Notre Dame's Doak Walker winner declares for the NFL Draft, ready to unleash his record-breaking talent against professional competition.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has made official his plans for his future, and the Irish star announced his plans to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. It was an expected move after Love dominated the college football world the last two seasons, emerging as the top running back in the game this past season.
"I know I am prepared for this moment because of the amazing people I have in my life and I want to thank them now," Love said in his Instagram post announcing his decision. "First and foremost, I want to thank God. Without him, none of this would be possible. My family, specifically my parents, have been so instrumental in my success, not only on the football field, but in life. They have been patient and loving, while also challenging me each step of the way, pushing me to always be authentically me. They are my why."
Love also had a special mention for his teammates at Notre Dame.
"To my teammates, my brothers for life. Competing together with you on the field was an unforgettable experience. We did some pretty great things! But what I will keep with me forever are the memories we made in the locker room and just hanging out at the Gug."
Love will finish his career as one of the most prolific backs in Notre Dame history. He rushed for 1,372 yards and scored 18 times on the ground this season, which respectively ranks 4th and tied for first in Notre Dame history. His 1,652 total yards (rushing and receiving) was the third most in college football this season and the third best single-season mark in program history, and his 21 total touchdowns broke the Notre Dame school record previously held by Jerome Bettis.
The St. Louis native rushed for at least 100 yards in 11 different games over the last two seasons. During this season, Love rushed for at least 20 yards on a carry 11 times, matching the mark he had in 2024. Both are tied for the sixth-best single mark in Notre Dame history. Love is the only player to rank in the Top 10 twice in runs of 20 yards or more.
Love earned plenty of recognition for his brilliance, winning the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation's best running back. Love became the first Notre Dame player to ever win that prestigious award, which was first handed out back in 1990. He has already earned first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, Walter Camp and the American Football Coaches Association. If he also earns first-team honors on Sporting News and the Football Writers Association of America he'll become just the third Notre Dame back in history - and the first since Nick Eddy in 1966 - to be a unanimous All-American.
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