Early projections have Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love reversing an unbelievable drought that has lasted decades
Notre Dame has had some outstanding running backs over the years, including Pro Bowler Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams and Audric Estime of the Denver Broncos currently. If you extend further back, names like Darius Walker, Cierra Wood, Theo Riddick, CJ Prosise, Josh Adams, and Dexter Williams will bring back a lot of […]
Notre Dame has had some outstanding running backs over the years, including Pro Bowler Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams and Audric Estime of the Denver Broncos currently. If you extend further back, names like Darius Walker, Cierra Wood, Theo Riddick, CJ Prosise, Josh Adams, and Dexter Williams will bring back a lot of great memories as well.
Despite that string of success, the Fighting Irish are facing a drought that has lasted for over 30 years, having a running back selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The last time it happened was in 1993 when the Los Angeles Rams selected Jerome Bettis at No. 10 overall, eventually putting together a Hall of Fame career and earning affection from everyone with the nickname “Bus” that fit oh so well.
Some believe that first round absence could end in the 2026 NFL Draft with sophomore sensation Jeremiyah Love. In a recent “way too early mock draft”, Travis May from A to Z Sports has the Houston Texans selecting Love with the No. 22 overall selection. Here is what he had to say about Love and the potential fit with the Texans.
22. Houston Texans: Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love was the most productive and electric playmaker among all true freshman and sophomore running backs in college football last season. He could be the best running back in the entire nation this year. Love averaged over seven yards per touch as he amassed nearly 1400 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2024. Joe Mixon will be 30 years old playing on an expiring contract in 2026. The Texans level up with more explosion, getting much younger at their feature back position.
As May mentioned, Love showcased this fall just how special he is as the engine that guided the Irish to their first National Championship appearance since 2012. Blessed with outstanding versatility and big play ability, Love moves like a much smaller back but also packs a punch at 6-0 and 210 pounds. His all purpose skill set is sure to be sought after on the next level.
Not only would Love end that running back drought, but he would also be the first skill position player selected in the first round since Will Fuller did so in the 2016 NFL Draft. Funny enough the Texans also selected the former Notre Dame star then as well.
The scary part is that we mostly just got a taste for how good Love can be this fall. As he continues to expand his role and his touches in 2025, Love has the talent to become the best overall skill position player in all of college football. He also could end that season in the conversation as the best Notre Dame running back of all time, and Love could do so in just three seasons.
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