In a 2026 NFL Draft class thin on running back talent, an unusual storyline emerged: the top two backs both hailed from the same college program. Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price now carry that shared pedigree into the pros, setting up a fascinating fantasy football debate.

Love, widely regarded as the best RB prospect in the class, was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals. Price, meanwhile, fell into the second tier of backs and landed late in the first round with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. From draft night onward, these two will be linked—both on the field and in fantasy circles.

So, the big question: should fantasy managers draft Love and Price in a similar tier for the 2026 season?

Yahoo Sports' Matt Harmon and Justin Boone recently broke down the matchup. Boone doesn't see the gap being close. He points to touchdown equity as a major factor, noting that Arizona signed veteran backup Tyler Allgeier in free agency—a back who has a history of vulturing goal-line carries. Sound familiar? It's the same scenario that played out in Atlanta when Allgeier shared the backfield with Bijan Robinson. Despite splitting work as a rookie, Robinson still posted eight total touchdowns to Allgeier's four.

Boone also highlights draft capital as a key indicator. Love went in the top three, while Price was a late first-round pick. Historically, running backs taken at the end of Round 1 have a shaky hit rate. On the flip side, Boone notes that over the past 13 years, every RB selected in the top 12 picks finished as at least RB14 in fantasy as a rookie. That list includes names like Bijan Robinson, Ashton Jeanty, Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Leonard Fournette—elite company.

For Boone, the choice is clear: he's excited to take Love and expects a significant gap between these two former teammates.