When it comes to drills at the 2026 NFL Combine, and every single year, there is no single metric that holds as much weight as the 40-yard dash. Players can increase or sink their draft stock with that one run, but Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love made sure he impressed when the spotlight was on him in Indianapolis.
Jeremiyah Love Blows Everyone Away With His Speed
After a 2023 freshman year with the Fighting Irish that saw Love play a supporting role (385 yards and one touchdown), he hit the ground running in 2024 and didn’t stop.
He compiled 2,497 yards and 35 rushing touchdowns in 2024 and 2025 combined. In addition, while he won’t lead the league in receiving, he caught a respectable 594 yards and six scores through the air in his collegiate career.
He continued to impress on Saturday when he made the most of his 40-yard dash opportunity and ran a 4.37 the first time, and then followed it up with a 4.36 run. Daniel Harms, NFL draft scout for Bleacher Report, put it quite succinctly by posting on X, “Jeremiyah Love. He’s FAST FAST”.
Jeremiyah Love. He’s FAST FAST https://t.co/QdAhxz1bTv
— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) February 28, 2026
The official account for Elite Takes immediately labeled Notre Dame running back as someone to watch. “Blue chip prospect no doubt,” they posted on X after Love’s blazing results.
Blue chip prospect no doubt https://t.co/ScmRveQ0rP
— Nico (@elitetakes_) February 28, 2026
Josina Anderson, senior NFL insider, went more in-depth by posting on X that Love followed his initial 4.37 run with a false start, but he didn’t let that deter him. With his father watching, Love gathered himself and improved his time to 4.36. However, Anderson believes Love had more to give in that moment.
“Notes Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, ranked as the #2 player overall by NFLN, runs a 4.37u in his first 40. Had a false start, reset and ran this time. Definitely ran tight, particularly in the upper body at the end of the run. Dad knows it. Still an elite time, beyond athletic,” Anderson posted on Saturday.
🔥🔥🔥Notes Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, ranked as the #2 player overall by NFLN, runs a 4.37u in his first 40. Had a false start, reset and ran this time. Definitely ran tight, particularly in the upper body at the end of the run. Dad knows it. Still an elite time, beyond athletic. pic.twitter.com/j8XpDxZhlk
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 28, 2026
Skip Bayless also pointed out Love’s father in his X post on Saturday, noting that, despite the fast times, it wasn’t the result Love’s camp had hoped for. Bayless upped the ante, though, by saying that Love was already better than Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, “Jeremiyah Love just ran 4.37, and his dad shook his head in disappointment. This young man is a FORCE. Beyond Jeanty.”
Jeremiyah Love just ran 4.37 and his dad shook his head in disappointment. This young man is a FORCE. Beyond Jeanty.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 28, 2026
The official NFL account got in on the praise for Love’s 40-yard times, posting on Saturday, “Dad liked that one,” with a video of the very pleased Jason Love celebrating his son’s speed.
dad liked that one 😏 https://t.co/iY3hEtriv0 pic.twitter.com/opS57bVjlH
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
The host of “Phinish Line” and “Fin Too Deep,” Richmond Webb, also brought Jeanty into the conversation regarding Love’s 40-yard results. “We know Love isn’t getting past the Chiefs,” Webb posted to X on Saturday, “But does he get past the Commanders or Saints after testing today? Absolute monster. I’ve said it before – he’s a better prospect for me than Jeanty, which isn’t a knock on Jeanty.”
We know Love isn’t getting past the Chiefs but does he get past the Commanders or Saints after testing today?
Absolute monster.
I’ve said it before – he’s a better prospect for me than Jeanty which isn’t a knock on Jeanty.
— Reason (@the_real_reason) February 28, 2026
PFSN posted to X on Saturday with a direct comparison between Love and DeMarco Murray. Not only were they similar, but PFSN also had its metrics as a 100% match. Will NFL teams see the same thing in Love that made Murray the 3rd-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2011 NFL Draft, though?
Jeremiyah Love 🤝 DeMarco Murray pic.twitter.com/Qq4VUdrH7p
— PFSN (@PFSN365) February 28, 2026
Love will need more than just speed to succeed in the NFL, but if the reactions of his father are anything to go by, he has plenty more left to showcase. If he attacks his Pro Day with the same intensity, we could very well see Love upgrade his draft stock thanks to a wildly impressive 40-yard time.
