A comfy shoe is imperative for travel, no matter where you’re headed. Do you really want to miss out on seeing the sights just because of a blister or lack of arch support? I didn’t think…
E! Online (US) – Top Stories
Day: March 23, 2026
Country Radio Seminar (CRS) officially returned to Nashville this week, once again bringing together the voices that help shape country music, from radio programmers and label executives to artists, media, and beyond. Held March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, the annual event served as the center of fresh conversations, new connections and a look at where the format is headed next with the artists who are leading the charge.
Keeping with a tradition more than 50 years in the making, the three-day event concluded with its most anticipated moment, the New Faces of Country Music Show. This annual showcase puts a mix of rising artists on stage in front of the those who have already played a role in their journey, and who can help push it even further.
If five decades of history has proven anything, it’s that this stage has a way of predicting country music’s next biggest stars. Last year welcomed a standout 2025 class, including Drew Baldridge, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Zach Top, and Warren Zeiders. Before them came artists like Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, and Brooks & Dunn, all of whom were named New Faces of Country Music over the years.
Presented in partnership with the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the 2026 showcase highlighted six artists, instead of the usual five acts, spotlighting Chase Matthew, Kelsey Hart, Meghan Patrick, John Morgan, Josh Ross, and Ella Langley. Each of these artists earned their spot through votes from the country music industry, reflecting their strong momentum, growing fanbases, and impactful songs released during the qualification period leading into CRS 2026.
This year’s performers certainly did the genre proud, showcasing exactly why they deserve this moment in the spotlight, and proving they’re only getting started.
Chase Matthew
The night kicked off on a high note as Chase Matthew took the stage with a palpable energy. Before the curtain rose, he leaned into the show’s long-standing tradition of playing an intro video, offering a more personal and heartfelt look at his journey. He featured kind messages from his parents, revisited his old place of work at a ATV mechanic shop and even shared clever marketing tactics from his early days. Plus, he highlighted some of his career milestones and gave a nod to Country Now for being there since the very start.
From the moment the Tennessee native made his entrance, it was clear that all the years of hard work and grinding is paying off. He opened with his major label debut single, “Love You Again,” which gained significant popularity after going viral on TikTok and later went on to hit the Billboard Hot 100 and reach the Top 20 on country charts in 2023. From there, he unleashed his signature grit and energy on his current single, “Holdin’ It Down,” before creating one of the night’s standout moments when he introduced surprise guest Lauren Alaina for their hit duet, “All My Exes.”
Matthew wrapped his set with his first No. 1 hit, the Gold-certified “Darlin’,” taking the energy into the crowd and dancing with CRS attendees before returning to the stage and ending with a sincere message of gratitude to country radio.
“I can tell y’all I’ve snuck in this building enough times for CRS to know that the Lord is real because he put me on the stage this time and I didn’t have to sneak in. So thank you, Warner Nashville. Thank you, Country Radio. Thank you, CRS for having us. And thank you to all my awesome team members. You know who you are. Thank you for this band…I believe this opportunity is just as important as my Opry debut, my Ryman debut,” he shared.
Kelsey Hart
Next up was Curb Records artist, Kelsey Hart, a Kentucky native that is making his mark on Music City one song at a time. He also took the sentimental, heartfelt route for his introduction video, making sure to highlight the leap of faith he took with moving away from his home, the people who have helped him get here, and the impact his music has made on his fans.
Hart is no stranger to CRS, as he explained on stage while recalling his first time at the seminar a few years back when he “didn’t know a soul.” Fast forward to 2026, he said attending this year’s event felt more like “a family reunion.” A big part of his dream has always been to play on the CRS stage and on Friday, March 20, he made sure to take full advantage of the opportunity with a setlist of songs that truly showcased the power of his artistry.
The rising star launched with “Put It on A Map”, followed by an powerful rendition of “Fireworks” before stirring up heartfelt emotions with his viral debut single, “Life With You.” Before performing the song, Hart took a moment to explain the deep sentiment behind it, noting it was his and his wife’s first dance at their wedding—and just a few months later, it opened more doors than he ever imagined. He also shared how much being on this stage meant to him.
