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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The buzz around Jeremiyah Love has been building for weeks, but heading into Thursday night’s first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a few teams have consistently surfaced as the most likely landing spots.
The Washington Commanders (No. 7), New York Giants (No. 5), and Arizona Cardinals (No. 3) have all been heavily linked to the Notre Dame star, with league insiders pointing to Washington in particular as a clean schematic fit.
Now, less than 24 hours before the draft, Love added fuel to the fire.
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Speaking Wednesday about his pre-draft visit to Washington, Love praised the organization and openly envisioned himself alongside franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.
"Washington was great," Love said. "I got to meet some great guys, got to talk to some great coaches. Got to talk to a great owner, and I'd be blessed to go there. I feel like me and Jayden Daniels would be a very good duo. He's obviously Jayden Daniels, and I would help him be a better version of himself, taking some load off of him.
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Daniels burst onto the scene in 2024 with one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in league history, producing 3,568 passing yards, 25 TDs, and nine INTs, along with 891 rushing yards (rookie QB record).
He’s already a top-tier dual-threat weapon, and when healthy, highly accurate, finishing with a 69% completion rate as a rookie
But Washington has leaned heavily on Daniels’ legs to generate offense. That’s exciting, but also risky.
Injuries limited him to just seven games in 2025, and his efficiency dipped as the offense became more predictable.
That’s where Love comes in.
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Love was the best running back in college football last season. He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry, while adding 280 receiving yards, showcasing the kind of three-down versatility NFL teams covet.
He won the Doak Walker Award, was a unanimous All-American, and a Heisman finalist.
Outside of Terry McLaurin, there’s a clear talent drop-off in Washington, and the run game lacked a true difference-maker.
Adding Love would immediately reduce Daniels’ rushing workload, preserving his health, create a legitimate play-action threat, opening the passing game, and add explosive plays, something Washington has lacked consistently.
Front offices obsess over fit, personality, and buy-in this late in the process. Love essentially just stamped all three boxes for Washington less than 24 hours ahead of draft night.
Now the question is whether the Commanders feel the same way when they’re on the clock Thursday night.
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