Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Scouting Jeremiyah Love: The Notre Dame RB Looks Like a Future First-Rounder"
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Todd McShay, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst
Podcast: The McShay Show by The Ringer
Introduction
In this episode of The McShay Show, Todd McShay delves deep into the prospects of Jeremiah Love, the standout running back from Notre Dame, positioning him as a potential first-round NFL draft pick. The discussion not only highlights Love's impressive collegiate performance but also contextualizes his abilities within the broader landscape of the 2026 running back class.
Jeremiah Love’s Profile
Physique and Early Career At 6 feet 2 inches and weighing approximately 212-218 pounds, Jeremiah Love brings a formidable presence to the field. A true freshman in 2023, Love showcased his potential by rushing for 385 yards with an average of 5.4 yards per carry and scoring one touchdown. Despite limited starts, his impact was palpable:
"He led Christian Brothers High School to back-to-back state championships in football and also competed in track, winning the Missouri Class 5 state title in the 100 meters with a time of 10.76 seconds." [08:32]
2024 Season Breakout Elevating his game in 2024, Love became the full-time starter, accumulating 16 games with 163 carries, 1,677 rushing yards, and 17 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. His enhanced performance solidified his reputation as a dynamic and reliable back.
Running Back Class Analysis
Analyst 1 reflects on the 2026 running back class, initially feared to be overrated, but ultimately commends its depth and talent:
"Some people were saying we were vastly overrated. They predicted at least 30 running backs would be taken, and we saw 26 selected in total, the most since 2017." [01:43]
The class is noted for its backloaded draft, with a significant number of backs selected in the later rounds, particularly on day three, mirroring trends from previous high-draft years.
Skills and Trait Evaluation
Vision and Patience Jeremiah Love excels in vision and patience, allowing him to navigate defenses effectively:
"His vision and patience are top-notch, enabling him to find gaps and exploit them with precision." [08:03]
Agility and Acceleration Love's agility and acceleration are highlighted as key strengths, contributing to his explosive running style:
"He can scoot and accelerate, creating separation from defenders with ease." [11:58]
Power and Balance His physicality is evident through his power and balance, making him a formidable force in both short-yardage situations and breakaway plays:
"He has remarkable core strength and the ability to break tackles, making him a consistent threat down the field." [12:54]
Pass Protection and Receiving Skills While strong in pass protection and showing promise as a receiver, Love has areas to improve, particularly in route running and hand security:
"He’s willing and strong in pass protection, but his hands could be sharper, and route running more polished." [16:13]
Comparisons to Other Running Backs
Analysts draw parallels between Love and notable NFL running backs to contextualize his potential:
-
Darren McFadden:
“Shades of McFadden with Love, in my opinion.” [16:28]
Both possess explosive speed and power, excelling in breaking through defenses. -
Bijan Robinson and Breece Hall:
Comparable in build and running style, showcasing versatility and explosive playmaking abilities. -
Joe Mixon:
“A little bit of Joe Mixon.” [18:22]
Emphasizing Love's blend of size and agility akin to Mixon's playing style.
Draft Prospects
First-Round Potential Analysts concur that Love's combination of speed, power, and versatility make him a strong candidate for the first round, provided he maintains his health and enhances his pass-catching abilities:
"He is a first-round running back in terms of his run skills, but needs to show improvement in the passing game to solidify his position." [42:13]
Comparative Draft Rankings When compared to peers like Ashton Genti, Omarion Hampton, and Trayvon Henderson, Love stands out due to his multifaceted skill set and on-field performance, though some analysts prefer him over others based on specific strengths.
Injuries and Durability Concerns
Love's durability is a topic of concern due to a knee injury sustained in the latter part of the 2024 season:
"He did tweak his hamstring in the spring and played through a knee injury in the playoff game against Indiana, which affected his performance in subsequent games." [26:36]
Despite playing through injuries, Love’s resilience and ability to perform under physical duress were lauded, but his long-term durability remains a critical consideration for NFL teams.
Team and Coaching Insights
Notre Dame’s Offensive Strategy Notre Dame’s offensive line and receiver support play a significant role in Love's success. The cohesive blocking schemes and versatile play-calling create opportunities for Love to maximize his talents:
"Notre Dame receivers block their ass off out there because they know if they can secure that block, Love has a game-changing play." [36:59]
Future Development Todd McShay emphasizes the importance of continued development in Love’s pass-catching and blocking techniques to elevate his game to the professional level:
"If we can clean up his pass protection and enhance his receiving routes, Love could become a significant dual-threat in the NFL." [32:56]
Conclusion
Jeremiah Love emerges as a standout running back with the potential to be a first-round NFL draft pick. His exceptional running ability, combined with his size and emerging pass skills, make him a versatile and valuable prospect. While concerns about injuries and certain technical aspects remain, Love's overall performance and potential growth position him as a top contender in the 2026 draft class.
Todd McShay and his co-analysts conclude with optimism about Love's future, anticipating his continued development and impact at the next professional level.
Notable Quotes:
- "He led Christian Brothers High School to back-to-back state championships in football and also competed in track." [08:32]
- "Some people were saying we were vastly overrated. They predicted at least 30 running backs would be taken, and we saw 26 selected in total." [01:43]
- "He has remarkable core strength and the ability to break tackles." [12:54]
- "Shades of McFadden with Love, in my opinion." [16:28]
- "He is a first-round running back in terms of his run skills." [42:13]
- "Notre Dame receivers block their ass off out there because they know if they can secure that block, Love has a game-changing play." [36:59]
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