The Chiefs weren’t supposed to be picking this high.
But now that they are, one of the draft’s most explosive prospects just hinted he wouldn’t mind wearing red and gold.

Jeremiyah Love Fuels Chiefs Draft Buzz After Combine Comments

The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching fast — and one name is generating serious noise in Indianapolis: Jeremiyah Love.

The Notre Dame superstar running back, widely viewed as one of the best overall prospects in this year’s class, may have just intensified speculation linking him to the Kansas City Chiefs.

During his media availability at the NFL Combine on Friday, Love confirmed he had a formal meeting with Kansas City — and his reaction turned heads.

“I did meet formally with the Chiefs,” Love told reporters. “Being able to join that system would mean a lot… The Chiefs in general, my running back coach from Notre Dame coached there and won a Super Bowl with them. It would be cool in his eyes for me to go there and be able to play for ‘Chiefs Kingdom.’”

That’s not exactly shutting down the rumors.

A Top-10 Talent — And the Chiefs Hold No. 9

Here’s what makes this storyline even more intriguing: the Chiefs own the No. 9 overall pick.

Kansas City hasn’t drafted this high in over a decade — and certainly not during the Patrick Mahomes era. But after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025 marked by injuries and inconsistent execution, the franchise suddenly finds itself in unfamiliar territory.

General manager Brett Veach recently described this year’s draft as top-heavy at “non-premium positions” — which many interpret as code for running backs and other skill players.

Love is projected to go inside the top 10. And if he’s on the board at No. 9?

The conversation gets serious.

“I Can Do It All”

Love isn’t shy about what he brings to the table.

“I feel right being an every-down back,” he said. “I can receive. I can block. I can run. You name it.”

In a league increasingly valuing versatility, that’s exactly the profile teams crave. Love has drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs — a dynamic weapon who transformed his offense almost immediately.

Love also made it clear he believes running backs are reclaiming their importance.

“Running backs are very valuable,” he said. “Kenneth Walker III was the Super Bowl MVP. Guys like him are paving the way.”

That’s not just confidence — that’s positioning.

The Underrated Trait That Could Win Over Kansas City

When asked about the most overlooked part of his game, Love didn’t hesitate.

“Blocking,” he said. “Nobody’s really beaten me in blocking.”

For a Chiefs offense built around Patrick Mahomes, pass protection isn’t optional — it’s mandatory. If Love truly excels in blitz pickup while also offering elite explosiveness, he checks a major box in Andy Reid’s system.

And in Kansas City, protecting Mahomes is priority No. 1.

Is Running Back at No. 9 Too Bold?

That’s the million-dollar question.

The Chiefs have more glaring needs — especially at pass rusher. Taking a running back inside the top 10 can be viewed as risky in today’s NFL.

But what if Love is simply the best player available?

Adding a game-breaking back to a Mahomes-led offense could instantly revive a unit that struggled for consistency in 2025. A dual-threat weapon who can run between the tackles, catch out of the backfield, and hold up in protection?

That’s not a luxury.

That’s a multiplier.

A “Blessing in Disguise”?

The Chiefs’ rare top-10 draft position might be the silver lining of last season’s collapse.

Instead of picking in the late 20s or 30s, Kansas City now has access to elite talent — possibly the best overall player in the class.

And Jeremiyah Love just made it clear: if the call comes from Kansas City, he’s ready.

If the Chiefs pull the trigger at No. 9?

The rest of the AFC might not be thrilled.