Jeremiyah Love's dominance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine intensified an offseason storyline already centered on the Kansas City backfield.
For weeks, rumors have swirled that the Kansas City Chiefs could target a premium running back early in the 2026 NFL Draft after a disappointing season.
National outlets have urged Kansas City to use its No. 9 overall pick on a game-changing rusher, with multiple mock drafts linking Love to the Chiefs.
Then came Saturday.
After one of the most complete Combine performances of any prospect, Love told NFL Network's Stacey Dales that while he's heard his name tied to several teams, he's focused on the opportunity itself.
"I don't know, maybe top 10, top five, hopefully," he said when asked where he expects to be drafted. "I heard a lot people saying the Chiefs or the Saints or the Giants. I mean, all I gotta say is, I'd be blessed to go anywhere."
Love turned heads at the Combine, posting an official 4.36-second 40-yard dash, the second-fastest time among running backs, immediately validating his top-tier speed.
The mark matched what Pro Bowl Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs ran at the 2023 combine, placing Love in rare athletic company.
At 6-foot, 212 pounds, the Notre Dame product declined the vertical and broad jumps but impressed during positional drills, flashing burst, clean route-running, and natural pass-catching ability.
After a brief sideline slip, he showed poise, finishing the workout with a celebratory flip.
Love admitted he hoped for a 4.2-range time but called 4.3 "just fine,” and it was.
The performance solidified his status as a legitimate top-10 prospect.
The Notre Dame workhorse delivered elite production in 2025, rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three more scores through the air.
He capped the season by winning the Doak Walker Award, earning unanimous All-American honors, and finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist before declaring for the draft.
That résumé arrives at a critical moment for Kansas City.
The Chiefs lacked a consistent downhill presence and true between-the-tackles explosiveness last season, forcing the offense to lean heavily on the passing game.
Injecting a dynamic three-down runner would help stabilize the unit, particularly as franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes works his way back from a torn ACL and LCL.
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