Will Notre Dame's top running back dominate combine drills or protect his top prospect status? His game-changing potential sparks debate.
On Thursday, the 2026 NFL Combine is set to kick off and will feature six former Notre Dame players who are looking to take their game to the next level. Now, every player has a different set of things they'll have their eyes set to work on throughout the combine. It's likely all six for Fighting Irish players participate in the media day, but it's up for debate whether all will compete in drills for various reasons. For star running back Jeremiyah Love, it's an open debate on whether he'll compete in the drills.
It's been known for quite some time that Love is far and away the favorite to be the No. 1 running back taken off the board in this year's NFL Draft. Which also leaves room for debate on whether he'll compete in the combine drills. The biggest question, is how much would it benefit him to compete? He's solidly the No. 1 running back on the board according to analysts like Daniel Jeremiah and Mel Kiper.
The film he put out the last two seasons combined with his overall production, highlight reel plays and Doak Walker Award sitting in the trophy case is enough to earn him early first-round grades. Just a personal preference, but I'd still showcase my skillset during the combine drills to solidify the No. 1 spot in the running back group. Love will likely run a favorable 40-yard dash time in comparison to some of the other backs being taken.
Love's production speaks volumes as to what kind of player he can be at the next level. He finished his career with the Irish with 2,882 rushing yards, 594 receiving yards, averaged 6.7 yards per carry from 2023-2025, had 36 rushing touchdowns and six receiving touchdowns. He was a Unanimous All-American in 2025 and was the most explosive running back in college football over the last two seasons.
The biggest factor for Love will be the media interviews during the combine. Typically, teams look for their football IQ, maturity, mindset and character. If you know anything about the St. Louis native, he has all of those things covered. But putting them on display in person down in Indianapolis will go quite a long way.
The 6-0, 214-pound running back has been projected to go anywhere from the Top 10 down to No. 18 to the Minnesota Vikings in various mock drafts. Love ended his career as one of the most prolific running backs to put on the gold helmet, and was the best Notre Dame running back of my lifetime. His play style fits the next level and he draws comparisons to current league standouts like Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs. Which ever team elects to take him is getting a franchise-caliber player.
-------
Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time!