Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love Draws NFL Draft Praise After Breakout Season

As Notre Dame eyes another deep postseason run, running back Jeremiyah Love is at the center of the offense, carrying high expectations after a standout 2025 season. Known for his dynamic style and vision, Love has modeled his game after Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, combining speed, agility, and versatility to make him a constant threat on the field.

This season, Love has shown a remarkable blend of power and elusiveness, rushing for 1,135 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He has also contributed significantly as a receiver, hauling in 26 catches for 274 yards and three scores, already surpassing his receiving totals from last season.

Love’s skill set has not gone unnoticed by NFL evaluators. According to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid, Love ranks as the third-best player in the upcoming draft class, with scouts highlighting his ability to generate explosive plays and create mismatches for opposing defenses.

The comparison to Buffalo Bills running back James Cook underscores Love’s potential at the professional level. Reid notes that Love’s combination of quickness, agility, and field vision could make him an immediate weapon for an NFL offense, much like Cook has become in Buffalo.

1. Breakout Season and Style of Play

Jeremiyah Love has flourished in Notre Dame’s offense, combining speed, balance, and creativity to consistently make big plays. His 32 runs of 10-plus yards this season rank fourth among FBS running backs, highlighting his explosiveness and ability to turn routine plays into game-changing moments. Love’s running style emphasizes balance and vision, allowing him to twist and turn through tight spaces with the fluidity reminiscent of Barry Sanders. He accelerates quickly, making him difficult to tackle and ideal for both inside and outside zones. His receiving ability adds a versatile dimension to his game. Love has improved as a pass-catcher, contributing 26 receptions this season, creating mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs. This dual-threat capability enhances Notre Dame’s offense and boosts his NFL draft stock. Coaches and scouts alike have praised Love’s football IQ and adaptability, noting his ability to read defenses, identify gaps, and make decisive moves in high-pressure situations. These qualities set him apart from other backs in the draft class.

2. NFL Draft Outlook and Comparisons

Jordan Reid of ESPN projects Love as the third-best player in the 2026 draft class, underscoring his rare combination of explosiveness, agility, and versatility. NFL teams value running backs who can contribute both as rushers and receivers, and Love fits that profile perfectly. Reid compares Love to Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, who has excelled as a dual-threat option in the NFL. Like Cook, Love can stretch defenses horizontally and vertically, providing a creative playcaller with multiple ways to utilize his skill set. The comparison reflects both Love’s productivity and his potential at the next level. Cook’s ability to thrive in multiple roles makes him a blueprint for how Love could transition to the NFL, giving teams confidence that his college success could translate professionally. Love’s draft stock is further enhanced by his durability and consistency. Through 10 games this season, he has already surpassed many of his previous season’s totals, demonstrating growth, resilience, and an ability to perform against elite competition.

3. Season Highlights and Professional Projection

This season, Love has already eclipsed his previous rushing and receiving numbers, totaling 1,135 yards and 17 touchdowns across the ground and air. His ability to generate explosive plays and maintain efficiency under pressure has been a hallmark of Notre Dame’s offense. Love’s 6.4 yards per carry and production in the passing game show he is not a one-dimensional back, making him an attractive prospect for teams seeking flexibility in their offensive schemes. His vision, quickness, and ability to gain yards after contact will be crucial at the next level. With the NFL draft approaching, scouts will be watching closely to see how Love performs in key matchups and against top-tier defenses. Strong performances in postseason play or all-star events could further cement his status as a top-three pick. Ultimately, Love’s combination of talent, versatility, and proven production positions him as one of the premier running backs in college football and a potential impact player for any NFL team that selects him.