On Thursday, Jeremiyah Love became the first running back drafted in the top three since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Now, he’ll try to match Barkley by winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
The bookies like his chances.
The Notre Dame alumnus is a +240 favorite at bet365 Sportsbook, putting him just ahead of No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, who is +425 to become the first Raider to win the award since Marcus Allen in 1982.
No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate (+425), No. 8 overall pick Jordyn Tyson (+650) and No. 20 overall pick Makai Lemon (+900) round out the top five at bet365.
Although he was picked third behind Mendoza and EDGE David Bailey, there’s a large camp of pundits that believe that Love is the most NFL-ready prospect in this year’s draft.
The 20-year-old rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games for the Fighting Irish in 2025.
Love’s 6.9 yards per carry were good enough for eighth-best in FBS among players with at least 75 carries.
It’s not just Love’s work carrying the mail that makes him a potential franchise cornerstone for the Cardinals. He is also a great pass-catcher, averaging 10.4 yards per catch on 27 receptions last season.
2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jeremiyah Love (ARI) | +240 |
| Fernando Mendoza (LV) | +425 |
| Carnell Tate (TEN) | +500 |
| Jordyn Tyson (NO) | +650 |
| Makai Lemon (PHI) | 9/1 |
| Jadarian Price (SEA) | 10/1 |
| Omar Cooper Jr. (NYJ) | 18/1 |
| KC Concepcion (CLE) | 20/1 |
| Kenyon Sadiq (NYJ) | 20/1 |
| Denzel Boston (TBD) | 30/1 |
Although no running back has won OROY since Barkley did it for the Giants in 2018, Raiders tailback Ashton Jeanty opened as the favorite in 2025.
The former Boise State Bronco didn’t receive any votes despite a decent rookie campaign that saw him rack up 975 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
The award would eventually go to wide receiver Tet McMillan of the Panthers, who entered the season as a 10/1 outsider.
Betting on the NFL?
Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who Gang Green nabbed with the No. 16 overall selection on Thursday, is the 10th-favorite at 20/1 odds.
A tight end has never been named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.