SOUTH BEND, IN — The “running backs don’t matter” narrative is facing its steepest challenge yet in the 2026 NFL Draft cycle. Jeremiyah Love, the explosive Notre Dame tailback and recent Heisman Trophy finalist, is seeing his draft stock reach a fever pitch just days before the first round kicks off in Pittsburgh.
Once considered a mid-first-round talent, Love’s late-season surge and dominant Pro Day have propelled him into the “Blue Chip” tier. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that the Arizona Cardinals are now seriously considering Love at No. 3 overall, a move that would make him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018.
The “Statistical Freak” Breakdown
Love’s 2025 campaign was one for the Notre Dame record books. He finished the season with 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 6.9 yards per carry. However, it’s his efficiency in space that has scouts drooling.
According to PFF data, Love recorded an explosive run (10+ yards) on nearly 20% of his touches in 2025. Perhaps most impressively, he finished third in the nation in yards after contact, proving that his 214-pound frame is as much about power as it is about his 4.36-second 40-yard dash speed.
“I want to be one of the best of all time,” Love told reporters at his Pro Day. “I want to be a Hall of Famer. I tell teams I have a process and a plan to get there. It’s not just talk.”
Potential Top-10 Landing Spots
| Team | Pick | The Logic |
| Arizona Cardinals | No. 3 | Monti Ossenfort is reportedly “locked in” on Love to revitalize a run game that ranked 31st in 2025. |
| Tennessee Titans | No. 4 | Mel Kiper Jr. mocks Love here to provide a “Saquon-like” safety valve for young QB Cam Ward. |
| New York Giants | No. 5 | With Cam Skattebo recovering from an ankle injury, Love offers a home-run threat for Brian Daboll’s offense. |
| Washington Commanders | No. 7 | While linked to Ohio State stars, Mike Band’s latest mock has Washington taking Love to pair with Jayden Daniels. |
The “Barkley” Comparison
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has frequently compared Love to Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley, noting his rare ability to contribute as a high-volume receiver. Love tallied 27 receptions and three receiving touchdowns last season, including a highlight-reel 94-yard touchdown catch-and-run against Boston College.
“He’s the fastest back in this class and the most likely to turn a routine dive into a 60-yard score,” Jeremiah noted. “In a league desperate for ‘force multipliers,’ Love is exactly that.”
Draft Day Chaos?
The intrigue surrounding Love at No. 3 has created a potential “trade-up” frenzy. Sources indicate that if Arizona doesn’t take Love, they are actively shopping the pick to teams desperate to jump ahead of the Titans and Giants.
Whether he lands in the desert or the Music City, one thing is certain: Jeremiyah Love has successfully forced the NFL to value the running back position as a premium asset once again. The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday, and Love’s name is expected to be one of the first called.
