NFL Draft: Arizona Cardinals choose Jeremiyah Love

PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals have selected Jeremiyah Love as their first 2026 NFL Draft pick.

What we know:

According to the NFL’s website, Love was the third pick in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. Love, whose hometown is listed as St. Louis, went to Notre Dame.

Per Notre Dame’s website, Love first played for the Fighting Irish as a freshman in 2023. The Associated Press reported that in his final season with Notre Dame, The 6-foot, 212-pound unanimous All-America selection ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also caught three touchdown passes.

“It’s very special,” said Love, in an Arizona Cardinals article on his drafting. “I’m looking forward to getting to Arizona.”

Dig deeper:

According to the Associated Press, the Cardinals had been connected to Love in recent days, but many pundits thought they would be better served finding an edge rusher to pair with veteran Josh Sweat.

Ohio State edge Arvell Reese was still on the board when the Cardinals picked, but the franchise elected to go with a running back that some have compared to three-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey or 2025 All-Pro Bijan Robinson.

Big picture view:

Love is considered a duel threat out of the backfield as both a runner and a receiver, and he is the first running back drafted in the top 5 since the New York Giants selected Saquon Barkley as the second overall pick, back in 2018.

What’s next:

Love is also the first Cardinals player drafted under new Head Coach Mike LaFleur, and should be a major piece to the puzzle in LaFleur’s high-powered offense.