Jeremiyah Love NFL Draft buzz grows after explosive Combine showing

Several prospects delivered eye-catching performances at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, but when the running backs took the field in Indianapolis tonight, the stage belonged to just one man.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, widely expected to be the first running back selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon his young shoulders by producing the second-fastest 40-yard dash time among all running backs.

Blazing 40 time

Love's mark of 4.36 trailed only Mike Washington of Arkansas, who posted a jaw-dropping time of 4.33, but it was more than enough to reinforce the consensus among draftniks that he is the most explosive running back in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

"I was a little bit disappointed. I wanted to run a 4.2," Love said at the end of RB position drills.

Love's career numbers so far

The reputation the 20-year-old built at Notre Dame as one of college football’s most dangerous open-field runners suggests he has everything required to become a true difference-maker at the next level.

Over the last two seasons, Love has amassed 2,497 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground, while also adding 517 receiving yards and five scores through the air.

Per PFF, among the 69 FBS running backs with at least 150 rushing attempts last season, Love earned the highest overall offensive grade (93.1), tied for first in yards per attempt (6.9), and ranked third in yards after contact per attempt (4.5).

As if those numbers were not strong enough on their own, Love ranks fourth among FBS running backs in runs of 10 yards or more, despite recording far fewer carries than those ahead of him and many who finished below him in that category.

By backing up his fast start with an impressive display in the early position drills, streaming live on DAZN, Love strengthened his push to become one of the rare running backs taken in the top half of the Draft's first round.

Other RBs who impressed

As athletic as Love's was in testing, Razorbacks' RB Washington was even more explosive.

Among all RBs, the 22-year-old finished first in the 40-yard dash, second in the vertical (39"), and second in the broad jump (10' 8").

Visibly elated with his performance, Washington was understandably overcome with emotion upon realising where his numbers ranked.

Love's teammate on the Fighting Irish, Jadarian Price, deserves a mention. He ran a 4.49-second 40, finished third in the broad jump with a mark of 10' 4", and looked incredibly smooth in position drills.

Stream the NFL Combine and Draft live on DAZN

With DAZN’s latest Game Pass deal, you can watch all the live position drills at the NFL Scouting Combine and have full access to the 2026 NFL Draft for just £9.99 / €9.99.

Game Pass also provides access to RedZone, NFL Network, and DAZN’s weekly original shows, including Downs 2 Business, Kittle Things, and X’s & O’s coaching breakdown.

Click here for more information and to sign up.

Other players and storylines to follow

More details about the players turning heads at the Combine and the storylines dominating the event can be found here.

Prospect highlights for the likes of Fernando Mendoza, Kayden McDonald, Makai Lemon, and more can be found here for Game Pass subscribers.

Other offseason dates

A complete list of other offseason events and dates can be found here.