Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love Emerges as Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 Franchise Running Back Target

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, finding the next franchise running back is a high priority for many teams, and the Dallas Cowboys appear to have their sights set on one of college football’s brightest talents: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, Love has emerged as a potential cornerstone piece for the franchise, blending athleticism, versatility, and the intangibles necessary to thrive at the professional level.

This article delves into Jeremiyah Love’s football journey, his impact at Notre Dame, the attributes that make him an attractive prospect for Dallas, and what this means for both the player and the franchise’s future.

The Rise of Jeremiyah Love

Jeremiyah Love’s football journey began well before his time at Notre Dame. Known for his speed, vision, and powerful running style, Love has steadily built a reputation as one of the most dynamic running backs in college football. His physical attributes—size, speed, and agility—make him a difficult matchup for defenses, while his football IQ and work ethic enhance his effectiveness.

At Notre Dame, Love has not only impressed with his on-field production but also with his leadership and consistency. His ability to handle a heavy workload and make decisive plays has put him on the radar of NFL scouts and analysts alike.

Playing Style and Strengths

Jeremiyah Love combines several key traits that NFL teams covet in a franchise running back:

1. Vision and Patience

Love’s ability to read blocks and find seams is one of his standout qualities. He shows remarkable patience in waiting for his blockers to develop lanes before accelerating through, maximizing yardage on each carry.

2. Power and Physicality

At around 6 feet tall and weighing roughly 220 pounds, Love has the size and strength to break tackles and power through defenders. His physical running style is complemented by an ability to lower his shoulder and maintain balance through contact.

3. Speed and Agility

Despite his power, Love is not just a straight-line runner. He possesses impressive agility and burst, capable of making quick cuts and accelerating to the outside when needed. This versatility makes him effective in both inside and outside running schemes.

4. Pass-Catching Ability

Modern NFL running backs are expected to be versatile weapons, and Love’s skills as a receiver out of the backfield add another dimension to his game. His hands are reliable, and he understands route concepts, making him a dual-threat.

5. Durability and Work Ethic

One of the biggest concerns for running backs is durability. Love has demonstrated resilience, handling a significant workload without major injury setbacks. His strong work ethic in the weight room and film study indicates a player committed to longevity.

Why the Dallas Cowboys Are Interested

The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history of powerful running backs, from Emmitt Smith to Ezekiel Elliott. As the team looks beyond the current roster and toward 2026, finding a young, talented running back to build around is a clear priority.

Several factors make Jeremiyah Love an attractive target for Dallas:

1. Fit with the Cowboys’ Offensive Philosophy

Dallas employs a versatile offensive scheme that values a running back who can both run between the tackles and contribute in the passing game. Love’s balanced skill set aligns well with the team’s strategy.

2. Potential to Evolve into a Franchise Player

The Cowboys seek a running back who can be a consistent game-changer over multiple seasons. Love’s combination of physical traits and football intelligence suggests he has the potential to develop into that kind of player.

3. Developmental Opportunity

While Love has shown great promise, the Cowboys believe that under their coaching staff and system, he can elevate his game to an elite level. Dallas is known for maximizing the potential of its draft picks, making it an ideal landing spot.

4. Future Roster Considerations

With current running backs aging or approaching free agency, Dallas needs to plan ahead. Targeting a running back in the 2026 draft cycle aligns with the team’s long-term roster-building strategy.

Jeremiyah Love’s Impact at Notre Dame

At Notre Dame, Love has been a key contributor in the backfield, showcasing his ability to perform against top-tier competition. His statistics reflect steady production, but beyond numbers, his impact is felt in how he changes the dynamic of the offense.

Coaches praise Love for his leadership qualities and his dedication to improving every aspect of his game. His teammates respect his work ethic and willingness to embrace challenges, both on and off the field.

Scouting Reports and Analyst Perspectives

NFL scouts and draft analysts have noted Love’s intriguing blend of skills. Many see him as a player with first-round potential if he continues to develop his consistency and vision.

Some analysts highlight areas for growth, such as improving pass protection and reducing turnovers, but overall, the consensus is that Love has the tools and mentality to succeed at the next level.

Challenges and Areas for Growth

Like all prospects, Jeremiyah Love faces challenges on the path to becoming a franchise running back:

• Pass Protection: Developing sharper instincts in pass blocking is critical in the NFL, where blitzes and complex defensive schemes require quick decision-making.
• Consistency: While flashes of brilliance are common, sustaining high-level performance throughout a season is essential.
• Adaptation to Speed of NFL: The step up in speed and physicality in the NFL requires continual adjustment and growth.

What Love’s Potential Means for Dallas Fans

For Dallas Cowboys fans, the prospect of landing a running back like Jeremiyah Love is exciting. The position is pivotal to the team’s success, and finding a dependable, explosive player who can carry the load provides hope for future championships.

Love’s presence could rejuvenate the running game, complementing Dallas’s passing attack and offering a balanced offense that keeps defenses guessing.

The Road to the 2026 NFL Draft

Between now and the 2026 NFL Draft, much can happen in Jeremiyah Love’s development. Staying healthy, improving in key areas, and continuing to perform at a high level against strong competition will be vital.

The Dallas Cowboys’ scouts and front office will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his progress, attending games, reviewing film, and assessing how he matures as a player and leader.

Jeremiyah Love’s rise at Notre Dame and his potential as the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 franchise running back represent an exciting storyline for college football and the NFL alike. His blend of power, speed, and versatility aligns well with what Dallas seeks in a foundational offensive player.

As Love continues to develop his game and prepare for the transition to professional football, Cowboys fans can dream of a new era defined by his dynamic playmaking.

The journey to 2026 is filled with anticipation, and Jeremiyah Love stands poised to be a central figure in Dallas’s quest for sustained success.