Notre Dame's backfield could be making NFL Draft history in 2026, according to one of the most accurate prognosticators in the business. ESPN's Peter Schrager, renowned for his mock draft precision, released his latest projection this week, and it features two Fighting Irish stars hearing their names called in the first round.
The headliner is the dynamic Jeremiyah Love, a running back whose stock has been on a meteoric rise. Schrager projects Love to be a top-five pick, landing with the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 overall. Even if he slides slightly, it's hard to imagine him falling far, as his explosive playmaking ability is a coveted asset for any offense. Schrager notes that while the Titans might prefer an edge rusher, the talent and potential of Love could be too tempting to pass up.
Joining Love in the first-round forecast is fellow Irish running back Jadarian Price. Schrager slots Price with the final pick of the opening round, No. 32 to the Seattle Seahawks. This pairing would be historic: Notre Dame has never had two running backs selected in the first round of the same draft. For the Seahawks, the fit makes perfect sense as they look to replace former starter Kenneth Walker III, potentially handing Price the keys to the backfield from Day One.
For Notre Dame fans and football purists, seeing two elite talents from the same position group achieve first-round status would be a thrilling testament to the program's development. As the draft process unfolds, all eyes will be on Love and Price to see if they can turn this promising mock draft into reality.
