Jeremiyah Love — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Cowboys were linked as landing spots for Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton at various points throughout the 2025 pre-draft process. While Jeanty was already off the board when the Cowboys were on the clock, they drafted a pair of Day 3 running backs — Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah — to join free-agent additions Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, both of whom signed one-year deals. The focal point of Notre Dame's offense, Love's blend of speed, power, vision and contact balance would give the Cowboys a true workhorse back.

The Bears didn't address running back until the seventh round last week (Kyle Monangai), so they could be seeking D'Andre Swift's successor in 2026. Their 4.0 yards per rush tied for third worst in the NFL last season. Love was electric for the Irish in 2024, averaging 6.9 yards per carry (10th best in the FBS) en route to 1,125 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. He also had 237 receiving yards. He's an explosive strider, and his body control allows him to fit his 6-foot, 206-pound frame through coin-slot-sized running lanes.

Spurned by the Raiders for Ashton Jeanty, and later by the Patriots who took RB TreVeyon Henderson one pick before them in Round 2, the Bears go with the most bankable back from the 2026 class in Love (6-0, 206 pounds).

The Packers loaded up on offensive weapons during their hometown draft, but would be wise to return to the well if Love is around for their next first-round pick. The Fighting Irish star is a threat to take it to the house on every run and could be an extremely dangerous weapon in Green Bay's scheme, given his ability on all three downs.

Love is the only running back in this way-too-early mock, but he might be the class' most exciting skill player. If he stays healthy in 2025, he will be in the Heisman discussion and cement his status as a first-round player.

For years, NFL teams were hesitant to draft backs out of Notre Dame too early, as the Irish offensive lines were often so good. With Love, however, the tape is too good. His sharp lateral cuts and smooth acceleration make him a big-play threat even when the run blocking isn't there.

He's not on Ashton Jeanty's level yet, but Love looks prepared to seize the title of college football's most dynamic back — he's already mastered the art of hurdling defenders — and a ball carrier worthy of a first-round pick. After averaging 7.0 yards per carry last season, the 6-0, 206-pounder can take some strain off C.J. Stroud and serve as a successor to Joe Mixon, who doesn't have any guaranteed money for the final year of his contract in 2026.