Sportsvival is here to break down the top prospects destined for the 2026 NFL Draft class, spotlighting the breakout stars poised to make an immediate impact. From dynamic quarterbacks to game-wrecker edge rushers, we’ll analyze the film, metrics, and intangibles that set these athletes apart. Tune in as Sportsvival delivers the comprehensive scouting insights you need to know before draft day.
Today we profile:
RB- Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame
6’0” 214 lbs.
Born: 5-31-2005
Jeremiyah Love was born in University City, Missouri and attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Missouri.
In high school, Love played football, basketball, and was a sprinter for the track and field team.
As a junior, Love rushed for 996 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping win the MSHSAA Class 6A state championship.
As a senior, he tallied 1,291 yards and 22 touchdowns on 140 carries and hauled in 13 receptions for 370 yards and five touchdowns. Love had 317 total yards in the 6A state championship game in win over Lee’s Summit North, and was named MaxPreps Missouri High School Football Player of the Year, Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, and an Under Armour All-American.
Coming out of high school, Love was rated as a four-star recruit, and the 4th best running back in the class of 2023 by Rivals.com. Love committed to play college football at Notre Dame over Texas A&M, Michigan and Oregon.
In his first collegiate game, Love rushed for a touchdown on a 36-yard run over Tennessee State. He finished his freshman season with 385 yards on 71 carries and a touchdown, while hauling in eight receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Love entered the 2024 season as the starting running back for the Fighting Irish following the departure of teammate Audric Estime. The sophomore running back finished the season with 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, and 28 catches for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air.
He also had a 98-yard touchdown run in the first round of the playoffs against Indiana, and a dominant rushing performance against Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
The junior running back returns as one of the nation's top running backs. Love was named pre-season first-team All-American by Sportsvival.
Strengths
Has excellent contact, and will need to be wrapped up to be brought down.
Game breaking speed and hits holes in a flash and can threaten a home run on every carry
Runs solid routes and then uses his speed to be a weapon in the open field.
A three-down back who defenses will have to pay attention to no matter what the situation.
Is a highlight waiting to happen. Uses several different moves in the open field, could battle Saquon Barkley for the best hurdle ability.
Jeremiyah Love has the ability to take a handoff and hit the hole instantly. The defense will have to wrap Love up because he runs with an uncanny balance and can hit off defenders and keep his feet moving. If he hits a clean hole he could turn any carry into a touchdown. He has the skillset to be a weapon out of the backfield. If Love catches a pass in the open field, defenses will have trouble containing the 6’0” running back. Love has a chance to be a human highlight film with his spins, hurdles and open field moves.
Weaknesses
His vision can be underwhelming at times on delays or cut backs.
Can run reckless at times which could lead to fumbles and or injury.
Although we previously stated he is a three-down back, he will need to improve his pass blocking technique
Will need to add muscle and weight to be a 20+ ball carrier in the NFL.
Love can have issues with delays and cutbacks and lacks the patience for allowing his blockers to work for him at times. Although it will be fun watching him run in the NFL, his running style could lead to turnovers and injury. He loves to leave his feet, in the NFL this could be problematic. He needs to add weight and muscle–this will help make him a better pass blocker and help him take on a larger workload.
Pro Comparision
Saquon Barkley
Jeremiyah Love is a smaller version (28 lbs lighter) of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Love may actually have more speed, but his lack of size will keep him from being able to take on the workload of Barkley.
Final Thoughts:
Sportsvival loves the big play ability of Jeremiyah Love. If he is drafted in the right situation and does not have to be a workhorse, it is hard to not see him have a successful NFL career. If he comes out, he should be one of the top running backs off the board.