Josh Berry may be out at Wood Brothers Racing after 2026, but all signs point toward NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love being next in line for the iconic No. 21 Ford.
Love’s name has circulated throughout the garage for weeks as rumors intensified about a potential departure from Richard Childress Racing’s development pipeline. Those rumors only gained steam when Austin Hill received all of the remaining Cup starts in Kyle Busch’s car, despite Love previously earning several development opportunities at the Cup level.
The 21-year-old has long been viewed as one of NASCAR’s brightest young prospects. After winning the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship and continuing to impress in the series, Love appears poised to make the jump to full-time Cup competition.
While no official announcement has been made, Wednesday’s confirmation that Berry will not return to the No. 21 after 2026 only fueled speculation that the seat has already been earmarked for Love.
If the move happens, it would give Wood Brothers Racing a young, highly touted driver with championship credentials and provide Ford with another cornerstone prospect for the future.
One of the worst-kept secrets in NASCAR’s silly season may soon become official.
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