Jeremiyah Love Tops Mike Clay’s 2026 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, ESPN’s fantasy football analyst Mike Clay has released his initial rookie rankings, placing Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at the summit. Love, a standout from Notre Dame, has been identified as the top overall fantasy-relevant rookie, earning the RB1 designation. His profile boasts an impressive combination of physical attributes and on-field production. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 212 pounds, Love showcased exceptional speed with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, complementing a versatile three-down skill set. His collegiate career highlights include leading his class in yards per carry (6.66) and yards after contact (4.16), while also ranking second in forced-missed tackle rate (3.5). He demonstrated reliability as a receiver, competence in pass blocking, and ball security with only one fumble across 496 career touches.

Why the Arizona Cardinals Selected Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 Pick

The Arizona Cardinals made their selection at No. 3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, choosing Jeremiyah Love to add an explosive playmaker to their offense. Despite having James Conner and Tyler Allgeier on the roster, the Cardinals still went running back in Round 1 with Love. Love is the consensus top running back in this year’s draft and will be an immediate playmaker for the Cardinals. The Notre Dame product tallied 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, and also had three receiving touchdowns. Love isn’t just a running back. He’s an offensive weapon who will change the dynamic of Arizona’s offense.

Key Takeaways

• Jeremiyah Love is ranked as the top fantasy football rookie for 2026 by Mike Clay.
• Love possesses elite physical traits: 6’0″, 212 lbs, 4.36-second 40-yard dash.
• He led his class in yards per carry (6.66) and yards after contact (4.16) at Notre Dame.
• The Arizona Cardinals selected Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
• Love recorded 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, plus three receiving touchdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Jeremiyah Love a top fantasy football prospect?

Jeremiyah Love’s combination of elite speed (4.36 40-yard dash), power (6.66 yards per carry), and versatility as a receiver and blocker makes him a rare three-down running back with high upside in fantasy leagues.

Why did the Cardinals draft Jeremiyah Love despite having established running backs?

The Cardinals view Love as the best player in the draft and an immediate playmaker who can elevate their offense, regardless of existing running back depth.

What is Jeremiyah Love’s 40-yard dash time?

Jeremiyah Love ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.