Jeremiyah Love Scouting Report: Notre Dame RB | 2026 NFL Draft Prospect

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Name: Jeremiyah Love

Position: Running Back

School: Notre Dame University

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 206 lbs

Class: Junior (2025 season)

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

High School: Christian Brothers College High School

Recruiting Rank: 4-star recruit, #59 overall, #4 RB nationally (2023, Rivals.com)

Draft Range Summary

Jeremiyah Love is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with some analysts ranking him as the top running back, driven by his explosive speed and versatility during Notre Dame’s 2024 National Championship run.

• PFF: 1st round, No. 7 overall, RB1 (Apr 2025, web:18)

• ESPN: 1st round, No. 17 overall, RB1 (May 2025)

• CBS Sports: 1st round, No. 14 overall, RB1 (Apr 2025)

• The Athletic: 1st round, No. 14 overall, RB1 (Apr 2025)

• NFL Draft Buzz: 1st round, RB1, 88.1 rating (May 2025, web:2)

• Tankathon: 1st round, No. 15 overall, RB1 (Jun 2025, web:4)

Combine Data/Unofficial Times: No official NFL Combine data available (as of June 18, 2025). Per NFL Draft Buzz, Love ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, with a 10.76-second 100-meter PR in high school track (Missouri Class 5 state champion, 2021). High school stats: 2,287 yards, 36 TDs over two seasons (2021–2022).

Career Background

Jeremiyah Love, a four-star recruit from Christian Brothers College High School, was Missouri’s Gatorade Player of the Year (2022), rushing for 2,287 yards and 36 TDs. He chose Notre Dame over Texas A&M, Michigan, and Oregon. As a freshman (2023), Love showed promise, averaging 5.4 YPC on 71 carries (385 yards, 1 TD). In 2024, he started all 16 games during Notre Dame’s National Championship run, rushing for 1,124 yards and 17 TDs, including a record-setting 98-yard TD against Indiana in the College Football Playoff. His 1,400 all-purpose yards and 19 TDs earned him AP Second-team All-American honors.

Love returns in 2025, aiming for a Heisman campaign under coaches Ja’Juan Seider (Asst. head Coach/RBs) and Mike Denbrock (Offensive Coordinator), leveraging a college football national championship appearance and Notre Dame’s robust offensive line (22 sacks allowed, 2024, PFF). His track background (10.76 100m) and versatility position him as a top RB1 candidate.

Career Stats (Through 2024 Season)

• 2023 (Freshman, Notre Dame): 71 carries, 385 yards (5.4 YPC), 1 TD; 8 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD; no FMTPA recorded (PFF 2023)

• 2024 (Sophomore, PFF 2024): 162 carries, 1,124 yards (6.9 YPC), 17 TDs; 24 receptions, 237 yards, 2 TDs; 62 missed tackles forced

• Career Totals (2 Seasons): 233 carries, 1,509 yards (6.5 YPC), 18 TDs; 32 receptions, 314 yards, 3 TDs; 62 known missed tackles forced

Advanced Stats (2024, PFF 2024)

• PFF Rushing Grade: 91.1 (top-2 FBS)

• PFF Receiving Grade: 82.0 (top-5 RB)

• Yards After Contact: 669 (59.5% of total, top-5 FBS)

• Forced Missed Tackles: 62 (4th among FBS)

• Forced Missed Tackles per Attempt: 0.383 (62 missed tackles / 162 carries, 3rd among FBS RBs with 100+ carries)

• Breakaway Run %: 12.3% (20 runs of 15+ yards, top-5 RB)

• Fumble Rate: 0.0% (0 fumbles, 162 carries), best among RBs

• Pass-Block Grade: 76.5 (top-10 RB)

• Drop Rate: 4.0% (1 drop, 25 targets), below median (~5.0%)

Awards and Accolades

• High School:

• Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year (2022)

• MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year (2022)

• Under Armour All-American (2023)

• College:

• First-team All-ACC (2024)

• AP Second-team All-American (2024)

• Doak Walker Award Semifinalist (2024)

• PFF National Player of the Week (vs. Indiana, 2024)

Character and Leadership

Love’s journey from St. Louis to Notre Dame reflects resilience and discipline, per fightingirish.com. A vocal leader, he earned praise from coach Marcus Freeman for clutch playoff performances (e.g., TD vs. Penn State). His 2025 return signals team commitment and Heisman ambition, per X posts. No off-field issues reported, with X posts noting his St. Louis community engagement. His low carry count (233) and zero fumbles enhance durability outlook.

Injuries

Love managed a late-season knee injury in 2024, playing all 16 games and scoring a TD in each, setting a Notre Dame record. His 6’0”, 206-pound frame and track speed (4.44 40) suggest durability, but his lighter build raises concerns for NFL workloads. A healthy 2025 offseason is key to maintaining explosiveness.

Play Style

Jeremiyah Love is a dynamic, speed-driven back with elite elusiveness, thriving in Notre Dame’s spread offense. His track-verified speed (4.44 40, 10.76 100m) and open-field agility (0.383 FMTPA, 3rd in FBS, PFF 2024) produce explosive plays, like his 98-yard TD vs. Indiana. He navigates gaps with quick cuts and vision, averaging 6.9 YPC and 12.3% breakaway runs. His 669 yards after contact (59.5%) show decent balance, but his 206-pound frame limits power against stacked boxes (4.2 YPC vs. Georgia, 2024).

