The Arizona Cardinals have selected running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. By choosing Love, the Cardinals secured one of the most complete offensive weapons in this year's draft class.
College Career and Rise to Prominence
Love entered college football in 2023 as a freshman at Notre Dame. He appeared in all 13 games that season, accumulating 385 rushing yards. Over three seasons, he developed into a central figure in the Fighting Irish offense, finishing with 2,882 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. He also added 63 receptions for 594 yards, showcasing his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield.
His production caught the attention of evaluators. Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Love among the top prospects in the class and even drew comparisons to former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. Such praise amplified Love's profile, bringing a wider audience to his story.
Personal Life and Relationship Status
As Love begins his professional career, curiosity about his life off the field has grown. Love has not publicly addressed his relationship status, but social media activity suggests a connection with a user known as "uniquealiece." Posts and interactions between the two have been noticed, including her presence at the draft in Pittsburgh and a TikTok video from 2025 that read: "What a blessing it is to watch your partner accomplish their dreams, I’m so proud of you baby @Jlove." The visibility has sparked conversation, though neither has confirmed details outright.
Love also offered a glimpse into his future plans. Speaking to the Daily Citizen in November 2025 about teammate Eli Raridon, Love said: "I love Eli. You know, he’s married and sets the standard outside of football. I want to get married in a couple of years or so." The comment highlighted his priorities beyond the game.
On-Field Impact for the Cardinals
For the Cardinals, the focus remains on Love's on-field contributions. He is a polished runner with the ability to contribute on all three downs. His combination of power, speed, and receiving skills makes him a valuable asset in the NFL. As his professional chapter begins, Love's story resonates on multiple levels: the player ready for the league, and the person navigating ambition, relationships, and expectations in real time.
