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Experts predict Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame will be the first running back selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite a weak running back class, his standout performance in college positions him well for a successful NFL career.
Jeremiyah Love draft projections: Compare expert mock drafts for Notre Dame RB landing spots originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NFL Draft can be tough to predict, but experts, prognosticators and fans alike all seem to agree that Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love will be the first running back to hear his name called this year.
It's a fairly weak draft for running backs, at least in the early rounds, but Love won't be the first off the board by default. He lit up opposing defenses in his final season with the Fighting Irish and showed skills that can translate to stardom in the NFL in the process.
Ashton Jeanty proved in his rookie season that situation still matters, even for talented running backs. Love will hope to land with a team that will put him in a position to succeed from day one, but that isn't always the reality with so many struggling teams picking near the top of the draft.
Here's where the experts are projecting Love to land in the 2026 NFL Draft.
MORE:Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft
Vinnie Iyer released a 3-round mock draft on April 15.
SN's own Vinnie Iyer projects Love to land with the Titans at No. 4 overall in his latest three-round mock draft. The are in an interesting position with a quarterback already in place, a new head coach and a trade down rumored to be a possibility, but Love would add a dynamic element to Tennessee's offense even with coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. After another difficult year, though, it's worth wondering whether there are greater areas of need.
Experts project Jeremiyah Love to be the first running back selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jeremiyah Love showcased impressive skills and performance during his final season at Notre Dame, making him a standout prospect.
The 2026 draft class for running backs is considered weak, particularly in the early rounds, which may benefit Love's draft position.
Love's landing spot will depend on team needs and the overall draft strategy of teams picking early, especially those struggling in recent seasons.

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Dane Brugler released a 7-round mock draft on April 14.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler projects Love as the No. 7 pick to the Commanders. Love and the Commanders have been tied together throughout the draft process, though Washington can't be sure he will still be on the board when it's the franchise's turn. The Commanders could use an injection of youth throughout their roster, but they have a major need in the backfield with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White as their top options.
Mel Kiper Jr. released a mock draft on April 15.
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes Love won't be on the board when the Commanders pick, as he has the Notre Dame star going to Tennessee. That would make Love the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018.
Tom Fornelli released a mock draft on April 15.
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli has Love falling to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 9, via trade with the Chiefs. The Chiefs were projected as a popular landing spot for Love before their signing of Kenneth Walker III, so they could be open to a move down in this scenario. The Vikings nearly moved on from Aaron Jones this offseason and also have Jordan Mason in the mix, so a long-term solution at running back would be welcomed.
Todd McShay released a mock draft on April 15.
The Ringer's Todd McShay is on board with the idea of Love landing in Nashville to play for Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll, as he has the Notre Dame star coming off the board at No. 4.
Mike Band released a mock draft on April 14.
NFL Network's Mike Band is also projecting Love to be the No. 4 pick to the Titans, making Tennessee the most popular destination for the Heisman Trophy finalist.
Peter Schrager released a mock draft on April 7.
ESPN's Peter Schrager is among the many pundits projecting Love to land with the Titans at No. 4 overall.