Explosive Running Back Jeremiyah Love: A Deep Dive into His 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Profile
The Dallas Cowboys are on the hunt for a dynamic running back to bolster their offense in the 2026 NFL Draft. One prospect who could be a perfect fit is Jeremiyah Love, a junior running back from Notre Dame with a remarkable track record of success.
The Rise of Jeremiyah Love: A Track Star Turned Running Back
Love's athletic prowess is undeniable. At Christian Brothers College High School, he was a star in multiple sports, leading his team to a state championship in football and excelling in track and field. His 100m dash time of 10.76 seconds and 22'01" long jump showcased his explosive speed and power.
His college career at Notre Dame has been equally impressive. As a true freshman, Love made an immediate impact, showcasing his ability to be a home-run threat. He carried the ball 71 times for 385 yards and scored one rushing touchdown, with a highlight-reel-worthy 36-yard touchdown run against Tennessee State.
In 2024, Love became the heartbeat of Notre Dame's offense, leading them to a College Football Playoff national title game appearance. He rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility with 28 receptions for 237 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Love's historic rushing-touchdown streak shattered team records and etched his name in Notre Dame history.
2025: A Breakthrough Season and National Recognition
Love's 2025 season was a breakthrough year. He amassed 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 280 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. This performance earned him the Doak Walker Award, third place in the Heisman voting, and broke Notre Dame's single-season touchdown record. His explosive running style and ability to make defenders miss made him a top draft prospect.
Scouting Report: The Good, The Bad, and The Fit
The Good:
- Elite burst and acceleration: Love explodes through the line of scrimmage, turning small lanes into chunk gains.
- Home-run speed: Once he clears the second level, Love showcases his breakaway speed.
- One-cut efficiency: He excels in zone-style runs, pressing the aiming point and making decisive cuts.
- Contact balance and yards after contact: Love consistently bounces off arm tackles and maintains balance.
- High-end make-miss ability: He can create space and evade defenders in the open field.
- Versatile receiving skills: Love contributes in the passing game, offering real receiving value.
- Three-down potential: He combines explosive plays with physicality, making him a threat inside and outside.
The Bad:
- Pass protection: Love's biggest concern is his technique and consistency as a blocker.
- Durability questions: His leaner build raises questions about his ability to handle a heavy workload in the NFL.
- Risk management: Love's hurdling habit and indecisiveness in certain runs could be concerns for NFL teams.
The Fit:
Love thrives in a modern, zone-heavy offense that utilizes his acceleration and make-miss ability. He's best suited behind a line that can generate movement and clean reads, paired with a complementary back for short-yardage work. Love can also be used as a designed weapon on screens and angle routes.
Summary and Projection:
Jeremiyah Love is an explosive feature back with big-play potential. His strengths lie in his acceleration, breakaway speed, and ability to create space. Love's efficiency in zone runs and receiving skills make him a valuable asset. However, his pass protection, durability, and risk management concerns need addressing.
Love projects as a top prospect in the running back class, capable of starting early in a zone-heavy or mixed run game. His every-down value will hinge on his ability to improve his pass protection and overall durability.