“I just want to say, y’all, I moved to town in 2016 to chase this dream and I was extremely green, didn’t have a clue what I was doing or what I needed to do,” he admitted. “And here we are 10 years later and getting that chance. And I mean, it truly means the world to me, guys, for y’all taking the chance on my music, taking the chance on me as a person. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Meghan Patrick
The entire room lit up (literally) when Meghan Patrick took the stage. Making a bold entrance with a harmonica in hand, she took an unexpected route and opened her set with a medley of Led Zeppelin covers that immediately had the crowd leaning in. Paired with glowing wristbands throughout the audience, the moment matched the electricity radiating from the stage.
Once she shifted to her own music, the Canadian singer/songwriter paused to reflect on the long road that led her to this moment. An important step on that journey is her first Top 16 at country radio, “Golden Child.” She admitted it felt “crazy” to be named a member of the New Face class after years of hard work, and credited timing, perseverance, and the radio community for finally bringing her to this stage.
“I am just beyond honored and humbled to be here as one of the new faces of 2026, which seems kind of crazy to say because I don’t feel like a new face because I’ve been doing this a long time, but God’s timing is always right on time,” she shared. “And this next song I think is proof of that. I want to thank every radio person in this room right now for believing in me, for giving me a chance this year, change my life with this song and for giving me a chance to come play your shows and play for your listeners. It means the world to me, not just to get this song all the way up to 16, but for it to be a song that means so much to me and has a message that’s close to my heart.”
Dressed in a gold fringe ensemble, Patrick traded off showcasing her guitar skills and commanding the stage with a tambourine in hand. As her set came to a close, she turned the spotlight to her personal life, revealing she would be performing “Safe Place To Break,” a song inspired by her love for her husband, Mitchell Tenpenny.
John Morgan
The packed room got a dose of comic relief when John Morgan took his turn. He introduced himself with a hilarious video that showed him walking through his label’s office, where every employee had fully committed to replicating his signature look. The bit continued as he hopped into a car on the way to CRS, driven by none other than country music superstar, Jason Aldean.
Moments later, Morgan walked through the doors and straight onto the stage, seamlessly launching into his opening song, “Way Out Would,” off his latest album, Carolina Blue. From there, he kept the show engaging and brought even more heartfelt moments throughout his set. He followed up with his mom’s favorite track, “One More Sunset,” and then got the audience involved with a sing-along to his current radio hit, “Kid Myself.” His laid-back confidence and natural stage presence made it clear he was right at home in that moment.
The BBR Music Group/BMG artist ended on a high note, celebrating his first-ever No. 1 as an artist with “Friends Like That.” Over the years, Morgan has written plenty of songs for other artists, but this night was his chance to have all the focus on him and the talent he brings to the genre. Taking a second to soak it all in, he thanked country radio for changing his life and helping the song rise to the top.
He told the room, “So honored to be here tonight. Thank you guys for having us. I can’t wait to play you this next one….I got to say a big thank you to all my country radio fan for taking this song all the way to number one. This is my very first number one as an artist, so thank you so much for all your support, every one of you guys. I love you. Thank you for changing my life with us.”
Josh Ross
After John Morgan, it was time for the night’s second Canadian singer/songwriter, Josh Ross, to take the stage…and it’s safe to say he made every moment count. Ross instantly commanded the room with a quiet confidence, moving effortlessly across the stage and letting his voice do most of the talking.
Each song felt intentional, showcasing both his grit and vulnerability, while proving he more than earned his place among this year’s New Faces class. His set pulled completely from his debut album Later Tonight, including his current U.S. chart-climbing single, “Hate How You Look” and “Namin’ Names,” giving the crowd a full picture of the stories that have been resonating with fans.
The crowd then got a vulnerable look into Ross’ story and struggles he’s faced through “Scared of Getting Sober.” Upon introducing the track, he opened up about the personal battles behind it, admitting it was one he almost didn’t play, but ultimately chose because it best represents who he is as both an artist and a person.
“I think if there’s something that shows off me as a character and the battles that I go through, it’s this next song. I have the greatest job in the world sometimes. It gets super hard. This song has spoken to a lot of people so far on the road,” he noted.
Ross couldn’t leave the stage before performing “Single Again,” which made the Waterdown, Ontario-native the first Canadian male in nearly 30 years to top the U.S. Country Airplay chart and added to his string of multiple No. 1s in Canada. By the end of his set, Ross had delivered a performance that left no doubt that his momentum is only continuing to build.
