Notre Dame football found its rightful place back in the spotlight last season, making it all the way to the first-ever national championship game of the 12-team College Football Playoff. Though the Fighting Irish came up short, several key pieces that got them there are back and looking to do the same in 2025.
One of those pieces is running back Jeremiyah Love.
With Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty now out of the way, the spotlight for the top running back in the 2026 NFL Draft class is favoring toward Love. Last season, he had a breakout year for the Irish, recording 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground.
He's expected to do that and more this season.
If that happens, expect Love to be right in the thick of the Heisman Trophy race — much like Jeanty was — though it could come down to his volume, given Notre Dame’s tendency to split carries in a talented backfield.
"Love's candidacy comes down to volume. Notre Dame tends to split carries, so Love might not get enough touches to really be in the mix," CBS Sports' Chris Hummer wrote. "But his production from last season was electric — 1,125 yards, 17 TDs, 6.9 ypc — and if he gets an extra 50 carries or so he'll have the stats. He'll also be the best offensive player on a legit national contender. Notre Dame's offensive line is awesome, by the way. There will be plenty of holes to run through, and Love is a home run hitter."
Whether or not Love becomes a Heisman Trophy finalist, if he stays healthy and productive, he’s likely to become a top target for the Dallas Cowboys — a team that, according to Pro Football Network's Brently Weissman, has the weakest running back room in the NFL.
"The Cowboys currently have the weakest running back room in the NFL, and it’s not particularly close," Weissman wrote. "This team has been at its best when they are able to run the rock and be physical up front and allow Dak Prescott to win off of play action.
"Jeremiyah Love is the best back in this class by a long shot and will be a Heisman finalist this upcoming fall with another strong season. His power, vision and breakaway speed make him a dynamic runner."
Weissman has the Cowboys selecting Love with the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — the same draft position they held this year. If that scenario plays out, Dallas will be hoping no team ahead of them swoops in, much like how Jeanty fell to the Raiders at No. 6 in this year's draft.
As for the upcoming season, the Cowboys will lean on a running back-by-committee approach. They'll feature veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, along with rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. That group will have to carry the load — at least until next year, when Dallas may have a chance to draft Love.
MORE NOTRE DAME:
Riley Leonard predicted to make Colts move on from Anthony Richardson sooner than anyone expects
Why Miami’s Mario Cristobal isn’t focused on season opener vs. Notre Dame just yet