The Dallas Cowboys running back of the future does not appear to be on the team’s roster unless one of the current playmakers can surprise in 2025. Dallas signed a pair of veterans in Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams this offseason. Additionally, the Cowboys selected Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft.
The Cowboys starting running back gig is up for grabs, but the winner may be more of a temporary solution. Dallas’ lack of major additions at the position this offseason has fueled speculation that the team could look to the 2026 NFL draft to find a more permanent answer.
Pro Football Sports Network’s Brentley Weissman predicts the Cowboys will make a run at Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love.
Here’s a look at Love’s fit with the Cowboys.
The Cowboys May Be Looking for Their Running Back of the Future in 2026
Weissman’s early three-round 2026 mock draft has Dallas selecting Love with the No. 12 pick. This would not be great news for the Cowboys as having this high of a draft pick indicates the team would once again miss the NFL playoffs.
“This player-team pairing will continue to be in my mock drafts,” Weissman wrote in a July 26, 2025, story titled, “3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning is Browns’ New QB1, Fernando Mendoza Pairs with Sean McVay, Cowboys Land a RB1.” “The Cowboys’ current running back group is arguably the weakest in the NFL. Historically, the team performs best when they establish a strong run game and physical presence, enabling Dak Prescott to succeed with play-action.
“Jeremiyah Love is by far the top running back in his class, and he is projected to be a Heisman finalist this fall after another impressive season. His dynamic running style is characterized by a potent combination of power, vision, and breakaway speed.”
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love Has a Chance To Be the 1st Running Back Selected in the 2026 NFL Draft
Love is already one of the top running backs in college football. The Notre Dame playmaker posted 163 carries for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns in 16 appearances during the 2024 season.
Love was also involved in the passing game with 28 receptions for 237 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has Love as his No. 1 ranked running back in the 2026 NFL draft.
“At this time a year ago, Ashton Jeanty was the slam-dunk RB1 prospect,” Brugler explained in a July 17, story titled, “2026 NFL Draft summer scouting: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love clear RB1 heading into season.” “Same thing with Bijan Robinson going into the 2022 season. And this year feels similar with Love, who is the 2026 NFL Draft’s unquestioned top running back prospect. Jeanty and Robinson were ultimately drafted top 10; Love has the talent to join them.
“Last season, only two backs averaged at least 6.9 yards per carry and surpassed 14 rushing touchdowns: Jeanty and Love. With Jeanty now playing for the Raiders, Love is college football’s clear top running back, and it will be interesting to see how the Irish balance the priority of getting him the football while also keeping him fresh.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Cowboys Predicted to Land 1,000 Yard, 17-TD Star Running Back appeared first on Heavy Sports.