Notre Dame isn’t expected to break records with draft picks this year. But the Irish could make history by having both the top two running backs selected.
Jeremiyah Love stands out as the best running back in this draft class. He’s the most talented back since Bijan Robinson entered the NFL.
Some scouts argue Love is the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. Multiple analysts rank him as the No. 1 overall prospect regardless of position.
Jadarian Price should go nearly a full round after Love gets selected. But Price brings featured back skills to the NFL level.
He’s not as dynamic as Love, particularly as a receiving threat. Still, Price will get drafted to compete for a starting role.
Notre Dame has two other prospects projected in the top 100 picks. Wide receiver Malachi Fields and interior offensive lineman Billy Schrauth could both go in the top 50.
Irish Expected to Go Early
Jeremiyah Love – RB
2025: 12 games, 199 carries, 1,372 yards, 6.9 yards per attempt, 27 receptions, 280 yards, 21 combined touchdowns
Career: 41 games, 433 carries, 2,882 yards, 6.7 yards per attempt, 63 receptions, 594 yards, 42 combined touchdowns
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Love is an explosive athlete with a remarkable blend of balance and burst to be dynamic as both a runner and in the passing game. He is one of the most talented players in the 2026 draft class and projects as a high-upside NFL weapon.
Jadarian Price – RB
2025: 12 games, 113 carries, 674 yards, 6.0 yards per attempt, 6 receptions, 87 yards, 13 combined touchdowns
Career: 41 games, 280 carries, 1,692 yards, 6.0 yards per attempt, 15 receptions, 162 yards, 24 combined touchdowns
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Price isn’t a proven workhorse, but he has NFL starting-caliber talent, with his natural instincts and contact balance. Ball-security issues and a lack of pass-catching production will be areas he needs to address during the draft process.
Malachi Fields – WR
2025: 12 games, 36 receptions, 630 yards, 17.5 yards per reception, 5 touchdowns
Career: 48 games, 165 receptions, 2,479 yards, 15 yards per reception, 16 touchdowns
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Fields is a big-bodied receiver who presents a large target for his quarterback, using his athleticism and catch radius. He has the talent to be a solid No. 2 receiving option, and his game closely resembles that of Michael Pittman.
Billy Schrauth – IOL
2025: 7 games
Career: 32 games
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Schrauth is solid across the board. He has the athletic ability, play strength, and demeanor to compete for NFL starting snaps (if he stays off the injured list and reaches his development potential). His game gives off Wyatt Teller vibes.
Expert Three-Round Mock Results
| Name | Position | ESPN | NFL | CBS | Walter Football |
| Jeremiyah Love | RB | 5-Giants | 8-Saints | 4-Titans | 4-Titans |
| Jadarian Price | RB | 49-Vikings | 59-Texans | 59-Texans | 49-Vikings |
| Malachi Fields | WR | 80-Ravens | 44-Jets | 54-Eagles | 83-Panthers |
| Billy Schrauth | IOL | 53-Steelers | 80-Ravens |
The projections show Love consistently going in the top 10 picks. Price lands in the late second round across most boards.
Fields has the widest range among the four prospects. Schrauth appears on two of the four mock drafts.
Notre Dame’s draft class may not have huge numbers. But it’s got elite talent at the top.
