The 2026 NFL Draft’s top RB lands with the Cardinals in first round

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (RB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

No. 3 is not too high to draft one of this year’s most dynamic offensive weapons, and the Cardinals didn’t miss out. Jeremiyah Love has been drafted by the Cardinals with the third overall pick.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Stats & Accolades

• 2023: (13 games played, one start), 385 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, eight receptions, 77 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown

• 2024: (16 games played, 16 starts), 1,125 rushing yards, 17 rushing touchdowns, 28 receptions, 237 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns

• 2025: (16 games played, 16 starts), 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 27 receptions, 280 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, Doak Walker Award winner (nation’s top running back), Unanimous All-American

What the Cardinals are getting:

He’s the best running back in the 2026 class and there isn’t a real close second. Love is the entire package with elite athleticism and a well-rounded skillset as a playmaker both on the ground and through the air. He’s going to immediately upgrade an offense, regardless of scheme, and will be able to shoulder the load on all three downs. Love is not a pile-mover but he knows how to take on contact and maximize his chances of falling forward for more yards. Love is both durable and productive and is next in line to make a splash at the running back position in the NFL.

Strengths

• Fits all schemes and will immediately take an offense to another level