Notre Dame’s Jerimiyah Love Projected as First Running Back off the Board in 2026 NFL Draft by Kiper and Miller

Notre Dame has long been known as a pipeline for NFL talent, but few players have generated the kind of early draft buzz that running back Jerimiyah Love is receiving ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The 20-year-old sophomore, who burst onto the national scene with a breakout campaign in 2024, is already being touted by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller as the No. 1 rated running back prospect in next year’s draft class.

Standing at 6-foot, 206 pounds, Love has the ideal frame for a modern-day feature back, combining size, speed, and versatility to torment opposing defenses. What makes him even more intriguing is his ability to impact the game in multiple facets, a skill set that NFL evaluators covet in today’s offensive landscape.

Love’s breakout season as a sophomore was nothing short of spectacular. He rushed for 1,125 yards on just 163 carries, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per attempt — a testament to his vision, burst, and ability to create explosive plays. He also found the end zone 17 times on the ground, establishing himself as one of the most reliable scoring threats in college football. But Love’s impact wasn’t limited to the rushing attack; he hauled in 28 receptions for 237 yards and added two more touchdowns through the air, showcasing his ability to be a true three-down back.

The 2024 season was a defining moment for Love, who entered Notre Dame as a highly regarded recruit but hadn’t fully displayed his potential during his freshman campaign. With the Fighting Irish leaning on him more heavily, Love not only delivered but elevated himself to the forefront of national attention. His combination of breakaway speed, tough inside running, and reliable hands out of the backfield immediately caught the eye of scouts and draft experts alike.

Both Mel Kiper and Matt Miller agree: if Love declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, he’ll be the first running back selected.

“Jerimiyah Love has the complete package,” Kiper stated during a recent segment on ESPN. “You look at his production, his frame, his athleticism — he’s exactly what NFL teams want. He’s got home-run ability but also the toughness to run between the tackles. If he stays healthy and declares, he’s the top back in this class.”

Miller echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Love’s versatility and work ethic as key factors in his draft stock.

“In today’s game, running backs have to do it all,” Miller said. “Jerimiyah Love can run, catch, block — and he does it all with a competitive edge. He reminds me of some of the top backs we’ve seen come out in recent years. There’s no doubt in my mind he’d be the first RB off the board if he enters.”

Love’s skill set fits perfectly with what NFL teams covet in a modern-day bell-cow running back. His ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver gives offensive coordinators flexibility, allowing them to keep him on the field in all situations. At 206 pounds, he has enough size to withstand the punishment of the NFL while still possessing the explosiveness to break off long runs.

What also sets Love apart is his work ethic and football IQ. Coaches at Notre Dame consistently praise his preparation, film study, and attention to detail — traits that often separate college stars from long-term NFL contributors.

“He approaches the game like a professional,” one Notre Dame staff member shared. “He’s always in the film room, always asking questions, always looking for ways to improve. He’s not satisfied with just being good — he wants to be great.”

Despite all the hype, it’s important to note that Love has not yet made a final decision regarding his eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft. As a true junior next season, he has the option to return to Notre Dame for one more year of development if he chooses. However, given his current draft projections and the potential to be the first running back off the board, many believe he’ll ultimately opt to take the next step to the NFL.

Should Love declare, he’ll enter a draft class that, while not as deep at the running back position as some in recent memory, still features intriguing talent. But his blend of production, physical tools, and versatility places him at the top of most early big boards among running backs.

His breakout 2024 campaign also comes at a time when running backs in the NFL are fighting to re-establish their value. Despite the trend of shorter contracts and teams opting to rotate backs, players with Love’s skill set — capable of being an every-down contributor — continue to carry significant draft value.

History suggests that when a running back possesses a rare combination of production, athleticism, and versatility, they find themselves taken early on draft day. Recent first-round picks like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs demonstrated that there is still a premium placed on game-changing running backs, especially those who can impact both the run and pass games.

For Love, the comparisons to that tier of talent are only growing. His sophomore tape is filled with highlights of breakaway touchdowns, ankle-breaking cuts, and tough yards after contact. But it’s his ability to stay on the field in third-down situations, pick up blitzes, and run precise routes out of the backfield that make him such an appealing prospect.

Looking ahead to the 2025 college football season, all eyes will be on Love as he looks to build on his stellar sophomore campaign. If he stays healthy and continues to develop, his stock could rise even higher — potentially solidifying his position as the consensus top running back in the 2026 class.

Notre Dame’s offensive system under head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker provides Love with an ideal platform to showcase his talents. The Fighting Irish boast one of the nation’s top offensive lines, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to Love’s breakout season and should continue to create opportunities for him to shine.

As for NFL scouts, the tape doesn’t lie. Love’s acceleration through the hole, balance through contact, and breakaway speed consistently jump off the screen. His patience as a runner — combined with the ability to hit top speed quickly — makes him a nightmare for defenses, especially when paired with his receiving ability.

Ultimately, whether Love declares for the 2026 NFL Draft remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he has already cemented his status as one of the most electrifying talents in college football. And should he opt to forgo his remaining eligibility, it’s highly likely Jerimiyah Love will hear his name called early — as the first running back selected — with the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.