The Arizona Cardinals could select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, should they choose not to trade down, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
While speculation around the league suggests the Cardinals may opt to select the talented tailback, the club has fielded "exploratory" calls regarding its top draft pick, a source told Schefter.
Love would become the first halfback drafted in the top five since the New York Giants selected Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall in 2018.
The 6-foot, 212-pound tailback is considered one of the most explosive prospects in the 2026 class. A dual-threat weapon out of the backfield during his collegiate career, Love tallied 3,476 scrimmage yards and 42 touchdowns over three seasons at Notre Dame.
The Cardinals finished 2025 with a 3-14 record and placed four running backs on injured reserve, including James Conner (foot), Trey Benson (knee), and Emari Demercado (ankle). The team will have a new look in 2026 after releasing quarterback Kyler Murray on March 11.
Love is projected to be drafted no later than seventh overall by the Washington Commanders.
