Jeremiyah Love is only a true sophomore but has already established himself as one of the best running backs in the country. He has been dominant throughout the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s playoff run, with an electric performance against Indiana and maybe the best highlight of the playoffs with his touchdown run against Penn State in the semifinal.
He certainly has the ability to be an NFL star, but when is Love eligible to play in the league?
When Can Jeremiyah Love Be Drafted?
NFL teams looking to add Love to their roster will have to wait one more year until the superstar RB is draft-eligible. Love is looking to cap off his tremendous sophomore campaign with a national championship, and luckily for the Fighting Irish, they’ll get to run it back with him next season.
The NCAA states that college football players must complete three years of college before declaring for the NFL Draft, so if Love is ready after his junior season, then he can enter his name for the 2026 process.
While Love has to wait another year, he is already an NFL talent and would be one of the top running backs in this year’s draft class, up there with names like Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton.
Love provides all three necessary traits to be an elite NFL running back. The sophomore is an explosive runner with breakaway speed and showcases the ability to break tackles in the open field.
Love can also be a capable pass catcher out of the backfield, providing a safety blanket and a reliable checkdown option for his quarterback. Finally, Love also possesses the ability, play strength, and toughness to stay in and pick up blitzes, making him a consistent pass protector.
FOLLOW ALONG: Track Every Transfer Portal Entrant in our CFN Transfer Portal Tracker now!
Up to this point in his career, Love has had 230 carries for 1,506 yards and 18 TDs, averaging a staggering 6.5 yards per carry. He also has 34 catches for 309 yards and three TDs as a receiving option.
While NFL fans do have to wait another year for Love to be eligible, he is definitely a name to follow for the 2026 NFL Draft. In the meantime, college football fans get to enjoy a potential Heisman campaign next year for the Notre Dame superstar.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
