Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, closing a prolific three-year career in South Bend.
The Heisman Trophy finalist announced his decision Tuesday night after Notre Dame’s season officially ended. The Fighting Irish opted not to participate in a bowl game following their exclusion from the College Football Playoff in the final rankings.
“Heading off to college, there are many uncertainties, but I knew Notre Dame was the perfect home for me,” Love wrote in a statement posted to social media. “I am especially grateful to my coaches for pushing me outside of my comfort zone while allowing me to be me.”
Love finished third in the Heisman voting Saturday behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. He rushed 199 times for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns during the 2025 season, adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three more scores.
The junior topped 100 rushing yards in six of Notre Dame’s 12 games and delivered one of the season’s most dominant performances Oct. 18 against USC, carrying the ball 24 times for 228 yards in a victory over the Trojans. He scored at least one touchdown in all but one game, Notre Dame’s season-opening loss to Miami.
That defeat ultimately played a role in the Irish missing the playoff. Notre Dame and Miami both finished 10-2, but the Hurricanes were selected ahead of the Irish, with the head-to-head result cited as a tiebreaker.
Love also starred in 2024, rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on 163 carries. For his career, he averaged 6.7 yards per carry and accounted for 42 total touchdowns.
Love is viewed as a potential first-round pick and a possible top-15 selection. According to The Athletic, there are five teams who are in the market for a running back. Except Love to get buzz from the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, New York Jets, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
The 2026 NFL draft begins April 23.
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- Pat McAfee delivers reality check to Diego Pavia for Heisman weekend antics
- Fernando Mendoza won't keep the Heisman Trophy
- Why LSU should be extremely nervous about Michigan firing Sherrone Moore