SOUTH BEND, Ind. (104.3 The Score) – Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love is considered by some to be the most talented player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He’s a dynamic playmaker who runs with a motor.
If you ask Love who his favorite prospect is in this draft, he quickly points to a Notre Dame teammate: fellow running back prospect Jadarian Price, who could be the second tailback selected this year.
What will an NFL team be getting in Price?
“Everything you’re going to get in me,” Love said. “JD can do as much as me or possibly more. He can do kick return.
“You’re going to get everything you need in a football player, in a running back, in a receiver, in a blocker. JD can do it all.”
Love is expected to be a top-10 pick and may well go in the top five. He met with the Jets’ brass, including head coach Aaron Glenn, on Tuesday in South Bend after visiting with the Giants in New Jersey last week. The Jets hold the No. 2 overall pick, and the Giants own the No. 5 pick.
In Love, this draft class has its elite running back prospect who’s too talented to pass up – similar to Ashton Jeanty (Raiders) and Bijan Robinson (Falcons) going as top-10 picks in recent years.
Price would likely be a first-round pick if not for Love getting most of the workload in the Notre Dame backfield. Even so, Price proved himself and showcased his talent by averaging 6.0 yards per carry and scoring 15 touchdowns – 11 rushing, two receiving and a pair of returns.
“I take a lot of pride in (versatility),” Price said. “I take advantage of every opportunity out on the field.”
The Bears enter this NFL Draft with considerable needs, specifically on defense. That's the priority, but there’s also an understated need to improve at running back. D’Andre Swift is entering the final year of his contract. Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round pick in 2025, flashed his upside with a tough running style and five touchdowns as a rookie.
As the Bears look to their future, they don’t have certainty at running back. Perhaps Price is the prospect who fits for Chicago. Price could be available when the Bears are on the clock with picks Nos. 57 and 60 late in the second round. If he did join the Bears, he would be a versatile weapon for head coach Ben Johnson to use for years to come.
During this era of college football in which the transfer portal is packed and NIL opportunities are lucrative and enticing, Price didn’t leave Notre Dame. He elected to stay with the Fighting Irish – even as Love ascended as the star in the backfield – because of loyalty to the program.
And while many would feel pushed aside playing behind Love, Price embraced it. In turn, they embraced each other.
“That’s a brotherhood that’s going to last forever,” Price said. “And I’m glad I got to play with him.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
