Dallas Cowboys Scouting Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love: A 2026 Franchise Running Back Vision Taking Shape for America’s Team

The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise perpetually under the microscope and operating with an unyielding expectation of Super Bowl contention, are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft with a keen eye on potential game-changers. While the immediate concerns of the current and upcoming seasons undoubtedly dominate their strategic board, the proactive nature of NFL front offices dictates a forward-thinking approach, especially when it comes to positions of perceived long-term need. The running back position, in particular, has seen a fascinating evolution in its valuation and usage across the league, and Dallas, having recently navigated a period of transition at the spot, understands the critical importance of securing a cornerstone talent. It is within this context that the name Jeremiyah Love, the dynamic running back from Notre Dame, has begun to circulate with increasing frequency in conversations about the Cowboys’ future. His blend of athleticism, burgeoning power, and receiving prowess has painted him as a prime candidate to potentially lead the Cowboys’ backfield for years to come, a true franchise back in the making.

The current landscape of the Cowboys’ running back room, while offering some intriguing pieces, also highlights the potential for a significant upgrade in 2026. After the departure of long-time stalwarts and the subsequent experimentation with various free-agent acquisitions and mid-to-late round draft picks, the team has sought to find a stable and consistently productive presence. While Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were brought in to provide veteran experience and a fresh start, and recent draft picks like Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah offer youthful exuberance and potential, the clear-cut bell-cow back, the kind that can truly alter the trajectory of an offense, remains an aspiration rather than a current reality. This isn’t to say the current stable of backs is without merit, but rather that the Cowboys, known for their pursuit of elite talent, are always searching for that next transformative player. The ephemeral nature of running back careers in the modern NFL, coupled with the desire for a cost-controlled asset on a rookie deal, makes the 2026 draft, and prospects like Love, particularly appealing.

Jeremiyah Love’s collegiate career at Notre Dame has been a compelling narrative of continuous growth and explosive playmaking. As a sophomore, he truly burst onto the national scene, showcasing the raw talent that scouts have been salivating over since his high school days. His ability to hit the hole with conviction, absorb contact, and then explode into the second level of a defense has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most exciting young backs. He possesses a rare combination of size and speed, allowing him to run through arm tackles while also possessing the breakaway ability to turn routine gains into electrifying touchdowns. His 1,125 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns in his sophomore campaign were not just impressive statistics; they were a testament to his vision, patience, and innate feel for the game. Beyond the raw numbers, the tape reveals a back who understands leverage, exhibits exceptional body control, and consistently generates yards after contact. These aren’t just flashes; they are consistent traits that project exceptionally well to the NFL level.

What truly elevates Love’s prospect profile beyond a traditional two-down thumper is his burgeoning capability as a pass-catcher. In today’s pass-happy NFL, a running back who can contribute meaningfully in the aerial attack is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Whether it’s catching screens, running routes out of the backfield, or providing a reliable check-down option, Love has demonstrated the soft hands and route-running nuance to be a legitimate threat in the passing game. This versatility is paramount for a team like the Cowboys, who often rely on a multi-faceted offensive attack. A running back who can stay on the field for all three downs, without telegraphing play calls, adds an invaluable dimension to an offense. This “every-down back” potential is precisely what makes Love so enticing to Dallas, a team that has historically benefited from backs who can seamlessly transition between running and receiving duties. The ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties in coverage would be a significant asset, opening up the entire playbook for the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator.

The path to becoming a franchise running back is fraught with challenges. The collegiate production must translate, the physical toll of the NFL must be withstood, and the mental fortitude to endure a demanding professional environment must be present. For Love, his junior season at Notre Dame will be crucial in solidifying his draft stock and demonstrating his readiness for the next level. Continued production, avoiding significant injuries, and showcasing further refinement in his pass protection – a critical but often overlooked aspect of a well-rounded back – will all be key factors in his ascension up draft boards. Analysts are already projecting him as a potential first-round pick in 2026, with some even placing him as high as a top-10 prospect overall. This early buzz underscores the exceptional talent he possesses and the high expectations surrounding his collegiate finale.

For the Dallas Cowboys, the strategy surrounding the running back position in the 2026 draft will likely involve a careful calibration of need, value, and the availability of elite talent. The “Hero RB” or “Anchor RB” strategy, where a team invests a high draft pick in a perceived foundational running back, then builds around them with other positional strengths, has gained traction in the NFL. This approach contrasts with the “Zero RB” philosophy, which advocates for delaying running back selection until later rounds due to the position’s volatility and the readily available talent pool. Given the Cowboys’ history and their consistent pursuit of premier players, it’s plausible they would lean towards the “Hero RB” model if a prospect of Love’s caliber is available when they are on the clock. Securing a player of his talent early in the draft would not only address a potential long-term need but also provide a dynamic weapon for a potentially evolving offensive scheme.

The narrative of a “franchise running back” carries significant weight in Dallas. From Tony Dorsett to Emmitt Smith, the Cowboys have a storied history of relying on elite ground-game talents to carry their offense and define their identity. While the NFL has shifted towards a more pass-centric league, the value of a dominant running back who can control the clock, convert in short-yardage situations, and consistently break off big plays remains undeniable. A powerful run game opens up play-action, takes pressure off the quarterback, and creates a physical tone that can wear down opposing defenses. Jeremiyah Love, with his powerful running style and growing proficiency as a receiver, embodies the modern prototype of such a back. He could provide the versatility and explosiveness necessary to elevate the Cowboys’ offense to another level, offering a consistent threat both between the tackles and in space.

Beyond the statistical projections and athletic measurables, there’s an intangible quality that defines a franchise player: leadership, work ethic, and a dedication to their craft. While these attributes are harder to quantify, scouts and team personnel will undoubtedly be scrutinizing Love’s character and commitment throughout his final collegiate season. The Cowboys are a team that values strong locker room presence and players who embody the team’s winning culture. If Love demonstrates these qualities in addition to his on-field brilliance, it would only strengthen his case as a top target for Dallas. The potential for him to become a foundational piece, not just on the field but also in the locker room, would be a significant draw for a team aiming for sustained success.

The anticipation surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft is already building, and for the Dallas Cowboys, the running back position promises to be a focal point. The tantalizing prospect of Jeremiyah Love in the star-emblazoned uniform is more than just speculation; it’s a strategic vision taking shape. His collegiate success, combined with a skillset that perfectly aligns with the evolving demands of the NFL running back, makes him a compelling candidate to be the next great back in Dallas. As his junior season at Notre Dame unfolds, every run, every catch, and every highlight will be meticulously analyzed by Cowboys scouts, all with an eye towards securing the player they believe can be their franchise running back for 2026 and beyond. The future of the Cowboys’ ground game could very well rest on the shoulders of this talented Notre Dame product.