The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most volatile and fascinating drafts in recent memory. Quarterback desperation dominates the top of the board, several franchises are flirting with full-scale rebuilds, and true offensive difference-makers are becoming increasingly valuable in a league searching for balance. That reality puts Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love squarely in the spotlight.
Love isn’t just another running back prospect—he’s a modern offensive weapon. He brings elite burst, vision, receiving ability, and home-run speed, while still possessing the toughness to carry an NFL workload. While the league may devalue the position in theory, teams still pay a premium for backs who change games immediately.
So where might Jeremiyah Love end up now that his days with the Notre Dame football team are officially over?
Ranking Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love's best fits in the 2026 Draft
Primary Needs: Quarterback, offensive line, linebacker, overall roster talent
The Giants recently drafted Cam Skattabo, and while injuries limited his rookie season, running back is not their primary concern. Coaching uncertainty clouds the franchise, with Marcus Freeman rumors floating—but the reality is simple: Freeman is not leaving Notre Dame until after winning a national championship.
Because of that, Love landing in New York feels nearly impossible.
Likely Direction: Trade the pick for significant draft capital or select a foundational piece such as Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State) or Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami) to protect Jaxson Dart.
Love Fit: Minimal. Wrong timing, wrong roster.
Primary Needs: Quarterback, offensive line, defense (everything but RB)
The Raiders need help everywhere—and drafting another running back after selecting Jeanty last year would be organizational malpractice. History says strange things can happen in Las Vegas, but logic says Tom Brady’s influence pushes the franchise toward a quarterback.
QB Targets: Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore
Other Options: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State), Mauigoa or Reese if available
Love Fit: Disaster scenario for development. Irish fans should hope this never enters the conversation.
Primary Needs: WR1, offensive line, edge rusher, secondary
From a football perspective, Love would be a seamless Derrick Henry successor—an instant playmaker who could take pressure off rookie quarterback Cam Ward. But Tennessee’s roster holes are too numerous to justify a running back this high.
Expected Move: Trade down with a quarterback-needy team
Prediction: Titans move back and land Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State).
Love Fit: Excellent player fit, unlikely draft value.
Primary Needs: Offensive tackle, wide receiver, quarterback, long-term rebuild
This is the pick that truly gets interesting. Love in Cleveland would immediately give the Browns their most dynamic running back since Jim Brown. Cleveland also owns multiple first-round picks, giving them a rare opportunity to reset the franchise.
Best-Case Scenario: Trade down and accumulate assets, Oklahoma City Thunder–style.
Love Fit: Elite on the field, questionable organizational timeline for the Notre Dame product.
Primary Needs: Full rebuild across the roster
The Jets don’t need a running back and are staring at another reset. With Aaron Glenn’s defensive background, this pick screams impact defender.
Targets: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) or David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
Love Fit: Poor. Prime years wasted in a rebuild.
Primary Needs: Offensive line, edge rusher, quarterback future
Arizona appears ready to move on from Kyler Murray and must prioritize protection and pass rush. Love would be electric in the desert, but the Cardinals simply have more pressing needs.
Targets: Caleb Downs, Spencer Fano, elite offensive linemen
Love Fit: Fun on paper, unlikely in reality.
Primary Needs: Edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, blue-chip talent
This is the first spot where Love makes overwhelming sense. Pairing him with Jayden Daniels would immediately stabilize the offense and give Washington a true identity.
Counterpoint: Defensive reinforcements like Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) may be prioritized.
Love Fit: Day-one impact star.
Verdict: Very real landing spot.
Primary Needs: Offensive tackle, edge rusher, defensive line, secondary
If New Orleans stays put and their trench targets are gone, Love could be the best player available.
Love Fit: Immediate offensive spark, but development risk in an unstable organization.
Verdict: Possible, not ideal.
Primary Needs: Cornerback, safety, defensive line, interior OL
Love would add explosiveness to Joe Burrow’s offense, but Cincinnati’s defense has reached crisis levels.
Prediction: Bengals once again favor offense and select Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon).
Love Fit: Strong—but unlikely choice.
Primary Needs: Quarterback of the future, offensive tackle, secondary
Kyren Williams continues to excel, and pairing him with Love would be terrifying. Still, Sean McVay appears focused on long-term quarterback succession.
Expected Strategy: Trade up for a QB or trade down for assets.
Love Fit: Excellent football fit, low draft probability.
Primary Needs: Cornerback, safety, defensive tackle—but star power
This is arguably Love’s cleanest fit. Love alongside Justin Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy would define Minnesota’s offensive future for the next decade.
Verdict: One of the most likely outcomes in the entire draft.
Primary Needs: Offensive line, edge rusher, secondary, organizational clarity
Love fits schematically, but Miami’s instability could derail his development.
Verdict: One of the least desirable destinations.
Primary Needs: Offensive line, running back, wide receiver, cornerback
Kansas City remains a running back away from fully unlocking the offense—yet Mahomes’ injury and looming retirements complicate the timeline.
If Love is gone: Jadarian Price becomes a realistic option.
Primary Needs: Linebacker, edge rusher, secondary—but Jerry Jones loves offense
With two first-round picks, Dallas has flexibility. Love with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens would instantly create one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
Verdict: Strong trade-up candidate.
Primary Needs: Interior OL, edge rusher, wide receiver
From a pure football standpoint, this is the best possible fit. Love learning behind Derrick Henry would give Baltimore unmatched backfield depth.
Verdict: Perfect fit, slim odds.
Final projection on where Jeremiyah Love might end up
Most Likely Landing Spots for Jeremiyah Love:
- Washington Commanders
- Minnesota Vikings
- Dallas Cowboys (via trade-up)
If Washington passes, expect Jerry Jones to aggressively pursue a move with Los Angeles.
Both Notre Dame running backs are projected to be off the board by Pick 20, with Jeremiyah Love carrying a strong chance of being selected inside the Top 11.
The Notre Dame backfield is NFL-bound—and the impact will be immediate.