Every Notre Dame fan knows that Jeremiyah Love is one of the best, if not the best, running backs in college football, and it has finally been decided. Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller announced their 2026 NFL Draft class ratings and rated Love as the No. 1 running back.
Love had a fantastic 2024 season, even with dealing with an injury later in the season. Love finished the year with 1,125 rushing yards on 163 carries, which meant he averaged 6.9 yards per carry. Love also finished the year with 17 rushing touchdowns, along with 28 receptions for 237 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
With a new season on the horizon and Love is returning for this third season with the Fighting Irish. Love's takeover of the starting position was what truly made him a great running back last season, but it is time to show his true dominance. With a chance in the quarterback position at Notre Dame, Love has the ability to really make the offense run through him, literally.
Notre Dame RB Jerimiyah Love is the No. 1 rated RB in the 2026 NFL Draft class, according to Mel Kiper and Matt Miller.
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) June 28, 2025
Love burst onto the scene as a sophomore, rushing for 1,125 yards on 163 carries (6.9 YPC) and 17 TD with 28 rec. for 237 rec. yards and 2 TD in 16 games. pic.twitter.com/9f8NzDtkxr
If Love can put together an even better season than what he did in 2024, he has the chance to be a very high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if he chooses to declare for the draft. Running backs typically don't go very high in the draft, but in the 2025 draft, two were taken, with Boise State's Ashton Jeanty going to the Las Vegas Raiders with the sixth overall pick and UNC's Omarion Hampton going to the Las Angeles Chargers with the 22nd overall pick.
Love being ranked at the No. 1 running back is great for Notre Dame heading into a season where many people are saying they need to prove that they are worthy. Notre Dame making it to the National Championship last season was great, but now many people want to see if they can actually sustain the success, and Love could be the key to that.