Christian McCaffrey Backs Jeremiyah Love as Draft’s Top Running Back Prospect

The San Francisco 49ers already boast one of the league’s premier offensive weapons in Christian McCaffrey, but attention across the NFL is increasingly shifting toward the next potential star at the position. That player is Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame standout widely viewed as the top running back in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Love’s combination of power, vision, and explosiveness has positioned him as one of the most intriguing prospects regardless of position. While debates continue over the value of drafting running backs early, his talent has forced evaluators to reconsider traditional draft logic.

McCaffrey, one of the most accomplished running backs of his generation, has added his voice to the growing consensus around Love’s potential. His endorsement carries particular weight given his own experience as a former Offensive Player of the Year and multi-time All-Pro selection.

As the draft approaches, Love’s rising profile has placed him firmly in the top tier of prospects, with speculation building around how early he may hear his name called.

1. McCaffrey Sees Rare Traits in Love

McCaffrey offered strong praise for Love’s natural ability, highlighting traits that he believes cannot be taught. His evaluation centered on instincts, balance, and vision—qualities that separate good running backs from elite ones. According to McCaffrey, Love plays with a level of “extra juice” that stands out on film. That description reflects the type of instinctive explosiveness often associated with top-tier NFL backs. He also pointed to Love’s contact balance and awareness as defining strengths. These attributes allow him to remain effective even when plays break down or defenders close in quickly. Beyond the film study, McCaffrey referenced feedback from those around the Notre Dame program, noting consistent praise from people who have worked closely with the young back.

2. Draft Buzz Builds Around Early Selection

Love’s draft stock has risen steadily, with many projections placing him inside the top five selections. That level of value is rare for a running back in the modern NFL draft landscape. Despite teams often prioritizing quarterbacks, offensive tackles, and edge rushers early, Love’s talent has made him an exception in several mock drafts. His name has been linked to teams picking near the top of the order. Franchises such as the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants have frequently been mentioned as potential landing spots, reflecting the debate between positional need and elite talent. At 6-foot and 212 pounds, Love brings a rare blend of size and speed that continues to challenge traditional draft evaluations.

3. Production and Versatility Drive His Profile

On the field, Love has delivered production that matches his rising reputation. He played a key role in Notre Dame’s run to the national championship game, establishing himself as a centerpiece of the offense. In his most recent season, he recorded 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries, showcasing both durability and efficiency as a primary ball carrier. His contributions extended beyond the ground game, adding 517 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns over his collegiate career. That versatility has led some scouts to project him as a dual-threat weapon at the next level. McCaffrey believes that versatility is what ultimately defines elite running backs, and he sees Love as capable of evolving into a complete offensive playmaker.