What happened: The Arizona Cardinals chose Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Love, a dynamic playmaker, was widely projected as a top-five selection after a stellar senior season. The pick caps a long wait for Cardinals fans amid the team's rebuild.
Why it matters: Love fills a critical void at running back for Arizona, which ranked 27th in rushing yards last season and finished 5-12. His explosive speed and receiving skills could transform the offense under new coordinator.
By the numbers: Love 2025 stats: 1,482 rush yds, 18 TDs, 5.9 YPC, 42 rec/512 yds. Cardinals 2025 record: 5-12 (3rd in NFC West). Pre-draft Love top-3 (hit); Head-to-head vs top defenses: 6.2 YPC avg.
What to watch: Watch Love's introductory press conference Friday and how it affects Cardinals' Day 2 picks. Monitor trade rumors for QB help.