NFL GM Says Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love Is 'Far and Away' Best RB in 2026 Draft Class

After being a key driving force for Notre Dame during its run to the College Football Playoff Championship Game last season, Jeremiyah Love is getting a lot of love from NFL executives ahead of the 2026 draft.

Per ESPN's Matt Miller, one NFL general manager called Love "far and away" the best running back in the upcoming draft class if he leaves Notre Dame after the 2025 season.

"Love is far and away the best back in the class," the GM said. "Probably in college, period. At least on offense, he holds the largest gap between prospect No. 1 and prospect No. 2 at any position."

B/R's NFL scouting department released a way-too-early 2026 mock draft in April, with Love being selected at No. 14 overall by the Seattle Seahawks.

Love spent his freshman season in 2023 as the No. 2 back on Notre Dame's roster behind Audric Estimé. The 20-year-old took over the lead role last year after Estimé moved on to the NFL.

There was no period of adjustment needed for Love. He racked up 1,125 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards and scored 19 total touchdowns in 16 games. His 6.9 yards per carry was the fifth-highest among all FBS players with at least 150 rushing attempts.

Per Trevor Sikkema and Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus, Love had the second-best forced missed tackle rate (38 percent) among all Power Four running backs last season.

Love also displayed strong hands as a pass-catcher out of the backfield with 28 receptions.

As long as Love makes it through the upcoming season healthy, he has a strong chance to join Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty as the only running backs selected with a top-20 pick since 2019.