NFL DRAFT: Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love picked by the Arizona Cardinals with 3rd overall pick

TL;DR

Jeremiyah Love, a running back from Notre Dame, was selected 3rd overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Draft. This marks the first time since 1993 that a Notre Dame running back has been picked in the first round.

Key points

Jeremiyah Love selected 3rd overall by Arizona Cardinals
First Notre Dame running back drafted in first round since 1993
Love ran for 2497 yards and 35 touchdowns in final two seasons

Mentioned in this story

Arizona CardinalsNotre DameLos Angeles Rams

Jeremiyah LoveJerome Bettis

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love runs with the ball in the second half of a NCAA football game against NC State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images While there is some debate about who is the best player in the NFL Draft, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is clearly the best running back in the class — and maybe one of the best in the last decade. Running back isn’t considered as a premium position in the NFL, so a player really has to stand out as someone who is more than elite to be selected in the top 10. Jeremiyah Love is THAT elite. With the 3rd pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. This is the first time since 1993 that a Notre Dame running back has been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Back then it was Jerome Bettis going to the Los Angeles Rams with the 10th overall pick. Love is an extraordinary talent, and one of the best to ever do it at Notre Dame. In his final two seasons at Notre Dame, Love ran for 2497 yards and 35 touchdowns (6.9 YPC) and caught 55 passes for 517 yards and 5 touchdowns. But it wasn’t just the stats that wow’d the nation, this Unanimous All-American was a walking highlight reel that included hurdles, long runs, spin moves, jukes, stiff arms, and the best TD celebration in the country. Positional value is often given too much credence in the NFL Draft. Love is arguably the best player in the draft, and is ready to be a real offensive weapon for his new franchise.

Q&A

What are Jeremiyah Love's college stats at Notre Dame?

In his final two seasons, Jeremiyah Love ran for 2,497 yards and 35 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

When was the last time a Notre Dame running back was drafted in the first round?

The last Notre Dame running back selected in the first round was Jerome Bettis in 1993, who was picked 10th overall by the Los Angeles Rams.

Why is Jeremiyah Love considered an elite running back?

Jeremiyah Love is regarded as elite due to his impressive stats, versatility, and playmaking ability, making him a standout in this year's draft.

NFL DRAFT: Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love picked by the Arizona Cardinals with 3rd overall pick

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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