Heisman Trophy finalist declares for 2026 NFL Draft

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has announced his decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, adding another top talent to the pool.

Love’s announcement was made on social media in a long post thanking his teammates, coaches and family. He paid particular tribute to Notre Dame, praising the school for developing him as a player.

He wrote: “Heading off to college, there are many uncertainties, but I knew Notre Dame was the perfect home for me. When I think about all of the people who have impacted me at Notre Dame, it is endless.”

Love is predicted to be the first running back drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft off the back of an impressive college career. In the 2025 season he passed Jerome Bettis’ Notre Dame record for the most all-purpose touchdowns in a single season, putting up 21 scores this year.

He was fourth in the entire nation with 1,372 rushing yards and third in the U.S. with 18 rushing touchdowns. Love was the only non-quarterback finalist in this year’s Heisman Award voting, finishing third behind winner Fernando Mendoza and Diego Pavia. He also became the first Notre Dame player to win the Doak Walker Award, the trophy given to the top running back in the college game.

The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the first time since 1948.

“Pittsburgh is honoured to have been named the host city for the 2026 NFL Draft,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “This once in a lifetime opportunity will allow us to showcase our city to an international audience, and it will give us a chance to say to our global fanbase, come on home to Pittsburgh.”

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