NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Titans have long been defined by their powerful running game. From Earl Campbell bulldozing defenders during the franchise's Houston Oilers days, to Eddie George's grinding style in Tennessee's early years, and Derrick Henry's historic dominance in recent seasons, the Titans' identity has consistently started in the backfield. This legacy is not lost on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who is expected to be a high selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
In a recent media session, Love addressed the possibility of joining a franchise with such a storied history at his position. His comments suggest he not only understands the weight of wearing that jersey but embraces it fully.
"I know what the Titans have had," Love stated. "I know what Derrick [Henry] did. I know what Eddie George did. You can't step into that building and not know who came before you. I'd love to be the next guy to carry that on."
This sentiment should resonate with Titans fans, who have watched the team search for a bona fide successor to Henry since his departure. The Titans drafted Tyjae Spears in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Spears has shown flashes of explosiveness but has been hampered by injuries that have prevented him from securing the featured role. In 2025, Tennessee signed veteran Tony Pollard, who provides dependable presence but isn't a long-term solution. At 29 years old entering the 2026 season, Pollard's age and Spears' injury history mean the Titans remain on the lookout for a franchise running back -- and Love fits the bill.
The Love Profile
At 6 feet tall and just over 210 pounds, Jeremiyah Love offers a blend of size, speed, and vision that has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL's best dual-threat backs. In his final collegiate season at Notre Dame, he rushed for 1,142 yards and scored 14 rushing touchdowns, averaging a robust 6.1 yards per carry. Love complemented his ground game by emerging as a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 37 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns.
What sets Love apart is his rare ability to generate yardage after contact combined with breakaway speed. His 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine impressed many, but scouts praise his vision and patience just as highly -- traits highly valued in the Titans' zone-blocking offensive scheme.
"He's a one-cut runner who can get downhill quickly," said an NFL draft analyst. "That's exactly the kind of back you want in a zone-blocking scheme. He combines patience with violent contact balance, making defenders hesitate in the second level."
Tennessee offensive coordinator Brian Daboll runs a scheme that relies heavily on play-action and stretch runs -- concepts Love excelled at Notre Dame. This tactical fit could allow Love to contribute immediately as a rookie, alleviating pressure on whichever quarterback helms the offense in Nashville this fall.
The Weight of the Legacy
Being a talented running back entering the NFL is one thing; joining a franchise where the position holds legendary status is another. The shadow of Derrick Henry still looms large in Nashville. Henry's 2,000-yard rushing season in 2020 and his pivotal role in the Titans' playoff runs marked him as one of the most dominant backs in NFL history. Before Henry, Chris Johnson electrified the league with his own 2,000-yard campaign. And preceding them, Eddie George and Earl Campbell defined the running back position with courage, grit, and physicality.
Love understands that in Tennessee, he would not simply fill a roster spot but would be stepping into a tradition.
"You look at those guys, and they all have the same mentality," Love said. "It's not just about running the ball. It's about imposing your will on a defense. It's about setting the tone for your whole team. That's how I want to play."
That mentality aligns well with the Titans' front office philosophy. General manager Mike Borgonzi has prioritized players with high character and leadership complements to their on-field talent. Love served as a team captain at Notre Dame and is widely regarded as one of the strongest leaders in the 2026 draft class.
Where Would Love Fit?
The Titans hold the 4th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 draft. While many mock drafts project them targeting offensive tackle or wide receiver with this high selection, trading back or opting for a running back is not out of the question. The running back position's value in the modern NFL is often debated, but when a prospect with Love's skills and character is available, teams tend to make exceptions.
If Tennessee chooses to pass on Love in the first round, he is unlikely to last long into the second round. The Titans' second pick comes at 42nd overall, a position that could be ideal to select Love without exceeding draft value. This approach would allow the Titans to bolster other positions such as edge rusher, cornerback, or interior offensive line early while still adding a potential star running back.
Despite the NFL trending toward running back committees, there remains value in a tone-setting feature back such as Love. With offensive line pieces like left tackle JC Latham and center Trey Hill anchoring the front, the Titans possess the blocking foundation needed to open lanes. Add in a receiving corps featuring seasoned pass-catcher Calvin Ridley and the offense could enjoy a more balanced attack than in recent Henry-era seasons.
The Verdict
Jeremiyah Love is not just another draft prospect paying lip service to a potential employer. His acknowledgment of Tennessee's running back heritage is sincere, and his willingness to contribute to that lineage comes through clearly. Though the 2026 draft boasts multiple talented running backs -- such as Ashton Jeanty of Boise State and Quinshon Judkins of Ole Miss -- Love stands out as a prospect tailor-made for the Titans' culture and offensive philosophy.
Whether Tennessee uses a premium pick to secure Love or opts to trade back and select him in the second round, one thing is clear: Love is eager to meet the challenge. He embraces the franchise's standard of excellence and is ready to write the next chapter in the Titans' rich running back history.
"I want to be great," Love concluded. "And in Tennessee, they know what greatness looks like at running back. I'm ready to show them I've got it."
Jeremiyah Love may not be the next Derrick Henry, but if his mindset and talent translate as projected, he could well become the next great running back in Titans lore -- and that's a legacy worth chasing.