He concluded, “Thank you for giving a kid from Ontario, Canada the opportunity to have a number one as a male in almost 30 years from Canada…And the one thing I promise you is I’m here to stay. I’m freaking grateful and I won’t let you down. I want to be here in 20, 30 years still standing on this stage playing for you guys, hanging out and representing the market that brought me to life. So thank you so much.”
Ella Langley
The show came to a close with Ella Langley, who brought a final surge of excitement to an already standout lineup. It was hard to ignore the shift in the room the moment she stepped out from behind the curtain, dressed in a red and black fringe ensemble and carrying a confidence and joy that felt contagious. The industry-only audience pushed their way closer to the stage, feeding off her energy as she moved through her set with a smile that never faded.
In a unique twist, she saved her intro video for the end of the performance, reworking her previously released “Be Her” music video to include the voices behind country radio, a thoughtful nod to the people who have had a hand in her rise. Instead, she got right to the music, starting with the title track to her upcoming album, Dandelion.
Throughout the set, she showcased both powerhouse deliveries and vulnerable storytelling with songs like “Dandelion” and her current fan-favorite that naturally evoked a sing-along, “Be Her.” Langley then paused to open up about the personal story behind the “Loving Life Again” and encouraged listeners to give themselves grace and take a step back when needed, explaining that the track came from a moment when she needed that most.
“I’m a very happy girl these days…I have had a big dream my whole entire life. I have literally wanted to do exactly what I’m doing in front of you here tonight since I’ve ever wanted to do anything. This job gets crazy, this world gets crazy. No matter what you’re doing, I think life sometimes can get really heavy and we put out some fun songs to this record, some heartbreak songs, but this song was really important to me and the last one before the whole record comes out,” she explained honestly. “If it wasn’t for this song or this moment in my life, I don’t think I would have gotten the rest of this record finished.”
Ella Langley left the audience on a high with one of her biggest and most talked-about songs, the historic “Choosin’ Texas,” marking the perfect ending to not only her set but the night as a whole.
After seeing the 2025 New Faces of Country Music Show, it’s impossible not to feel excited for what’s ahead. These artists are not just the next wave of the genre, they’re the ones who will continue to define the sound for years to come.
Before the curtain closed on the end of the three-day event, an announcement was made that all the excitement will be back at Nashville’s Omni Hotel from March 17-19, 2026.
The post CRS 2026 New Faces Show Delivers Breakout Moments From Ella Langley, Chase Matthew & More appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Bunnie Xo is stripping down the reality of her recovery.
Nearly a week after the Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic author underwent a facelift, she detailed the side effects she is…
E! Online (US) – Top Stories
Container ships are lined up at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage on Oct. 11, 2020. The port and Sandia National Laboratories are teaming up to evaluate Cook Inlet renewable energy resources to potentially fuel a planned microgrid. (Photo by Erik Hill/Port of Alaska)
Alaska is once again riding high on the strength of oil revenues, with an additional $545 million flowing into state coffers. This is welcome news for policymakers and residents alike. But it also presents a familiar and uncomfortable paradox: the very forces boosting state revenue are poised to inflict serious economic pain on many Alaskans, particularly those in rural communities.
As oil prices rise, so too will the cost of energy across much of rural Alaska, which continues to depend heavily on diesel-fired generation of electricity. While there may be a lag before these increases reach consumers because of older oil product inventory that reflects earlier, lower prices, the direction is clear. Households and small businesses in remote communities like Kotlik, Nome, Allakaket, Gambell, and Atka — already paying some of the highest energy costs in the nation — will soon face another wave of price shocks. These will not be minor fluctuations, but the kind of sustained cost pressures that can destabilize family budgets, strain local economies and deepen inequities between urban and rural Alaska.
For years, the Power Cost Equalization program has served as a critical buffer, helping to offset high electricity costs in eligible communities by subsidizing them in Alaska. But that buffer is now stretched to its limits. Even before oil prices surged, the fund was operating at the ceiling of its annual payout. It currently lacks the capacity to absorb another surge in costs. In short, the safety net is still there, but it will not stretch any further.
This moment calls for more than short-term patchwork. It calls for foresight.
The Renewable Energy Fund, a competitive grant fund to support renewable energy projects, offers a path to stability. Designed to support projects that reduce long-term energy costs and increase local resilience, the REF has already helped bring hydro, wind, solar and other innovations to communities across the state. These investments are not just environmentally sound; they are economically prudent and subject to third-party verification by the Alaska Energy Authority’s energy engineering and finance professionals. By reducing dependence on imported diesel, REF projects insulate communities from the very volatility we are now confronting.
