Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)
Notre Dame’s modern running back standard now officially moves to the next level. Jeremiyah Love, a Heisman Trophy finalist and the most dominant offensive weapon in college football this season, announced Tuesday night that he will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, closing the book on a historic three-year run in South Bend.
A Junior Season That Cemented His Status
Love’s decision follows one of the most productive seasons ever by a Notre Dame running back. The 6-foot, 214-pound junior led the nation’s elite backs with 21 total touchdowns in 2025, breaking Jerome Bettis’ long-standing single-season program record. He finished the regular season with 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, and a staggering 6.89 yards per carry, ranking among the national leaders in every major rushing category. His impact extended beyond the box score, as he scored in 11 straight games and consistently tilted defensive game plans in Notre Dame’s favor.
Heisman Recognition and National Accolades
Love finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, trailing only Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, making him the highest-finishing non-quarterback in the race. He also became Notre Dame’s first-ever winner of the Doak Walker Award, an honor that underscored his combination of power, vision, and explosiveness. By season’s end, Love ranked third all-time in Notre Dame history with 42 career touchdowns, despite splitting carries for much of his tenure.
Draft Stock and NFL Projection
NFL evaluators view Love as the premier running back in the 2026 class and a potential top-15 pick. Mel Kiper Jr. currently slots him No. 3 overall on ESPN’s Big Board, while multiple mock drafts project him in the top 10. Analysts consistently point to his elite burst, advanced receiving ability, and durability as traits that separate him from the rest of the class. Even while sharing the backfield with Jadarian Price, Love produced at a volume and efficiency level rarely seen in modern college football.
What His Departure Means for Notre Dame
Love’s college career ends abruptly after Notre Dame finished 10–2 and narrowly missed the College Football Playoff, opting out of a bowl game. His departure leaves a massive production void, particularly if Price also declares for the draft. The Fighting Irish will now look to younger backs such as Aneyas Williams to carry the load, but replacing Love’s explosiveness and consistency will be a tall order.
As Love prepares for the NFL, he leaves Notre Dame not just as an award winner, but as one of the most complete offensive players the program has produced in decades—a benchmark future Irish backs will be measured against.
