Jeremiyah Love ranks among top backs; class depth gives fantasy owners options

Running back Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame is ranked among the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, but several other backs also draw attention.

The rankings matter to fantasy‑football managers and NFL teams because running backs are a scarce commodity, and a clear hierarchy can shape draft strategies and player valuation.^[5]

Love is projected as a top‑10 pick in the draft, former NFL general manager said.^[1] He then climbed to No. 3 in the latest mock draft, a position that puts him squarely in the conversation for the first running‑back slot.^[2] "Love climbs to No. 3 in the latest mock draft."^[2] NBC Sports said he is the runaway RB1 of the class, adding he could be the first running back selected overall.^[3] "NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said Love had a higher grade than Jahmyr Gibbs."^[4]

The class, however, is not a one‑man show. NBC Sports said Jonah Coleman and Emmett Johnson are additional fantasy assets, indicating that depth at the position could keep multiple players on early rosters.^[3] "Jonah Coleman and Emmett Johnson also offer fantasy value, showing depth at running back."^[3] Analysts also note that Jahmyr Gibbs remains a strong contender, adding further competition for Love’s top‑spot.

For fantasy owners, the breadth of talent means they can target a range of players without overreaching for a single name. Teams may spread picks across several backs, balancing upside against injury risk, while still capitalizing on the high upside that Love and his peers bring to the league.^[5]

**What this means** — The 2026 running‑back pool offers both a clear front‑runner in Love and a cadre of viable alternatives. Draft strategists can leverage this depth to build flexible rosters, and fantasy participants should consider multiple candidates rather than banking solely on the top‑ranked prospect.