As a receiver, Love’s 24 catches (237 yards, 2024) and 82.0 PFF receiving grade highlight versatility on screens and flats. His pass-blocking (76.5 PFF grade) is strong for a sophomore, aiding third-down roles, though he needs refinement against NFL edge rushers. Vision occasionally falters on gap schemes, missing cutback lanes, and his route tree is underdeveloped. Ball security is elite (0 fumbles), but durability concerns linger due to his lighter frame.

Strengths

1. Elite Speed: 4.44 40, 12.3% breakaway rate, 98-yard TD run.

2. Elusiveness: 0.383 FMTPA (3rd in 2024), 62 forced missed tackles (PFF 2024).

3. Receiving Versatility: 24 catches, 82.0 PFF receiving grade, 0 drops.

4. Ball Security: 0.0% fumble rate, zero career fumbles (PFF 2024).

5. Big-Game Impact: TD in all 16 games, 5 100-yard performances.

Weaknesses

1. Limited Power: 206 lbs limits inside running (4.2 YPC vs. Georgia).

2. Pass-Blocking Nuance: 76.5 PFF grade needs polish for NFL blitzes.

3. Vision Inconsistency: Misses cutbacks on gap schemes.

4. Durability Concerns: Lighter frame untested for bell-cow role.

5. Route-Running: Underdeveloped route tree, straight-line concepts.

Limitations

Love’s lighter frame (206 lbs) and moderate power (4.2 YPC vs. stacked fronts) limit his effectiveness in power/gap schemes, favoring spread/zone systems that maximize his speed and elusiveness (0.383 FMTPA). His zero fumbles are elite, but low carry volume (162 max, 2024) raises durability questions for a workhorse role. Pass-blocking (76.5 PFF) is advanced but needs nuance for complex NFL protections. Adding 5–10 lbs and proving volume durability in 2025, especially against Texas A&M’s defense, are critical for RB1 status.

College Scheme Experience

Love operates in Notre Dame’s spread offense under Mike Denbrock (2024–present), featuring 60% 11 personnel, 45% run rate, and a 55% zone/45% gap mix, with heavy play-action (25% dropbacks) and up-tempo pace (2.1 plays/minute, PFF 2024). The scheme leverages Love’s speed (6.9 YPC) and elusiveness (0.383 FMTPA) on outside zone and toss plays, as seen in his 98-yard TD vs. Indiana. Motion (38% snaps) and RPOs (12%) create space for his burst (669 yards after contact), while his 24 catches (10% RB targets) highlight checkdowns and wheel routes, boosting his pass-blocking value (76.5 PFF grade).

In 2023 under Gerad Parker, the offense leaned gap-heavy (60%), limiting Love’s open-field chances (5.4 YPC). Denbrock’s 2024 spread increased zone runs, elevating Love’s efficiency (91.1 PFF grade) and big-play rate (12.3%). His platoon with Jadarian Price (162 vs. 110 carries) caps volume, but 59.5% yards after contact shine behind Notre Dame’s line (22 sacks allowed, PFF 2024). In 2025, Denbrock’s scheme with Riley Leonard and receivers like Jaden Greathouse will expand Love’s receiving role.

Player Comparison

Comparison: Jahmyr Gibbs (5’9”, 200 lbs, Detroit Lions, 2023–present). Gibbs’ explosive speed (4.36 40), elusiveness (~0.35 FMTPA, est.), and receiving (52 catches, 2023) mirror Love’s 4.44 40, 0.383 FMTPA (3rd in 2024), and 24 catches. Both thrive in spread/zone schemes, using quick cuts and burst (Gibbs’ 5.2 YPC, Love’s 6.9 YPC), as seen in Love’s 137-yard game vs. USC and Gibbs’ 76-yard TD (2023). Their contact balance (Love’s 59.5% yards after contact, Gibbs’ ~50%) and pass-blocking (~75 vs. 76.5 PFF) align, with Gibbs’ heavier receiving role (52 catches) edging Love’s developing routes. At 5’9”, 200 lbs, Gibbs is slightly smaller than Love’s 6’0”, 206 lbs, but Love’s taller frame offers leverage, while Gibbs’ first-round pedigree (No. 12, 2023) matches Love’s projected top-15 pick.

Off-Field Considerations

Love’s high school accolades and Notre Dame rise reflect discipline, per fightingirish.com. His playoff leadership, praised by Freeman, shows maturity. No off-field issues reported, with X posts highlighting St. Louis community work. Notre Dame’s 4.0% drop rate (2024, PFF) supports his reliable hands (4.0% drop rate). Denbrock’s 2025 scheme should amplify production.

Draft Outlook and Recommendations

Jeremiyah Love’s elite speed, elusiveness, and three-down versatility position him as the RB1 favorite for the 2026 NFL Draft. His 2024 breakout (1,124 yards, 17 TDs) and 2025 return to Notre Dame offer a chance to prove durability and add bulk, critical for a first-round lock. Facing Texas A&M’s defense in Week 2 and dominating ACC opponents will solidify his stock, per ESPN projections. A 1,500-yard, 20-TD 2025 could secure a top-10 pick, while regression risks a second-round slide.

• Personal Draft Recommendation: mid-late 1st Round (2026). Love’s speed, elusiveness, and receiving make him a dynamic playmaker, but adding 5–10 lbs and proving workhorse volume are key. Staying at Notre Dame maximizes his development in Denbrock’s scheme.

Final Evaluation

Jeremiyah Love’s explosive athleticism, elite elusiveness, and three-down potential make him a premier 2026 NFL Draft prospect with RB1 upside. His breakaway speed and home run ability makes him a dangerous weapon on any down. His 2024 performance and 2025 return to Notre Dame provide a platform to address power and durability concerns, positioning him as a potential NFL feature back with targeted development, akin to Jahmyr Gibbs’ dynamic impact.