ESPN analyst drops a bold prediction for Packers' Jordan Love in 2026

Love was in the NFL MVP conversation for much of the 2025 season, and one ESPN analyst is calling for him to take home the award next February.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Much like the Green Bay Packers as a whole were seen as genuine contenders to win Super Bowl 60 for much of the 2025 regular season, Jordan Love was viewed by many as a genuine contender in the race for NFL MVP. Sadly for all involved, of course, the bubble burst in mid-December.

In the aftermath of a 28-21 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 14, which moved Green Bay into first place in the NFC North and into the No. 2 slot in the overall NFC playoff picture, Love, who completed 68.0 percent of his passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns, jumped into third place in the NFL MVP betting odds at +1000 behind only Matthew Stafford (-180) and Drake Maye (+200).

One week later, a rough second half from Love contributed to a 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos, a defeat that also saw Micah Parsons suffer a season-ending torn ACL. And another week after that, during an overtime loss in the rematch with Chicago, Love was lost to a concussion, and any chance of him being named one of the five finalists for Most Valuable Player was lost as well.

Love, of course, didn't take another snap in the Packers' final two games of the regular season, both of which resulted in losses, and while he played fantastic football in the rubber match with the Bears in the Wild Card Round, throwing for 323 yards and four touchdown, it wasn't enough. Green Bay surrendered a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter en route to a 31-27 loss, with the defense giving up 25 points in the final frame.

Despite the disappointing finish to the 2025 campaign, many are calling for the Packers to bounce back beautifully in 2026, and one NFL analyst is already predicting Love to not only insert himself into the MVP race once again but to take home the award next February.

ESPN's Jason Reid is predicting Jordan Love to win 2026 NFL MVP

ESPN recently had 11 of its top NFL experts offer up some way-too-early projections for the 2026 season, with each being asked to predict the Super Bowl 61 matchup and the MVP winner.

Of the 11, two predicted the Packers to represent the NFC next February at SoFi Stadium, and one, that being Jason Reid, predicted Love to take Most Valuable Player at next year's NFL Honors ceremony.

"Next season will be Love's fourth directing Matt LaFleur's offense. Love dazzled with his arm talent in his first three and proved the Packers right in choosing to make him the foundation of their future. Love will take things to a new level and win MVP."

READ MORE: Two ESPN analysts predict the Packers to make a big leap forward in 2026

As Reid mentions, Love has certainly proven his worth in his three seasons as QB1, completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 10,929 yards with 80 touchdowns against 28 interceptions, thus earning a solid 97.8 passer rating. And while not a genuine dual-threat QB, he's also added 529 yards and five scores on the ground, averaging a respectable 4.3 yards per carry.

While Love may not have Romeo Doubs to throw to next season, as Doubs is one of several starters set to enter free agency, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Dontayvion Wicks are all under contract for the 2026 season. Tight end Tucker Kraft, who tore the ACL in his right knee in November, is expected to be ready for Week 1 as well.

So, as long as everyone stays healthy and the Packers win their fair share of games, Love should once again be right in the thick of the NFL MVP race.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations