Jeremiyah Love may become the first running back to be a top-five NFL draft selection since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 overall in 2018.
However, the Notre Dame product is trying not to pay too much attention to where he might land as the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer.
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Love spoke to USA TODAY Sports about his NFL future in a recent interview on behalf of his partnership with New Balance.
The 2025 All-American admitted “it’s appealing” to see himself routinely listed among the draft’s top talents and as a potential top-five selection. But ultimately, his focus ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft largely lies elsewhere.
“At the end of the day, I’m gonna go somewhere. And it really doesn’t matter where I go or what pick I go,” Love told USA TODAY Sports. “I’m gonna go and do my thing. So, I try not to worry about it because that’s just another stressor in my life that I don’t need.”
What Love has been concentrating on is something he can control: his pre-draft process.
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“I’ve just been taking it all in and enjoying the process as a whole,” Love explained. “You only get to do this one time in your life, so I’m trying to make it as stress-free as possible and enjoy the small moments I get to have with all these coaches.”
Thus far, Love has been pleased with both his athletic performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and his interpersonal interactions with various NFL teams.
The 20-year-old has particularly enjoyed forging connections with the coaches he has met, and believes those meetings have served as a great opportunity for him to show exactly what he is about.
“I go into meetings with these coaches and I kill ’em, no matter what they throw at me – whether it’s talking about scheme, talking about ball, talking about me as a person,” Love said. “I’m very confident in myself and just confident in my ability to answer any questions they throw at me.”
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One question Love likes being asked is what he will bring to an NFL team. His response?
“I’m willing to do anything for the team to have success,” Love said. “I can do everything you need me to do. I can play special teams, I can run the ball, you can put me out wide or in the slot and I can receive, I can block, put somebody on their ass, whatever you need me to do.”
“I’m a complete player. I’m a team player,” he added. “So, whatever team drafts me is gonna get the best version of me, and I’m gonna put in the work every single day.”
Love is adamant these factors will make him a game-changer who can quickly turn whichever NFL team selects him into a contender.
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“At the end of the day, we’re gonna win some championships, win some Super Bowls and have some great seasons,” Love said, completing his message.
Later this month, NFL fans will see which team buys into Love’s vision.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Jeremiyah Love is making pitch to be top 2026 NFL Draft selection
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