Vikings Fans Rally Around Jeremiyah Love in 2026 Draft Projections
As the 2026 NFL Draft cycle begins to take shape, with the winter months still promising plenty of action at both the college and professional levels, one name has emerged as a fan favorite among Minnesota Vikings supporters: Jeremiyah Love. The star running back from Notre Dame is being increasingly linked to the Vikings, who are projected to select somewhere between the 7th and 13th picks in the upcoming draft.
Draft Experts Favor Love for Minnesota
Recent mock drafts have solidified Love’s position as a top candidate for the Vikings. Notably, esteemed draft analyst Dane Brugler from The Athletic recently released a mock draft that highlights Love as Minnesota’s selection at No. 11. Brugler noted, “Like (Caleb) Downs, Love is one of the best players in the draft, but positional value will limit his landing spots in the top half of Round 1. Here, that just means the Vikings get value by adding the draft’s most explosive offensive weapon — a versatile back who’d help both the run and pass games.”
Brugler’s prediction is far from an isolated view. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson, Jacob Infante at Pro Football Network, and Nick Baumgardner, also from The Athletic, have all echoed similar sentiments in their mock drafts, projecting Love to Minnesota. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, there is currently no stronger consensus pick in the first round than Love heading to the Vikings.
The Current State of the Vikings Offense
The Vikings’ offensive struggles have been evident this season, largely attributed to inconsistent quarterback play. With J.J. McCarthy still in the fold, it seems unlikely that Minnesota will target another quarterback in the first round. Instead, they are more likely to seek a reliable veteran to challenge McCarthy and stabilize the offense.
While Minnesota’s wide receiver corps remains formidable with stars like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the team could face challenges if Jalen Nailor departs this offseason. The offensive line, although plagued by injuries, still boasts potential. However, to truly enhance the offensive dynamic, the Vikings might find a game-changing element in Love.
Love’s Explosive Potential
Jeremiyah Love has the potential to be a transformative player for the Vikings, offering a home-run threat that has been absent during the Kevin O’Connell era. Currently, the backfield features Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, yet both players come with concerns: Jones is aging, and Mason, while solid, hasn’t consistently demonstrated elite capabilities.
In an impressive season thus far, Love has accumulated 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries, averaging a staggering 6.9 yards per attempt and scoring 18 touchdowns. Additionally, he has contributed with 280 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His explosive style matches his statistics, showcasing his capacity to break off long runs from anywhere on the field.
The Vikings’ Run Game Challenges
Under O’Connell, the Vikings have found themselves struggling in the running game, ranking 29th out of 32 teams in expected points added (EPA) per rush. Various strategies have been attempted to enhance their rushing efficiency, but a high-impact first-round pick like Love could provide the spark they desperately need—similar to what the Detroit Lions achieved with Jahmyr Gibbs.
As Notre Dame is poised for a potential College Football Playoff berth this year, Vikings fans will have at least one more chance to see Love showcase his talents on a national stage. The prospect of adding such a dynamic player to the roster has ignited buzz among the fanbase, with many eagerly awaiting the draft and the chance to see Love in a Vikings uniform.
