Two Notre Dame backs project as top NFL prospects. Discover which stars are poised for first-round glory and where they're headed.
The 2026 NFL Draft is in 23 days and there's a host of former Notre Dame standouts who hope to hear their names called somewhere in the seven rounds of the ensuing draft. Two players from the Fighting Irish backfield have generated a lot of attention and have the opportunity to be the first collegiate duo since 2008 when Felix Jones and Darren McFadden from Arkansas were taken in the first round of the same draft.
In several draft boards, Notre Dame running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are considered the first and second ranked running backs in this draft class. Their performance throughout their careers in South Bend and their performances at the NFL Combine backed that up. NFL Draft analysts like Lance Zierlein have both Irish backs going in the first round.
No. 4 - Running Back Jeremiyah Love, Tennessee Titans
"The Titans grab an explosive three-down back to help take pressure off Cam Ward, then look to target a wide receiver later in the draft," Zierlein explained.
Love worked his way up draft boards throughout the 2025 season and his performance at the NFL Combine solidified his position as the No. 1 overall running back prospect in this year's draft.
The Titans haven't had an impact in the run game since former running back Derrick Henry headed to Baltimore. The 6-0, 212-pound running back is the type of high-level talent Tennessee needs in the backfield alongside Ward, their second-year quarterback.
The 6-0, 214-pound running back ended his Notre Dame career as one of the most prolific ball carriers to line up in the backfield. He was named a Unanimous All-American and was only the 38th player in the history of the Fighting Irish football program to achieve that feat. Love will become a franchise player for whatever organization elects to draft him.
The St. Louis native ended his career in college as the 2025 Doak Walker Award Winner and a Heisman finalist. It's likely he'll have the same impact at the next level for a team desperately in need of a rushing attack.
No. 32 - Running Back Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks
"Price is a silky smooth running back with plug-and-play talent and the potential to add more receptions than we saw from him at Notre Dame," Zierlein shared. "Getting the fifth-year option that would come with drafting Price in Round 1 is a big advantage for the Seahawks in this spot."
Price finished his Notre Dame career with 1,692 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns 162 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. This past season alone, Price rushed for 674 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, caught two receiving touchdowns and took two 100-yard kick returns to the house, one against Purdue and one against USC.
The Texas native showed of his smooth running ability combined with his explosiveness during the testing and on-field drills throughout the afternoon. His official 4.49 40-yard dash time puts him in the top half of the running backs that performed at the combine. Add that to his extremely productive career in South Bend, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that he sneaks into the first round. He would be an explosive playmaker for the Seattle offense.
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