NFL Draft Watch: Rising Stars Include Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love

As the countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft intensifies, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, several college football players are emerging as standout prospects. Among them is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who has captured attention with his impressive performances this season, alongside fellow athletes from various universities.

Jeremiyah Love Shines for Notre Dame

In a commanding 37-15 victory against Pittsburgh, Love, measuring 6 feet and weighing 214 pounds, showcased his skills with 23 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown. Notably, sports analyst Todd McShay of The Ringer praised Love, stating, “Love is the best back in the country… scouts have him as one of the four or five most talented guys in the draft.” His performance highlighted a remarkable 56-yard touchdown run that demonstrated his agility and speed.

Current projections from Tankathon suggest that the Minnesota Vikings could select Love with the 12th pick, marking the second consecutive year a running back is anticipated to be chosen within the top 15. In 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Ashton Jeanty from Boise State at number six, but Jeanty’s rookie season has been challenging, with only 554 rushing yards in 10 games. In contrast, Love has averaged an impressive 6.3 yards per carry against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, indicating his readiness for the professional level.

Other Rising Prospects to Watch

Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields is another player garnering attention. Over his last two games, Fields has averaged 98 receiving yards per game, including a standout performance against Pittsburgh where he recorded seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. noted that Fields will likely be ranked among the top 10 wide receivers in upcoming draft evaluations, suggesting he may be a viable pick on Day 2 of the draft.

The 2026 draft class is notably deep at the wide receiver position, featuring talents such as Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State and Carnell Tate from Ohio State. Fields’ size at 6 feet 4 inches and 223 pounds enhances his ability to compete for difficult catches, as evidenced by his 10 contested catches, ranking him among the top performers in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Quarterback John Mateer from Oklahoma is also making headlines. As the Sooners maintain an 8-2 record, Mateer’s performance against Alabama was pivotal in their 23-21 victory. He accumulated 161 total yards, including a rushing touchdown. Despite concerns regarding his size at 6 feet 1 inch and 224 pounds, Mateer has the potential to improve his draft stock if he can minimize turnovers; he has thrown eight touchdown passes alongside seven interceptions this season.

Navy wide receiver Eli Heidenreich is setting records as well. In a thrilling 41-38 win over South Florida, Heidenreich caught five passes for 146 yards, making him the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 1,794. Analysts describe his versatility—often playing in varied positions—as a strong asset, projecting him as a potential pass-catching running back at the next level. His ability to generate explosive plays is underscored by his 19.5 yards per reception, ranking him eighth in the FBS.

Lastly, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety from Toledo, is drawing comparisons to former players from his program who made significant impacts in the NFL. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 202 pounds, McNeil-Warren combines physicality with coverage skills. He currently ranks second on his team in tackles with 59 and has defended three passes over 10 games. Daniel Harms from Bleacher Report noted, “Something must be in Toledo’s water,” as the school continues to produce high-caliber defensive backs.

As the NFL Draft approaches, these five players are just a few of the prospects who are rising on the radar of scouts and teams alike. Their performances in the coming weeks will be crucial as they aim to solidify their positions in what promises to be an exciting draft class.