Possible Vikings Darling Officially Declares for Draft
You know what the Minnesota Vikings need? A young, explosive, and hungry running back. Guess who officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft this week? A young, explosive, and hungry running back named Jeremiyah Love.
The Vikings have leaned on veteran backs for years, but Love’s burst and big-play profile feels like the kind of swing that could finally modernize O’Connell’s run game.
The Notre Dame prospect made it official this week, ready to take on the NFL and almost certainly be drafted in Round 1 in four months.
Jeremiyah Love Makes Sense as a Vikings Draft Target
Love locks in his NFL plans.
The Announcement from Love
Love officially declared for the draft this week; he’s coming out. The electric tailback instantly becomes the first running back off the board, barring something strange during the draft’s lead-up.
He announced, “Those who know me best know I’m very direct, so I am going to get straight to the point and share that I have made the decision to declare for the NFL Draft. 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. First and foremost, I want to thank God. Without him, none of this would be possible. My family, specifically my parents, have been so instrumental in my success, not only on the football field, but in life.”
“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. Heading off to college, there are many uncertainties, but I knew Notre Dame was the perfect home for me. 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.”
Love finished third in 2025 Heisman Trophy voting, ultimately losing to Indiana passer Fernando Mendoza.
Love continued, “They knew exactly what I needed to do to elevate and made sure to push me to greater heights. To my teammates, my brothers for life. Competing together with you on the field was an unforgettable experience. We did some pretty great things! But what I will keep with me forever are the memories we made in the locker room and just hanging out at the Gug. Making the decision to attend Notre Dame was easy because of the people.”
“From the amazing football support staff, to my fellow students-I could not have picked a better place for me to grow into the man I am today. It is with a wealth of gratitude, I will take the many experiences Notre Dame has given me and apply those lessons learned as I move onto the next level. I look forward to representing my family and Notre Dame in the NFL. Love Thee, Jeremiyah Love.”
Love is heading to the pros.
Another Day, Another Love to Minnesota Mock
One day before Love formally declared for the draft, CBS Sports‘ Mike Renner mock-drafted him to the Vikings with the 13th overall pick. And that’s a thing in the pre-draft cycle — Love to Minnesota. Almost every other mock draft thus far has Love heading to the purple team.
Renner noted on Love to the Vikings, “Give J.J. McCarthy all the weapons you can give him to take the pressure off the young quarterback. Love would give opposing defensive coordinators a lot to think about in game-planning meetings with Jahmyr Gibbs-esque home run ability.”
Another mock draft darling in the Vikings’ orbit, Caleb Downs, landed with the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 9, per Renner.
Get McCarthy a Playmate
Why Love? Easy — Minnesota has shown in the last two games that the offense can thrive when head coach Kevin O’Connell runs the ball more than he passes. It’s the most straightforward idea in the world with a first-time starting quarterback, but O’Connell refused to embrace the strategy during J.J. McCarthy’s first six starts.
Alas, O’Connell tried something different in Week 14 — and then again in Week 15 — running the ball more frequently, and his team started to click on offense.
The working theory suggests that McCarthy could be unlocked even more if he handed the ball to Love 25 times per game. Love is that electric and promising, drawing pre-draft parallels to Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty, two darlings from the last few years.
The Drought after Years of RB Majesty
For 15 years, Minnesota barely had to think about running back. From 2007 through 2022, it was Adrian Peterson or Dalvin Cook, with the only real interruption coming during Peterson’s suspension in 2014. That continuity spoiled Vikings fans, and the hangover from it has lasted longer than anyone probably wants to admit.
Now might be the moment to stop nibbling around the edges and take a real swing: Love.
O’Connell’s offense still needs a ground game that actually scares people. Instead of recycling veterans or hoping for one more healthy season, why not lean into a rookie — and not just any rookie, but the best running back in college football? It’s a gamble. But it’s time to dream big.
Anyone who’s watched this team closely has had the same thought at some point: this offense could really use a youthful, explosive back. Over the past four seasons, Minnesota has cycled through a declining Dalvin Cook, a limited Alexander Mattison, and a sometimes-available Aaron Jones. What they haven’t had is an Ashton Jeanty, a Devon Achane, or Omarion Hampton — someone who tilts the field.
If O’Connell ever gets that player, the offense might finally breathe. It would ease the load on the passing game and, maybe just as importantly, force the Vikings to run the ball like a normal NFL team.
Love is that player — and he’s officially gettable in April after his announcement.
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