Dallas Cowboys Set Sights on Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love as the Future Franchise Running Back for the 2026 NFL Draft
In the evolving landscape of the National Football League, the Dallas Cowboys are always on the lookout for dynamic talent to maintain their competitive edge and build a team capable of sustained success. As the franchise looks ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, their eyes have increasingly focused on one of college football’s rising stars — Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The Cowboys, known for their strategic approach to building a powerhouse roster, see Love as a potential cornerstone running back who could anchor their offense for years to come.
Jeremiyah Love, who has steadily risen through the ranks at Notre Dame, embodies the qualities the Cowboys value in a franchise back: a unique combination of size, speed, vision, and toughness. At 6-foot-2 and roughly 230 pounds, Love brings a rare physicality that allows him to break tackles and wear down defenses. But what makes him truly special isn’t just his physical tools — it’s his football IQ, work ethic, and ability to adapt in both the running and passing games.
Dallas’ interest in Love is no accident. Over recent years, the Cowboys have struggled to find a consistent and dominant presence at the running back position. While they have had moments of success with backs like Ezekiel Elliott, whose prime has waned due to injuries and declining production, Dallas is keenly aware that the position is pivotal to their offensive identity. Running backs can control the tempo, open up the play-action game, and provide a reliable outlet for quarterbacks under pressure. Identifying and securing a high-upside talent like Jeremiyah Love aligns with the Cowboys’ long-term vision of building a balanced, multi-dimensional offense.
Notre Dame’s offensive scheme has helped Love develop a versatile skill set. In the Irish’s ground-and-pound style, he has not only learned to grind out tough yards but also to accelerate through creases, change direction smoothly, and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to block in pass protection has also earned praise, showcasing his all-around game readiness — an essential trait for NFL teams looking to safeguard their quarterbacks.
When scouting Love, Dallas’ personnel evaluators have been impressed by his vision and patience. Unlike some backs who rely primarily on speed, Love exhibits an almost instinctual ability to read defensive alignments and anticipate openings before they fully develop. This cerebral approach minimizes negative plays and maximizes yardage after contact, often turning what looks like a dead-end run into a valuable gain. His commitment to studying film and improving every facet of his game has drawn comparisons to other elite backs who have excelled in the NFL’s toughest offensive systems.
Another appealing factor is Love’s leadership and character. At Notre Dame, he has emerged as a vocal leader on and off the field, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. For a franchise like Dallas, which prides itself on a culture of accountability and toughness, integrating a player with strong leadership qualities is a bonus. His maturity and professionalism suggest he can handle the pressures of playing for a storied franchise in a high-expectation market.
Dallas’ potential investment in Jeremiyah Love also fits their draft strategy. The Cowboys have shown a willingness to trade up or down to secure key players who fit their mold. By 2026, Love could be one of the most highly regarded running backs in the draft class, giving Dallas a prime opportunity to grab a difference-maker. Given the premium placed on finding a reliable franchise back in today’s NFL — where offenses are increasingly dynamic and passing-heavy — Love represents a player who could redefine the Cowboys’ ground game for the next decade.
Moreover, Love’s combination of power running and receiving skills opens the door for creative offensive play-calling. The Cowboys have a history of innovative offensive coordinators who thrive on maximizing their skill players’ versatility. With Love, they could blend traditional power running with modern spread concepts, leveraging his ability to catch passes and block effectively. This dual-threat capability could also help the Cowboys remain unpredictable and difficult to defend, especially in critical third-down and red-zone situations.
It is worth noting that the NFL landscape has seen a resurgence in the value of running backs who can do more than just run between the tackles. Players like Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, and Najee Harris have shown that running backs who can contribute significantly in the passing game are more valuable than ever. Jeremiyah Love fits this mold and has the potential to be a multi-dimensional weapon that elevates Dallas’ offense beyond what they have had in recent years.
The Cowboys’ front office is undoubtedly aware of the risks that come with investing high draft capital in running backs, a position that historically sees shorter career peaks compared to quarterbacks or linemen. However, the reward of landing a back with Love’s skill set and intangibles could outweigh those risks, especially if they surround him with a strong offensive line and an effective scheme. Dallas has been proactive in building its offensive line, and pairing a dominant line with a feature back like Love could create a dominant running game that complements their passing attack.
On the flip side, Jeremiyah Love will need to continue developing and prove his durability at the collegiate level to solidify his status as a top prospect. Injuries, inconsistent performances, or off-field distractions could hamper his draft stock. However, early indicators suggest that Love possesses the drive and resilience to overcome adversity and maintain his upward trajectory. His experience at a high-profile program like Notre Dame — which faces tough competition and intense media scrutiny — has prepared him well for the pressures of the NFL.
The Cowboys’ potential selection of Love could also send a message about their organizational philosophy going forward. Emphasizing the running back position signals a commitment to physicality and balance, which resonates with fans who appreciate a blue-collar style of football. It also suggests Dallas’ intent to build a team that can succeed in all weather conditions and situations, not relying solely on passing or star quarterbacks to carry the offense.
As the 2026 draft approaches, all eyes will be on how Love performs in his remaining college seasons. His ability to stay healthy, produce consistently, and showcase growth in all facets of the game will determine if he can fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon him. For the Cowboys, the hope is that he becomes the missing piece to elevate their offense from a talented group to a truly elite unit capable of contending for championships.
In conclusion, Jeremiyah Love represents an exciting prospect who embodies the traits necessary for a franchise running back in today’s NFL. The Dallas Cowboys’ interest in him is a strategic move to secure a player who can be a physical and mental leader in the backfield for years to come. With his rare blend of power, agility, versatility, and leadership, Love fits the mold of a player who can help Dallas reclaim its status as one of the league’s dominant offensive forces. As the draft nears, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the Cowboys’ vision of Love as their 2026 franchise running back comes to fruition — a move that could shape the team’s fortunes well into the next decade.
