Notre Dame's dynamic running back is projected as a Top 10 NFL draft pick, boasting incredible offensive firepower and Heisman-worthy statistics.
There's only 107 days unit the 2026 NFL Draft and now that the regular season is over, the draft order is now set with the Top 18 teams. Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love likely won't make it down to the 18th pick after his spectacular 2025 season, and based on a recent mock draft from the New York Times, Love might not make it out of the Top 10.
"The most dynamic offensive skill player available," Nick Baumgardner of the New York Times explained in his most recent mock draft which had Love going 9th overall to the Kansas City Chiefs. "Love was my pick for the Heisman Trophy this season and would be an absolute terror next to Patrick Mahomes."
Love ended the regular season ranked 2nd nationally in scoring, 2nd in total points scored, 2nd in total touchdowns (21), 3rd in rushing touchdowns (18), 4th in rushing yards (1,372), 5th in rushing yards per game (114.3), 5th in yards per carry (6.9) and 5th in all purpose yards per game (137.67). The St. Louis native finished the regular season with 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 27 receptions, 280 receiving yards, 18 rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns.
He has six performances over 100 yards this season highlighted by his performance against USC where he carried the rock 24 times for 228 yards, caught four passes for 37 yards and had a rushing touchdowns.
The St. Louis native was a forced to be reckoned with in the open field racking up 62 total missed tackles forced between the run game and the pass game. His game evolved into an all-around type of running back showcasing his skills as a pass blocker, pass catcher and a run blocker all while maintaining his dominance in the run game.
Love finished the season 4th in the country in total rushing yards and 3rd in the country in total rushing touchdowns but was the only player in the top 10 in both categories in college football with less than 200 carries.
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. His play style fits at the next level tremendously. Love has breakaway speed, is an exceptionally strong runner, can make tacklers miss in the open field and is also a dynamic weapon in the passing attack.
Love was the only player in the country to rank in the Top 3 in scoring, total touchdowns and total scrimmage yards to finish the regular season. Love was also amongst six players in the FBS that rushed for at least 1,300 rushing yards this season, however, he was the only player on that list who shared a backfield with another running back, Jadarian Price, who rushed for at least 600 yards. His performance this season was truly special.
Many, myself included, can say that they got to witness one of the best running backs in Notre Dame history line up in the backfield for two straight years. Whoever picks him up in the draft is getting one heck of a football player.
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