When evaluating running backs in today’s game, there are only a handful of players who bring the full “three-down”, game-changing potential. Enter Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With his explosive athleticism, fresh legs, versatility, and production, he’s drawing comparisons and asking the big question: Could Love become the next Jahmyr Gibbs?
Why the comparison makes sense
It’s not hyperbole to suggest that Love could slot into the same tier as Jahmyr Gibbs — especially in a fantasy- or premier-Madden-league context where versatility, big-play ability, and three-down viability matter. Here’s how Love stacks up:
- Love is listed at about 6’0”, 210–214 lbs.
- He has elite track speed: in high school he ran the 100m in 10.76 seconds and was a state champion in the long jump.
- His production supports the hype: in his 2024 season he rushed for 1,125 yards on 163 carries (6.9 YPC) with 17 rushing TDs, plus 28 catches for about 237 yards.
- Versatility: He’s not just a pure downhill pounder — he can catch, change direction, make defenders miss, and finish with speed. Scouting reports note his “violent” running style paired with explosive acceleration.
- Fresh legs: Coming out of college his legs are still very fresh — he hasn’t absorbed the full beat-up of years in the league. That’s a plus for longevity and health
- Three-down viability: Reports emphasize his ability to play all phases — between the tackles, outside zone, as a receiver, and also in pass protection.
In short, the ingredients are there for a potential “Gibbs-type” impact (where Gibbs offered big play speed, receiving chops, and three-down usage). If Love fulfills his promise, he could be the same kind of disruptive weapon.
Strengths
- Truly elite speed & change of direction: Love’s track-background translates into long-speed and rapid acceleration. Scouting notes repeatedly focus on how he hits top speed quickly and can cut back effectively.
- Great leg drive, contact balance & vision: Despite not being a 230-lb bruiser, he shows strong lower-body strength to finish runs, sustain momentum through contact, and keep his angles clean.
- Versatility: He can line up in multiple spots — traditional back, outside zone, in passing game. That makes him more valuable in Madden/premier league formats which reward multifaceted backs.
- Youth/freshness: Because he’s early in his career with at least one big breakout season (2024) behind him, his “wear and tear” is low relative to many backs who’ve already logged heavy college or early pro workload. That enhances his long-term upside.
- Big-play production: The numbers show not only volume but efficiency (6.9 YPC) and home run capability.
Weaknesses / Risks
- Pass protection & consistency in blocking: While his receiving game is a plus, some traditional backs’ transition to the next level nails them on pass-blocking. If Love wants to truly be every-down, his blocking must remain strong. Some reports suggest there’s room to sharpen.
- Heavy usage risk: With three-down usage comes increased risk of hits, fatigue, and injury especially for backs who are asked to do everything. The “fresh legs” advantage must still be managed.
- Between-the-tackles grind work: Though he shows strong leg drive, the heavier power-back lanes (short yardage, goal-line) are still an area where he may not yet be fully proven compared to classic “thumpers.”
- Adaptation to pro schemes: The leap from college to pro may expose issues like pass-pro recognition, blitz pick-up, route-adjustment receiving. Spread scheme and formats often favour backs who can exploit mismatch zones; whether Love’s usage fully transitions is a question mark.
- Durability concerns: No glaring red flags yet, but all backs carry higher injury risk over time — and the speed component means if he loses a step, his value could drop quickly.
Will He Be The Next Jahmyr Gibbs?
That’s a big ask. Gibbs came into the NFL with high expectations, and his skill-set (explosive speed, elite receiving, excellent vision, change-ofdirection) made him special. Here’s how Love stacks up:
- Similarity: Love has similar traits to Gibbs in that both are speeder backs with receiving chops and home-run ability.
- Advantage for Love: He’s a little older/more developed physically and his legs are fresher. He may avoid the early “carry load” regression that some backs suffer.
- Challenge for Love: Gibbs already made an early pro mark; Love will have to show that same level and sustain it. Also it depends on scheme fit—Gibbs landed successful in a scheme that unleashed his receiving and speed; Love will need similar environment to maximize value.
In a league context: if you draft Love, you’re buying upside. You’re betting he becomes a top-tier back who wins in multiple ways — rushing, receiving, break-away speed — very much like Gibbs. If he does, he could be a rookie of the year candidate.
My Verdict
Yes — I believe Jeremiyah Love could be the next Jahmyr Gibbs if everything aligns: proper offensive scheme, health, consistent usage, and development in pass-pro and short-yardage work. He already has the physical and athletic foundation.Love is a strong build for a first-round pick (or early premium pick), especially if you want upside over safe floor.
If I were advising you: draft Love with confidence. He’s a high-ceiling asset. If you pair him with the right scheme and a balanced roster, you might have just drafted a perennial all pro