The fiscal case for continued investment is compelling. Per the Alaska Energy Authority’s website, REF-funded projects currently offset an estimated 13 million gallons of diesel each year. Valued at an extremely conservative rate of $4 per gallon, that equates to approximately $52 million in avoided fuel cost statewide. That cost-savings figure exceeds the current annual payout capacity of the Power Cost Equalization Endowment and is more than a 5% annual draw on a $1 billion fund.
The question, then, is not whether Alaska can afford to invest more in the REF; it is whether we can afford not to.
There are $41.2 million in total Renewable Energy Fund requests this year that have been successfully vetted by the Alaska Energy Authority. Allocating a portion of the $545 million in additional revenue to the REF would be a strategic use of windfall funds. It would convert short-term gains into long-term stability, and recurring cost-savings. It would acknowledge that while the state may benefit from high oil prices today, many of its residents will pay the price tomorrow.
Alaska has been here before — caught between boom and bust, between revenue and risk. The difference now is that we have better tools and clearer investment opportunities. We can continue to react to crises as they unfold, or we can invest in solutions that reduce the severity of those crises in the first place.
Dedicating a portion of this unexpected revenue to the Renewable Energy Fund would not solve every challenge overnight. But it would mark a meaningful step toward a more stable, more equitable energy future for rural Alaska.
The state is benefiting tremendously from volatility. It should also help protect those who are most vulnerable to it.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
One of Hollywood’s most iconic couples could be getting the prestige TV treatment.
Ahead of the season one finale of Love Story—which will conclude the FX series’ dramatization of John F. Kennedy…
E! Online (US) – Top Stories
Christina Applegate is planning for her future.
The Married…with Children alum, who went public with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2021, got candid about the everyday aspects of living with…
E! Online (US) – Top Stories
Can you guess which eatery rolls around its prime rib on a silver cart offering tableside slicing? Hint: The restaurant got its start in California.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
Finding a swimsuit that actually fits a larger bust doesn’t have to be stressful.
The right bikini or one-piece should lift, flatter, and make you feel confident, whether you’re poolside or…
E! Online (US) – Top Stories
Skip Holtz, one of the most successful head coaches in spring football, stepped away from his post with the three-time champions Birmingham Stallions this offseason. Filling those big shoes is a familiar face, with former UFL product and Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron taking over — one of several new coaching changes for Year 3. “Everything happens for a reason,” McCarron said. “I truly believe that, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. … I was in this league when it first came back around in 2023, and to see it grow and how well they take care of the coaches and players … has been awesome.” The 2026 UFL season kicks off Friday night on FOX with the newly formed Louisville Kings — one of the league’s three brand-new franchises — hosting the Stallions at Kentucky’s Lyon Family Stadium (8 p.m. ET). One of the main goals of the UFL remains providing an opportunity for players to chase their dreams of playing in the NFL. Over the past two seasons, 66 players with a connection to modern-era spring football (2020 to present) have earned spots on NFL regular-season rosters or have been added to practice squads during the 2025 season. Along with that extra incentive, one thing that has remained a constant in the league is Shannon Harris, the head coach of the DC Defenders and 2025 UFL Coach of the Year. Harris led the Defenders to a UFL title in his first season after replacing Reggie Barlow just a week before the 2025 season began. The Defenders finished the season raising the championship trophy, and Harris shed the interim tag to become DC’s permanent head coach. The Defenders also have the most continuity of any team, returning offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss and defensive coordinator Blake Williams, the son of longtime NFL defensive guru Gregg Williams. “We know what it takes to win in this league, and the goal isn’t to relive last season,” said Williams. “It’s to raise the bar. This group is hungry, driven, and locked in on building something even better in 2026.” Here’s a closer look at what to know for the upcoming UFL season: Three new home markets in Year 3 Three franchises were moved to different cities, an effort by the league to drum up more fan support and create a more festive, intimate environment by playing in cozier venues to improve the fan experience. Teams in Memphis, San Antonio and Michigan relocated to Columbus, Louisville and Orlando, respectively. Six of the eight