The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have had one of the strongest offenses in college football the past few seasons. In particular, the run game has been the focal point of what they have done best. Jeremiyah Love has proven to be one of the best running backs in the country.
Last season, he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 2024, when Notre Dame made the national championship, he ran for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, many consider him the top running back available.
Love isn’t just considered one of the best running backs, but one of the best prospects in general. In fact, one draft analyst thinks he could end up being taken in the top three.
GettyNotre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love runs the ball. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Notre Dame RB Could be Taken Top Three in NFL Draft
While speaking on Up & Adams, Todd McShay of The Ringer believes that Love could end up being taken in the first three picks.
“I don’t think Jeremiyah Love gets out of the top five, and it won’t shock me if he’s the third pick in this draft.”
McShay actually has Love listed as his top overall prospect heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. McShay remarked that this is the first time in 26 years that he’s had a running back as the top overall prospect on his big board. Love was that good in the Combine.
Love had a strong performance in the NFL Combine, which is helping drive this hype. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, which was the second-fastest time among running backs at the Combine. That, along with his tape with the Fighting Irish, makes him a very intriguing prospect.
Fernando Mendoza will likely be the first overall pick. After that, the other top teams already have young quarterbacks. Love could go to the Arizona Cardinals third overall, which is what McShay theorizes. McShay doesn’t believe that he falls further than the fifth pick, which is owned by the Giants.
GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love runs the ball. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Notre Dame Could Struggle Offensively Without Jeremiyah Love
Without Love, Notre Dame could have a tough time moving the ball on the ground. He was by far the best offensive weapon that they had. Next season, they will have to rely on C.J. Carr as the one to move the ball down the field. It will be his second season starting.
The schedule is pretty tough next year. They take on Wisconsin at a neutral-site, BYU on the road, and Miami at home. The Irish lost to Miami last season, and it cost them a chance to make the College Football Playoff. Miami went on to play for a national championship.
Love’s ability to create something out of nothing on the ground, as well as catch it out of the backfield, will be missed. Two former five-star receivers who transferred in from Ohio State will be looked at to take a lot of the load offensively.
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