A two-year starter for the Irish, Love combined for an FBS-best 40 touchdowns over the last two seasons, averaging 6.9 yards per campaign. Love broke out in the 2024 season with 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on just 163 carries in 16 games, helping the Irish reach the College Football Playoff against Ohio State. Then Love bettered those numbers in 2025, even with the Irish missing the playoffs and opting out of a bowl game, rushing 199 times for 1,372 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 rounds.
Ast is a well-built, explosive athlete for the position. He offers excellent straight-line speed, excellent short range, excellent touch balance and solid ball security. He always seems to drop forward and makes a huge amount of runs, whether it’s between the tackles or out on the wing. Love has the potential to be a quality receiver, and he’s already a willing passer.
Although Love is not yet a great receiver or runner between the tackles, he can improve in both areas. He wasn’t asked to catch the ball often at Notre Dame, but he seems to have the ability to with time and practice. Love will occasionally run into blocks or miss open lanes, so developing some patience as a runner is the next step in his development. And can he be a true workhorse? There is still a question.
But with a light college load — 499 touches over three seasons — Love has plenty of tread left on his tires, and he doesn’t turn 21 until May. In a draft lacking in blue chip talent, Love is one of the top picks available. Running backs don’t often get as high as Love was, but he seems worthy of being the lofty landing spot.
With Love at running back, Trey McBride at tight end and Marvin Harrison Jr. at wide receiver, the skill positions in Arizona are loaded with talent and potential.