Love rose to prominence at Notre Dame, earning Heisman finalist status, the Doak Walker Award, and All-American honors in 2025. He has piled up 2,497 rushing yards over the past two seasons, averaged 6.9 yards per carry, and scored 35 rushing touchdowns, with an additional 517 receiving yards and five receiving TDs in that span. In 2025, he played 12 games and totaled 1,652 yards from scrimmage with 21 touchdowns.
Athleticism was a standout with Love, who ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Scouts have described him as a three-phase back with big-play speed and strong pass-catching ability, capable of stressing defenses and serving as a offensive catalyst for a scheme like LaFleur’s.
But fit questions loom. Arizona ranked near the bottom in pass protection, giving up 59 sacks in 2025, and the team did not address the offensive line with a blue-chip prospect. The selection of Love raises questions about whether the line can sustain a prolific back and create downhill running lanes.
Roster dynamics add to the complexity. Incumbent backs James Conner and Trey Benson, along with new signee Tyler Allgeier, are in the mix, and Love is expected to be a three-down game-changer for the offense. The restructuring of Conner’s contract could further influence how the backfield roles unfold entering 2026.
Overall, the pick provides LaFleur with a blue-chip talent to anchor a new-era offense, but questions remain about line protection and how Love will fit alongside the current backfield and strategic roster plan. The Cardinals will need to address those lines and scheme compatibility to maximize Love’s impact.
