With the NFL season officially kicking off on Wednesday night (for the first time ever), Notre Dame fans are likely very excited to see both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price announce their presence with authority. However, for both rookie rushers, there are some speed bumps ahead of their professional debut.
Despite both Love and Price going in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, as of Wednesday morning, neither is listed as the starter for either the Arizona Cardinals or the Seattle Seahawks. Love listed as the No. 2 back makes more sense, though it also reeks more of stubborn coaching than the former Irish back underperforming the starter.
Love was hobbled earlier in the preseason with a high ankle sprain after a fantastic debut. After that first appearance, the Cardinals announced he was questionable for Week 1. While the team is now hopeful he can play, he’s listed behind Tyler Allgeier, whom the team signed as a free agent over the offseason.
There was another surprise for Love and the Cards. He is listed as the third kick returner behind Devin Duvernay and cornerback Max Melton. While the Heisman finalist didn’t return kicks much for Notre Dame, he started the offseason looking like he would be a weapon there for Arizona. That he’s not the chief returner is even more of a surprise if he’s not the premier running back.
Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price face surprising NFL Week 1 roles after their Notre Dame football careers
Granted, this move could also be because of his ankle injury, though as a general rule, an injury doesn’t mean an NFL team won’t still list a player at No. 1 on the depth chart, even if he doesn’t get the bulk of the snaps at his respective position.
Price not starting for the Seahawks might be the biggest surprise of the two. Reports were coming out of Seattle’s camp that he was far and away the most impressive running back, especially after the team traded last year’s starter, Kenneth Walker, to Kansas City ahead of the draft.
With Seattle opening the season on Wednesday night, Price is listed behind George Holani on the depth chart. Of course, it’s possible that the Seahawks’ depth chart isn’t something to really go by when it comes to playing time. The team is expected to give as many as three backs plenty of touches.
For now, both teams appear to be easing the former Notre Dame rookies into NFL regular-season life. Fighting Irish fans will get their first look at the Seahawks’ plan for Jadarian Price on Wednesday night against the New England Patriots. They’ll hopefully see Jeremiyah Love on Sunday afternoon when the Cardinals take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
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