venues have also been changed. The league’s hope is the move to different markets and smaller venues will spark fan engagement. [UFL 2026: Full Regular-Season Schedules for All 8 Teams] Rick Neuheisel among six new head coaches McCarron is just one of six new UFL head coaches on the sidelines this season. Former Colorado and Washington head coach Neuheisel takes over the Dallas Renegades, who moved from Arlington. The Renegades relocated their home games from Choctaw Stadium in Arlington to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Kevin Sumlin returns to coach the Houston Gamblers. The Roughnecks were rebranded to the Gamblers for 2026, reverting to their original name when Sumlin served as the team’s head coach in the legacy USFL in 2022. Anthony Becht has moved from the St. Louis Battlehawks to become the head coach of the new Orlando Storm. Ricky Proehl replaces Becht in St. Louis, while former NFL receiver and Ohio State standout Ted Ginn Jr. will serve as the head coach of the Columbus Aviators and former NFL quarterback Chris Redman is the head coach of the Kings. Familiar names on UFL rosters Luis Perez, “The Spring King,” remains the starting quarterback for the Renegades. Perez led the UFL with 2,238 passing yards last year. Offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum Jr., a former NFL draft pick in 2020, is with the Renegades, along with returning wideout Deontay Burnett. 2025 UFL Championship Game MVP Jordan Ta’amu returns for the Defenders. DC’s veteran quarterback is joined by former Michigan Panthers safety Kai Nacua, the older brother of Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua. Former legacy XFL rushing leader Abram Smith is back for the Defenders, along with receivers Cornell Powell and Ty Scott. Jalan McClendon returns for another season in the UFL as the starting quarterback for the Aviators. The 30-year-old took a major step in development by earning a starting job in Houston last year. McClendon helped Houston improve from 1-9 in 2024 to 5-5 last season. Ex-Michigan Panthers running back Toa Taua is also now with the Aviators. Quarterback Matt Corral and standout wide receiver Deon Cain are back for Birmingham’s high-powered offense. Former San Antonio Brahmas speedy running back Anthony McFarland Jr. joins those two in Birmingham. Hakeem Butler returns at receiver for St. Louis, along with outside linebackers Pita Taumoepenu and Travis Feeney. All-UFL defensive tackle Carlos Davis moves from Birmingham to St. Louis. All-UFL linebacker Tavante Beckett is now with the newly formed Storm. Electric receiver and returner Chris Rowland joins Beckett in Orlando. Versatile running back Kirk Merritt is back for Houston. [UFL 2026: Every Player Drafted by Position for All 8 Teams] New faces, new places Former Cleveland Browns quarterback and UCLA product Dorian Thompson-Robinson will lead Orlando’s offense. Ex-Cincinnati Bengals receiver John Ross, who held the NFL Scouting Combine record in the 40-yard dash at 4.22 seconds before Xavier Worthy broke it two years ago, is joining his former teammate McCarron in Birmingham. Newly minted Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailia’s younger brother, Taulia, was signed by Houston. He played at Maryland when Sumlin coached there. Former Las Vegas Raiders first-round cornerback Damon Arnette returns to Houston, and ex-Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell Jr. signed on with Louisville. One of the new kickers to watch out for this year is USC product Michael Lantz for the Storm. Brandon Aubrey, Jake Bates, Harrison Mevis and Andre Szmyt are all former UFL players who earned jobs as kickers in the NFL. [UFL 2026 Title Odds: Stallions, Defenders Top Preseason Board] New rule changes The UFL installed a handful of changes to juice up the game and encourage more scoring. Those include the addition of a 4-point kick for any successful field goal 60 yards or longer. Last season in the NFL, kickers went 12-for-22 (54%) from 60-plus yards on field goals. Punts inside the 50-yard line are also prohibited, except for after the two-minute warning in either half. The UFL banned the “tush push” short-yardage play, moved kickoffs back to the 30-yard line and changed to requiring pass catchers to just have one foot in bounds, like in college. The UFL also changed two-point conversions to the NFL’s 2-yard line, moving it up from the 5-yard line. Additionally, offenses can kick for one point from the 33-yard line or go for three points from the 8-yard line. [UFL 2026: New, Updated Home and Away Uniforms for All 8 Teams] Matchups to watch, halftime entertainment highlight Week 1 Along with the Stallions and Kings kicking things off Friday, FOX will televise the Gamblers at the Renegades from Toyota Stadium on Saturday afternoon (4 p.m. ET). The other two games this weekend — Defenders vs. Battlehawks on Saturday (noon ET) and Aviators vs. Storm on Sunday (8 p.m. ET) — will be televised on ESPN to close out Week 1. The UFL will have several headliner music acts performing at halftime for season openers in home markets, including D.J. Khalid in Orlando, Nelly in St. Louis, Ty Myers in Dallas and Russell Dickerson in Louisville.