Jeremiyah Love: The 2026 R.O.Y. Pick You Can't Afford to Ignore (And the Bet to Make)

The setup for 2026 is clear. Jeremiyah Love is the undisputed favorite to win Rookie of the Year. The evidence isn't just strong-it's historic.

His 2025 college season was a masterclass in dominance. He posted 199 carries for 1,372 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, averaging a blistering 6.9 yards per carry. That's not just good production; it's elite, efficient, and explosive. He didn't just play; he broke games open with runs like a 68-yard touchdown against Syracuse and a 63-yarder against USC. This wasn't a flash in the pan. It was a full-season statement.

He made his move official on December 16, 2025, declaring for the NFL Draft after that outstanding junior campaign. The consensus projection is unanimous: Love is a first-round talent. Multiple mock drafts, including those from NFL.com, ESPN, and The Athletic, slot him between 8-18 overall. In every single one, he is the first running back off the board. That's the alpha leak. The market has already priced in his immediate impact.

The bottom line is simple. Love enters the league with a track record of elite, high-volume production and a clear path to a starting role. For a Rookie of the Year race, that's the perfect starting point. The bet is already made by the draft board.

The Dynasty Gambit: What This Draft Class Really Offers

The 2026 rookie class is a gambler's dream. It's bursting with athletic freaks and dual-threat QBs, but here's the catch: no sure-fire superstars in sight. This is the key. The lack of elite studs creates a sea of uncertainty that makes Love's high ceiling not just valuable, but a relative bargain.

In recent years, dynasty leagues have been priced for perfection. You traded future picks for a guaranteed franchise back. This year, that luxury doesn't exist. The drop-off in quality after the top tier is fast and steep, turning what could have been a deep class into a wild card. That uncertainty could make 2026 picks less valuable overall.

So where does that leave Love? He's the closest thing to a sure-fire franchise back in this entire class. While others are potential stars, he's the only one with a proven track record of elite, high-volume production. In a year where the market is guessing, his established dominance makes him a safer, higher-value pick. You're not just getting a running back; you're getting the most reliable blueprint for success in a chaotic draft.

The bottom line for dynasty players: When the class lacks clear superstars, the player who comes closest to being one becomes the smartest bet. Love isn't just the favorite for Rookie of the Year; he's the anchor for a 2026 dynasty draft.

The Bet: What Warren Sharp Would Actually Do

The alpha leak is clear. Love is the favorite. But in a weak class, that's not a reason to fade him-it's a reason to lean in hard. The contrarian take for dynasty players? This isn't a bet on a flash-in-the-pan. It's a bet on the only proven, high-volume producer in a sea of question marks. The value is in the safety.

Here's the actionable strategy. Trade up for Love in the first round. The drop-off after the top tier is fast and steep. With no sure-fire superstars in sight, the risk of drafting a "freak" who never fulfills is high. Love is the closest thing to a guaranteed franchise back. His 18 rushing touchdowns in a single season is the massive red flag for defenses. It signals goal-line dominance and a high-volume role from day one. That's the blueprint for Rookie of the Year and immediate dynasty impact.

The watchlist is simple. Monitor his combine performance and interviews in late February. The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine starts on February 26. A strong showing there could solidify his stock and justify a higher pick. A slightly tempered interview might temper expectations, but it won't change the core fact: he's the most reliable production in the class.

The bottom line? In a year where the market is guessing, Love's established dominance makes him the smartest, highest-value pick. The bet Warren Sharp would make is to pay up for the safety.

Catalysts & Risks: What Could Derail the R.O.Y. Hype

The hype is real, but the path to Rookie of the Year is a tightrope walk. The primary catalyst is the draft itself. Love is projected to go between 8-18 overall, with multiple mocks landing him in the top 10. That final pick number is everything. A top-10 selection guarantees a clear path to a starting role and high-volume work. A slide into the second round, however, could mean sharing carries or waiting for a veteran to clear a spot. The draft date is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and the market will price his immediate workload based on that slot.

The biggest risk? The lack of a clear-cut NFL mentor. Unlike some prospects who join a team with a veteran lead back to learn from, Love will likely be thrust into a starting role from day one. He'll need to adapt quickly to a pro offense without a seasoned veteran to guide him through the transition. This is a double-edged sword. It means immediate opportunity, but also immediate pressure to perform.

The final pieces of the puzzle will be revealed in late February. The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine starts on February 26. His performance there-especially in the 40-yard dash, agility drills, and interviews-could solidify his stock or slightly temper expectations. A strong showing would validate the high draft position. A less-than-stellar day might prompt a team to trade down, altering his early workload.

The bottom line is that the R.O.Y. hype is built on a proven track record, but it's not immune to the realities of the NFL. The catalyst is a top-10 pick and a smooth transition. The risk is a mentorless start and a draft-day slide. Watch the combine and the final mock drafts for the clearest signal.