When a college football player finally hears his name called in the NFL Draft, it is the culmination of years of tireless work, physical sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to the game.
For Notre Dame standout running back Jeremiyah Love, that life-changing moment was shared with the very man who helped him maximize his collegiate potential: Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman.
How Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman Supported Jeremiyah Love at the 2026 NFL Draft
Despite the relentless, round-the-clock demands of leading one of the most prestigious programs in college sports, Freeman made it a priority to be by his star player’s side. The gesture underscores the profound bond between the coach and his dynamic tailback.
Recently, Freeman spoke with college coaching legend Nick Saban on “College GameDay” ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I’m so excited for him,” Freeman shared, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes conversation that led to his attendance. “We have practice tomorrow morning, we have meetings at 6:45. I told him, ‘If you want me here, I’ll be here.’ Because that’s what I believe as a head coach, you gotta be what your player needs.”
When Love made the plea for his coach to join him on his biggest night, the response was immediate. “He wanted me to be here and without hesitation I’m gonna be here to support him,” Freeman added, highlighting the deeply supportive culture he has cultivated in South Bend.
Love certainly earned his spot in the draft spotlight. As a junior, the 6-foot, 212-pound back put together a dazzling 2025 campaign, racking up 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on his way to becoming one of the most coveted offensive weapons in the country.
According to his PFSN Draft Profile, Love is the No. 1-ranked running back and the No. 4 overall prospect in the entire 2026 class. Evaluators have praised his “elastic, turbocharged” running style, viewing him as a genuine first-round talent who follows in the footsteps of elite backs like Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty.
His advanced analytics are just as impressive as his traditional counting stats. Love posted a stellar 92.4 on the PFSN RB Impact Metric score, a grade of A- that ranked him fourth overall among all running backs in college football.
With his unique blend of explosive long speed, fearless tenacity, and high-level receiving ability, he leaves Notre Dame with an incredible 2,882 career rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns.
Yet, even amid the glitz and glamour of draft night, Freeman made sure to keep his protégé grounded with a familiar, blue-collar message.
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“I told him to enjoy this day,” Freeman said, “because tomorrow you’ve gotta wake up and go back to work. You’ve got to do the things that gave you a chance to get drafted tonight. So, enjoy this moment. It’s like a win. Enjoy it, tomorrow morning get back to work.”
As Love transitions from Notre Dame hero to NFL rookie, he carries with him not just an elite athletic pedigree but also the invaluable work ethic and unwavering support instilled by his head coach.
