RB Value
Love might break that trend. His production at Notre Dame established a high baseline. What changed is how seriously teams evaluate his talent as a foundational offensive piece.
He is considered the best running back in the 2026 draft and near the top of overall boards. A Notre Dame beat writer recently highlighted the momentum Love is gaining across the league, pointing to praise from draft analysts Joel Klatt and Todd McShay.
McShay delivered an assessment of his draft stock: “No NFL team I’ve talked to has Love lower than No. 3 on its big board. Most teams have the former Notre Dame superstar at 1 or 2. Love is my top overall player in the draft.”
Lotta love for Jeremiyah Love from @joelklatt and @McShay13.
McShay says no NFL team he’s talked to has Love lower than No. 3 on its big board. Most teams have the former Notre Dame superstar at 1 or 2.
Love is McShay’s top overall player in the draft. pic.twitter.com/geZ2Pg29zG
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) April 7, 2026
His versatility stands out on film. Love catches the ball, moves around the formation, and creates mismatches, operating as a complete offensive weapon rather than a traditional back. In the passing game, he finished 16th among running backs in receiving yards (280) and ranked fourth in receiving touchdowns (three). Those numbers reinforce what scouts see on tape.
Teams want players they can move around and build packages for, not just someone to carry the ball 20 times a game. At Notre Dame, he was the engine of the offense. He showed up in critical moments and stayed consistent, becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist and the Doak Walker Award winner. That resume is the reason he is ranked as a top-five overall prospect and the RB1 on PFSN’s consensus big board for the 2026 draft.
When teams place him near the top of their boards, it indicates they are deciding he is worth ignoring the usual positional value rules. If that holds true, the league could see the highest-drafted running back in recent history. It is not because the league suddenly loves running backs again, but because Love might be good enough to make them forget why they stopped.
