The Tennessee Titans are entering a pivotal moment in their franchise trajectory as they hold the No. 4 overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. While much of the pre-draft chatter has focused on bolstering the offensive line or adding a perimeter threat, a new name has surged to the top of the Titans' wishlist. Following a standout performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Titans have expressed significant interest in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. As head coach Brian Callahan prepares for his third season at the helm in Nashville, the addition of an elite playmaker like Love could be the catalyst needed to elevate the Titans' offense to the next level.
Jeremiyah Love and the Titans' Draft Strategy
The decision to target a running back in the top five is always a move that invites scrutiny in the modern NFL, but for the Tennessee Titans, Jeremiyah Love represents more than just a ball carrier. Reports from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis indicate that General Manager Ran Carthon and the Titans' scouting department were thoroughly impressed by Love's physical profile and his football IQ during formal interviews. Love has solidified his status as the consensus top running back prospect in the 2026 class, and Tennessee appears increasingly comfortable with the idea of making him a cornerstone of their rebuild.
By holding the fourth overall pick, the Titans are in a position to take the best player available. While the team has spent the last two years attempting to modernize their offensive approach, the lack of a truly explosive, three-down threat in the backfield has been a missing piece. Love’s versatility—specifically his ability to contribute as a high-level receiver—fits the mold of the "positionless" playmakers that Callahan’s system thrives on.
Athlete Profile: The Notre Dame Standout
During his tenure with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Love emerged as one of the most electric players in the country. Standing as a blend of elite speed and surprising power, Love was a home-run threat every time he touched the ball in South Bend. His collegiate career was defined by his efficiency, often averaging high yards-per-carry marks while splitting time in a talented University of Notre Dame backfield before eventually taking over as the clear lead option.
At the NFL Combine, Love’s athletic testing confirmed what the tape suggested. He posted top-tier numbers in the 40-yard dash and the vertical jump, but it was his fluidity in the receiving drills that caught the attention of the Titans' staff. For a team looking to provide young quarterback Will Levis with reliable safety valves and explosive weapons, Love’s profile as a dual-threat weapon makes him an enticing prospect at the top of the board.
Transitioning Beyond the Derrick Henry Era
The Titans' interest in a premier running back comes as the franchise continues to reshape its identity following the departure of Derrick Henry in 2024. Since Henry moved on two offseasons ago, Tennessee has utilized a variety of approaches to replace his legendary production, primarily relying on a committee featuring Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. While that duo provided stability, the front office appears ready to return to a featured-back model with a player of Love's caliber.
Unlike the power-heavy style of the previous era, the Titans' current offensive philosophy under Callahan emphasizes spacing and creating mismatches. Jeremiyah Love represents the evolution of the position for the franchise. His ability to line up in the slot or catch passes out of the backfield forces defenses to account for him on every blade of grass, a stark contrast to the downhill, physical style that defined Tennessee football for nearly a decade.
The Impact on Will Levis and the Titans' Offense
As Will Levis enters a critical year in his development, the Titans understand that the best way to support a young quarterback is with a dominant ground game and a versatile check-down option. By selecting Love at No. 4, Tennessee would be providing Levis with a player capable of turning a five-yard dump-off into a 50-yard touchdown. This explosive potential is exactly what the Titans' offense lacked during stretches of the 2025 season.
The draft stock of running backs has fluctuated wildly in recent years, but the "generational" tag is being applied to Love with increasing frequency. If the Titans believe Love is a blue-chip talent who can transform their offensive ceiling, the positional value debate becomes secondary to the pursuit of elite talent. As the draft approaches, the connection between Nashville and the Notre Dame star is one of the most significant storylines to watch.
- Prospect: Jeremiyah Love
- College: Notre Dame
- Position: Running Back
- Draft Slot: No. 4 Overall (Projected)
With several weeks remaining before the first round kicks off, the Titans will continue to weigh their options, including potential trades or addressing the offensive line. However, the impression left by Jeremiyah Love at the Combine has clearly placed him at the center of the Titans' draft board. Whether they pull the trigger on a running back at No. 4 remains the biggest question facing the franchise this spring.
Sources & Original Reporting