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft is still a month away, but astute evaluators have already completed their scouting reports for the top players in the class. Despite the NFL scouting community’s lack of respect for running backs and their ability to carry a team to a championship, Jeremiyah Love has evaluators reconsidering their team-building philosophies heading into April. The Notre Dame star is a rare find at the position as a workhorse runner with “take it to the house” potential and receiver-like hands and ball skills. In 41 college games, Love rushed for 2,882 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns and added 63 catches for 594 yards and six scores. Given his ability to seamlessly shift from workhorse to big-play specialist, he has captivated the imagination of offensive coordinators looking for an explosive RB1 to build an offense around. Moreover, the 2025 Doak Walker Award winner has coaches and scouts contemplating tossing aside the new norms and reverting to a time when blue-chip runners routinely came off the board as top-five picks. Although Love will not headline a class that matches the 2005 draft — RBs Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson and Cadillac Williams were selected second, third and fifth, respectively — he could join Todd Gurley (10th overall, 2015 draft), Ezekiel Elliott (fourth, 2016), Christian McCaffrey (eighth, 2017), Leonard Fournette (fourth, 2017), Saquon Barkley (second, 2018) and Bijan Robinson (eighth, 2023) as one of the few running backs selected in the top 10 since 2015. Considering the hype surrounding Love and his potential to take the league by storm, here is my breakdown of his spectacular game. The Upside Love is the total package as a downhill runner, with big-play ability as both a runner and a receiver. Measuring 6-foot and 212 pounds and with quick feet and exceptional balance and body control, he can run through or around defenders to get to the second level. While his superb vision enables him to spot creases quickly at the point of attack, Love’s ridiculous cutting ability allows him to slither and slide through small cracks between the tackles. With few defenders capable of matching his explosiveness and agility, the former Missouri Class 5 100-meter sprint champion (10.76) is a make-you-miss specialist with the speed to take it the distance. As a receiver, Love’s soft hands and outstanding open field running skills routinely result in big plays on low-risk throws to the perimeter. Whether catching flares and swings from his traditional running back spot or winning one-on-one matchups on options or isolation routes, he is a difference-maker in the mold of CMC and Robinson out of the backfield. As the NFL continues to evolve into a matchup league with offensive playcallers looking for various ways to create and exploit mismatches, Love’s versatility and explosiveness make him the multifaceted offensive weapon every team wants in the huddle. The Downside Despite Love’s impressive performance and production as Notre Dame’s feature back, evaluators will question whether he is a capable workhorse back at the next level. He logged 20 or more carries in a game only three times during his career, which raises concerns about his competitive stamina as an RB1. While most teams are utilizing a committee approach in the backfield with multiple runners sharing the load, Love’s status as a potential top-five pick would lead to expectations of a significant workload. As a primary playmaker for the Irish, Love’s lack of pass protection experience could be an issue at the next level. He has not mastered the complexities of “double read” concepts (running back assigned to block one of two pass rushers) within the pocket, and he must refine his blocking technique to sustain and finish better against hard-charging linebackers. While most teams will squash the issues by featuring him extensively as a receiver out of the backfield, NFL defensive coordinators will concoct a few schemes that force him to stay in the backfield and become part of the protection unit. With that in mind, Love must continue to improve in this area to prevent opponents from neutralizing his impact through creative scheming. The Verdict Love is the highest-rated running back that I have scouted since Reggie Bush entered the 2006 draft. While I raved about the USC legend and Heisman Trophy winner for his electric playmaking skills as a runner, receiver and returner, the Notre Dame star displays the potential to develop into an unstoppable force as an RB1/WR2 in a dynamic offensive scheme. Love reminds some evaluators of Detroit Lions three-time Pro Bowl RB Jahmyr Gibbs as a big-play threat and scoring machine. I view him, however, as a Jamaal Charles-like weapon who will consistently produce 100-plus yards from scrimmage with ease. As teams look for an offensive weapon to build game plans around, the buzz over the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class will reach a crescendo on April 23.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports