Jeremiyah Love is considered the top running back prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Surely, several teams would love (no pun intended) to pick him up. Lou Scataglia of NFL Spin Zone released a mock draft. He has the New Orleans Saints pulling off a trade with the Cleveland Browns to take Love fourth overall:
“4. New Orleans Saints (via CLE) – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The New Orleans Saints make a massive trade to move up a few slots. They take Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and continue to build up what could emerge as a young, encouraging offense. Rookie QB Tyler Shough has played quite well this year. The wide receiver room needs a bit of work, but the offensive line has some young players. The running back room needs a bit of work as well, and there is no better RB prospect than Jeremiyah Love. It might seem a bit bold to take a running back this high, but the Saints might have something with Shough, and one of the best friends of a quarterback is a strong running game, so this pick does actually make a bit of sense. With the Browns not having a clear QB to take, they field offers to move down and do so here.”
Love had a phenomenal collegiate career, and could become a major contributor in New Orleans.
Saints Could Draft Running Back Jeremiyah Love in the First Round
Love’s Career Thus Far
Jeremiyah Love attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis. During his senior year, he rushed for 1,291 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 370 yards and five touchdowns.
Love received college offers from schools like Michigan, Oregon, and Texas A&M. Yet, he committed to Notre Dame. During his first collegiate season, he recorded 385 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Love became a starter in 2024, replacing Audric Estime, who went to the NFL. He wound up rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns while catching 28 passes for 237 yards and two scores. Love helped Notre Dame reach the National Championship Game, where they lost to Ohio State.
In 2025, Love and the Fighting Irish ended the regular season with a 10-2 record. Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also hauled in 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza ultimately won the award.
Should the Saints Draft Him?
The Saints are building something special. It appears that Tyler Shough is the long-term answer at quarterback. The rookie out of Louisville has led New Orleans to three consecutive victories.
Meanwhile, receiver Chris Olave has had an impressive career in New Orleans, recording over 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons. This year, he has set new career-high marks for receptions (92) and touchdowns (8) while posting 1,044 receiving yards.
If the Saints do end up drafting Jeremiah Love, perhaps he could team with Shough and Olave to form an outstanding “Big Three” in New Orleans.
The Saints should select Love if they get the opportunity. This season, the team ranks 30th in the NFL with only 1,392 rushing yards. An explosive playmaker like Love would certainly improve the team’s offense and he could possibly become a much-needed superstar.
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