The 2026 NFL Draft conversation just took a dramatic turn, and the name at the center of the buzz is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
After a spectacular college career with the Fighting Irish, Love is entering the draft cycle as one of the most electrifying offensive prospects available. His combination of explosive speed, versatility, and technical discipline has already captured the attention of NFL scouts. Now, a bold evaluation from a respected analyst has pushed his hype to an entirely new level.
During a recent discussion on ESPN’s “This Is Football”, Love made it clear that he is ready to do whatever his future team asks of him. Whether it means catching passes, blocking defenders, or carrying the ball in high-pressure situations, the Notre Dame star insists he is prepared for every responsibility.
That mindset is exactly what NFL teams want to hear.
Over the course of his collegiate career, Love delivered remarkable production, finishing with 42 total touchdowns and racking up significant yardage while serving as the centerpiece of Notre Dame’s offense. His ability to burst through small gaps and accelerate instantly into open space made him one of the most dangerous players in college football.
But it was his performance at the NFL Combine that truly ignited the conversation.
Love stunned scouts by clocking a blazing 4.36-second 40-yard dash, a time that immediately placed him among the fastest offensive prospects in the draft. That speed, combined with his agility and vision, reinforced the idea that he could become a dynamic playmaker at the next level.
And according to New York Times draft analyst Bruce Feldman, Love might even surpass one of the most highly regarded running backs from the previous draft class.
Feldman recently suggested that Jeremiyah Love could ultimately become a better NFL prospect than Ashton Jeanty, a bold statement considering Jeanty entered the league with enormous expectations as one of the top running backs in his class.
The comparison instantly sparked debate among fans and scouts.
However, several NFL evaluators appear to agree with Feldman’s assessment. League sources have reportedly praised Love’s rare combination of athleticism and technical skill, particularly highlighting one aspect of his game that often separates good running backs from great ones: pass protection.
According to scouts, Love is already as polished in pass blocking as any running back entering this year’s draft. That level of readiness is uncommon for college prospects and significantly increases his value to teams looking for an every-down contributor.
In today’s NFL, running backs must do far more than carry the ball. They must protect quarterbacks, run precise routes, and contribute in multiple offensive schemes. Love’s well-rounded skill set suggests he could thrive in that modern role.
For teams searching for a reliable offensive weapon—potentially including franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs, who continue to look for stability in the backfield—Love presents a compelling option.
Meanwhile, back in South Bend, Notre Dame is preparing for life without its offensive star.
The Fighting Irish are undergoing several changes heading into the 2026 season, including staff adjustments following their strong 10-win campaign in 2025. Head coach Marcus Freeman recently brought in Brian Jean-Mary from Michigan to help guide a defense that performed well last season.
Still, replacing Love’s offensive impact will be no easy task.
Notre Dame’s playoff hopes last year ended in controversy after the team was snubbed from the postseason, despite its strong record. Losing their most explosive offensive weapon only adds to the challenge of maintaining that level of success.
For Jeremiyah Love, however, the future appears incredibly bright.
With elite speed, advanced blocking ability, and a résumé packed with explosive plays, he is rapidly emerging as one of the most complete running backs in the 2026 draft class.
And if Bruce Feldman’s bold prediction proves correct, Love may soon be remembered not just as a standout college star—but as the running back who redefined expectations for his entire draft class.
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