If the Kansas City Chiefs truly want to solve their running back woes in the most dramatic way possible, the option is now there for the taking.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has officially declared his intent to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. With the addition of Love to the list of potential prospects, this year's draft class gets one of the most celebrated skill position players available and undoubtedly its top back.
"It is with a wealth of gratitude, I will take the many experiences Notre Dame has given me and apply those lessons learned as I move onto the next level. I look forward to representing my family and Notre Dame in the NFL," wrote Love in part of an official statement released on Tuesday.
For a franchise that's remained committed to a backfield featuring spare parts and replacement-level talent, it's hard to imagine the bounty of riches that could come with such an addition like Love. Over the last two seasons, the Fighting Irish have leaned heavily on Love to the tune of nearly 2,500 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground. He's also caught 55 passes for 517 yards and 5 more touchdowns in that span.
Jeremiyah Love is there if the Chiefs decide they’re finally ready to make a real investment at running back.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been led by former seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco and an aging Kareem Hunt in recent seasons. Kansas City's insistence on cheap one-year signings and day three picks to bolster the backfield has led to arguably the least dynamic running back corps in the NFL in each of the last three years.
For some fans, the idea of drafting Love, who safely projects as a first-round pick in April, is a dream come true, a surefire solution to a chronic problem. Love would instantly be the most dynamic playmaker on offense at an area of major need, and would give Patrick Mahomes considerable help by allowing the running game to carry a much greater percentage of the offensive load.
For others, the idea of drafting Love is a luxury the Chiefs can't afford. Running back is a position that can be upgraded much more easily than other positions, and Kansas City will be selecting at a much higher spot than they've had in years. To use such a rare draft asset on a position like running back would be seen as a wasted opportunity, even if Love's talents are unquestioned.
Either way, Love's decision to enter the draft is going to be a major talking point in relation to the Chiefs for the next several months as roster needs are discussed and draft prospects are analyzed.