Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is viewed by many as the No. 1 prospect in this year’s NFL Draft, and apparently, one of the top running backs in the sport is enamored by him, as well.
Ahead of the NFL Draft later this month, Philadelphia Eagles running back, and the 2024 NFL rushing champion, Saquon Barkley, didn’t hold back in his praise for Love and what he put on film during his collegiate career.
“I’m a big fan,” Barkley told ESPN, of Love. “I’m a really big fan. I think he’s a heck of a player. I’m all for running backs, and I think he has a chance to go high in the NFL Draft. I hope he goes as high as he can go.”
NFL Draft 2026: Saquon Barkley all-in on Jeremiyah Love
Dallas Cowboys Jeremiyah Love, NFL Draft
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (RB11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There’s a chance that Love goes off the board in the top-five picks of the NFL Draft later this month, especially after the explosive career that he put on film in South Bend.
Last season alone, Love forced 56 missed tackles while rattling off 39 explosive runs of 10 yards or more, according to Pro Football Focus.
After rushing for a career-high 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns as the catalyst and driving force of the Fighting Irish offense, Love has drawn comparisons to Barkley, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, and Las Vegas Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty.
“Whoever gets that guy,” Barkley said. “Is getting a guy that’s versatile, a can do it all back; he can block, he can run it between the tackles, outside the tackles, he can catch the ball.”