Cardinals Star RB Jeremiyah Love Gets Brutal Camp Update After Being Taken 3rd Overall
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Arizona Cardinals shocked the league by taking a running back third overall. Jeremiyah Love arrived from Notre Dame as the clear top back in the 2026 class. Training camp has already delivered a cold dose of reality.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett offered a blunt take on the rookie. The comments left little doubt that the starting job remains open.
Jeremiyah Love Faces Early Camp Competition
Hackett spoke to reporters after the start of camp. He expressed excitement about veteran James Conner getting healthy and showing what he can do. He also mentioned looking forward to seeing all the backs.
When asked specifically about Love, Hackett kept it short.
“I mean, he’s definitely a rookie,” the coordinator said.
#Cardinals OC Nathaniel Hackett
on whether he sees the RB room as having a starter: “I’m really excited about it. Excited for James [Conner] to get out there and show what he’s got. I mean, all the guys.”
on Jeremiyah Love’s progression: “I mean, he’s definitely a rookie” pic.twitter.com/YcVTBfkrMV
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) July 25, 2026
The response stood out after such a high draft investment.
Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final college season. Scouts viewed him as the best offensive prospect available. Drafting him that high still raised eyebrows given the team’s other needs.
Conner has started for the Cardinals since 2021 but has dealt with repeated injuries. He reworked his contract to stay in Arizona. The team also added free agent Tyler Allgeier to the mix.
Jeremiyah Love Still Has Work Ahead
Putting a top-three pick on the bench would mark a major surprise. The Cardinals spent premium capital on Love despite holes on the offensive line and pass rush. Hackett’s words could simply be motivational or an attempt to create competition.
Love signed a four-year deal worth around $53 million after the draft. The organization clearly sees long-term value in his skill set. Yet the coaching staff is not handing him the job on day one.
Conner’s experience and Allgeier’s addition create a crowded backfield. Love must prove he can handle the full workload right away. Early camp practices will decide how quickly that happens.
The Cardinals’ coaching staff remains hesitant to crown a clear starter. The next few weeks will show whether the high draft pick can seize the role.
Jeremiyah Love entered the league with massive expectations. The first official feedback from his new coaches has already tempered some of the hype.
