The Arizona Cardinals have selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love, considered the top running back in this class, was chosen despite speculation the Cardinals might trade down. He becomes the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018.
Love, who ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, joins a Cardinals offense under new head coach Mike LaFleur. He adds explosive talent to a team that lacked a 100-yard rusher last season. Love joins veteran running backs James Conner and Tyler Allgeier on the roster.
Last season, Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns for Notre Dame, including a 228-yard performance against USC. The Cardinals, who are also adjusting to Kyler Murray's departure and likely starting veteran Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, are banking on Love to provide a significant boost to their revamped offense.