Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Three NFL teams that need to take a look at him are the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and the Washington Commanders.
Love is a projected 1st-round pick and finished with 1,372 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns this season with the Fighting Irish. He was one of the finalists for the Heisman Trophy alongside Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia, and Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Chiefs have truly been missing a dominant running back to complement their passing game. They now have their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, recovering from an ACL injury. Acquiring Love in this upcoming draft would make total sense for them and be a powerful move to secure their future.
Drafting a running back in Round One and particularly that high is almost always a loss of draft and cap value in today’s NFL. The RB production can be found elsewhere, and more importantly, it can be obtained at a lower cost.
Love has the talent, vision, and explosiveness to be a game-changer from day one for the Chicago. He, with quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, tight end Colston Loveland, and Ben Johnson leading the way, could be lethal for a long time.
The Bears might have zero reasons to draft a running back high in the first when they have DeAndre Swift and Kyle Monangai. They have other holes to fill, like defensive line, linebacker, defensive back, and left tackle.
Love is a generational talent type of player. Pairing him with quarterback Jayden Daniels would bring an entirely different dimension to the Commanders’ offense.
This would only work if Washington signs multiple good wide receivers in free agency, and spends a first-round pick on an RB has its risks. The Commanders also could really use help on the defensive side of the ball.
Love is a very explosive, versatile three-down weapon with elite speed, patience, agility, and strong receiving ability. He is highly productive and reliable, an NFL-ready impact RB1, although his lean frame and pass protection require refinement.
Love leaves the Fighting Irish as one of the best running backs in school history and the consensus No. 1 prospect at his position in the draft. He is the only player in Notre Dame history to win the Doak Walker Award and is their all-time single-season touchdown leader.
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