In a big moment for college football fans and NFL scouts, Notre Dame’s star running back Jeremiyah Love has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Love, a Heisman Trophy finalist and winner of the Doak Walker Award, made his announcement on social media. He thanked his family, coaches, and teammates in a heartfelt post.
This decision wraps up an impressive college career. Now, all eyes are on what could be a pretty exciting professional journey for him.
Jeremiyah Love’s Stellar 2025 Season
Love’s junior season was, honestly, just wild. The 6-foot, 214-pound back racked up 1,372 rushing yards, which put him fourth in the nation.
He scored 18 rushing touchdowns—third in the country. On top of that, he averaged a remarkable 6.89 yards per carry.
Love finished the year with 21 all-purpose touchdowns, breaking Jerome Bettis’s 1991 Notre Dame record. That one turned a lot of heads.
Heisman Trophy Finalist
His play earned him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished third in the voting, behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia.
That alone puts him in some pretty elite company.
Doak Walker Award Winner
Love also became Notre Dame’s first Doak Walker Award winner. That award goes to the best running back in college football, and he certainly earned it.
It’s a huge nod to his skill and work ethic.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Love’s time at Notre Dame was packed with highlights. As a sophomore, he ran for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on 163 carries.
He chipped in as a receiver too, with 28 catches for 237 yards and two touchdowns. That season, Notre Dame made it to the CFP championship game, though they lost 34-23 to Ohio State.
Breaking Records
Love kept breaking records throughout his time in college. His 21 all-purpose touchdowns in 2025 topped Jerome Bettis’s long-standing mark.
Achievements like that have drawn plenty of attention to Notre Dame’s program, and rightfully so.
Consistent Performer
He was always reliable for the Fighting Irish, no matter the situation. Rushing, catching passes, or even on special teams, Love just found ways to contribute.
His knack for showing up in big moments made him a fan favorite and someone even rival fans had to respect.
Looking Ahead: NFL Draft Projections
With his NFL Draft declaration, Jeremiyah Love looks ready to shake things up on Sundays. Most expect he’ll be the first running back taken in 2026.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN Big Board has Love going No. 3 overall. Field Yates, meanwhile, predicts he’ll go 14th to the Kansas City Chiefs in his latest mock draft.
Top Running Back Prospect
Love’s blend of size, speed, and skill is tough to ignore. He breaks tackles, finds the smallest gaps, and can really accelerate in open space.
Scouts keep praising his vision and football IQ. Those are the little things that separate good players from great ones.
Potential Impact in the NFL
With what he’s shown in college, Love could make an impact right away in the NFL. Teams needing a dynamic running back will be watching him closely.
His versatility is a big plus, honestly. Any team looking to strengthen their offense would be lucky to have him.
Conclusion
Jeremiyah Love’s decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft is the end of a pretty remarkable college run. It’s also the start of something new and, honestly, kind of thrilling for anyone who’s followed his journey.
He racked up some serious hardware at Notre Dame—Heisman Trophy finalist, Doak Walker Award winner. Those aren’t small feats, and they’ve put him right up there among the best running backs in college football history.
Now, as he gets ready to step into the NFL, there’s a lot of buzz about what he’ll do next. If you’re curious about all the details or want to dig into the projections, you might want to check out the full story over on ESPN’s website.
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