Houston fans get a fresh whiff of blockbuster potential as ESPN’s first 2026 mock pins Jeremiyah Love to the Texans at No. 21. The piece underlines Houston’s ongoing trench work, with Tay Ersery likely locking in at left guard and Tytus Howard moving inside in a contract year to shore up the interior. Love’s arrival would reshape Houston’s backfield dynamic, especially with RB depth projected as thin for the 2026 class.
Love’s Notre Dame résumé — 1,115 rushing yards, 19 total touchdowns (17 rushing, 2 receiving) and standout speed-plus-burst — positions him as a unique playmaker who can handle both early-down work and pass-catching duties. With Mixon signed through 2026 and Chubb in the mix on a one-year deal, Houston could lean into a veteran-by-committee approach in the near term while Love develops. The Texan receiving corps remains intriguing with Nico Collins and rising talents Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, offering a balanced framework for a potential breakout season once the line is fortified.
The mock’s projection hints at a broader strategic pivot for Houston: upgrade the line, deploy a versatile back, and diversify the offense to maximize red-zone efficiency and play-action. If Love lands in Houston, fantasy managers should monitor how quickly he earns touches behind a strengthened line and how the offense distributes carries between Love, Mixon, and Chubb, while Collins and the young receivers provide reliable targets as the team pursues a more balanced attack.
