Jeremiyah Love Declares for 2026 NFL Draft: A Star Running Back's Journey from Notre Dame to the Pros
Jeremiyah Love, the star running back for Notre Dame, has officially announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Love, who was a Heisman finalist and is projected to be a first-round pick, made the declaration following the conclusion of Notre Dame's season. The Fighting Irish chose not to participate in a bowl game after missing out on the College Football Playoff.
In a statement, Love expressed his gratitude towards Notre Dame for being his perfect home and credited his coaches for their guidance and support throughout his college career. Love had an impressive season in 2025, rushing for over 1,300 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns while also contributing in the passing game with 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns.
Throughout the season, Love showcased his talent by surpassing the 100-yard mark in six games and delivering standout performances like his 228-yard rushing game against USC. Despite his success, Notre Dame fell short of a playoff spot due to a loss to Miami in the season opener, which ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in the committee's rankings.
Love's consistent production over his college career, including over 1,100 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024, has solidified his status as one of the top running backs in the upcoming draft. With an impressive average of 6.7 yards per carry and a total of 42 touchdowns in three seasons, Love is poised to be a high draft pick and a valuable asset for an NFL team in need of a dynamic running back.
In conclusion, Jeremiyah Love's decision to enter the NFL Draft marks the next chapter in his football career, as he looks to continue his success at the professional level. With his exceptional skills and track record of performance at Notre Dame, Love is expected to make a significant impact in the NFL and potentially become a top pick in the upcoming draft.