Jeremiyah Love 'prepared for this moment' as Notre Dame star declares for NFL Draft

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SOUTH BEND — Jeremiyah Love’s Notre Dame football career is over.

Surprising no one but disappointing Irish fans hoping for a Christmas miracle, the record-breaking running back from St. Louis announced Tuesday evening his intention to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Love, coming off a third-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting, made the announcement on his Instagram account.

“I know I am prepared for this moment because of the amazing people I have in my life, and I want to thank them now,” Love said in his statement. “I want to thank God. Without him, none of this would be possible.”

Voted a consensus first-team All-American this week, Love posted back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the Irish. He scored 42 career touchdowns, half of those in a 12-game junior season this fall, breaking Jerome Bettis’ 34-year-old program record.

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“My family, specifically my parents, have been so instrumental in my success, not only on the football field, but in life,” Love continued. “They have been patient and loving, while also challenging me each step of the way, pushing me to always be authentically me. They are my why.”

At 6 foot and 214 pounds, Love is projected as a top-10 draft pick at the upcoming NFL draft. Round 1 is set for April 23 in Pittsburgh, where Love used a vicious spin move on his way to a 56-yard touchdown run against the Pitt Panthers on Nov. 15.

While in New York for the Heisman ceremonies, Love called that run his favorite “Heisman moment” of the season.

“Heading off to college, there are many uncertainties, but I knew Notre Dame was the perfect home for me,” Love added. “When I think about all of the people who have impacted me at Notre Dame, it is endless. I am especially grateful to my coaches for pushing me outside of my comfort zone, while also allowing me to be me. They knew exactly what I needed to do to elevate and made sure to push me to greater heights.”

Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jeremiyah Love declares for NFL Draft, leaving Notre Dame football

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