Notre Dame’s Backfield Outlook for 2026: Life After Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price
Notre Dame’s running back room is entering a new era.
With All-American Jeremiyah Love and fellow standout Jadarian Price both declaring for the NFL Draft, the Irish lose not just two 1,000-yard rushers, but the heart of their ground game. Love, the Doak Walker Award winner, and Price, a projected Day 2 NFL pick, gave Notre Dame one of the most dynamic backfields in college football over the past two seasons.
So where does that leave things heading into 2026?
Let’s break down what the Irish have in the cupboard - and why Ja’Juan Seider’s group might still be one of the more intriguing position units on the roster.
The Front-Runner: Aneyas Williams
If you’re looking for the next man up, Aneyas Williams is the name to know.
The rising junior didn’t get a ton of carries this past season, partly due to an elbow injury that lingered from fall camp. But when he was on the field, he made his touches count. Williams found the end zone five times on just 24 carries - that’s a touchdown every 4.8 touches - and he averaged a scorching 9.3 yards per carry.
His November was particularly electric, with scoring runs of 54, 51, and 30 yards - all showcasing his burst, vision, and sneaky strength. At 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, Williams brings a compact build that’s tough to bring down, and he’s already shown he can be trusted in pass protection and as a pass catcher. Those are traits that matter, especially in an offense that values versatility.
He’s got the inside track to lead the room - and maybe even become the next breakout star in South Bend.
The Wild Card: Nolan James Jr.
Don’t sleep on Nolan James Jr.
The redshirt freshman only logged 29 offensive snaps in 2025, but there’s a reason the coaching staff is high on him. James carried 14 times for 37 yards and flashed enough quickness and competitiveness to earn praise from offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock back in August.
“He’s very competitive, very skilled,” Denbrock said. “He’s got a good feel for the run game, he’s tough as nails and can make plays out of the backfield.”
That last part is key - James profiles as a third-down weapon, someone who can keep defenses honest with his ability to catch the ball and make defenders miss in space. His speed and skillset make him a strong complement to Williams, and he could carve out a niche role early in the season.
The Power Back: Kedren Young
Every backfield needs a bruiser - and Kedren Young might be that guy.
The third-year sophomore is coming off a torn ACL suffered in training camp, but when healthy, he brings a physical presence that Notre Dame lacked in short-yardage situations last season. At 5-foot-11 and 240 pounds, Young is built like a tank, though there’s a chance he trims down a bit to ease the load on his surgically repaired knee.
Before the injury, Young had already shown promise as a freshman in 2024, averaging 5.5 yards per carry on 21 attempts. If he’s back to full strength, he could be a go-to option in goal-line and third-and-short scenarios - the kind of back who can move the pile when the defense knows what’s coming.
The Freshman Phenoms: Jonaz Walton and Javian Osborne
Notre Dame didn’t just reload at running back - they brought in two of the most exciting recruits in the country.
In May, the Irish landed commitments from two Top 10 national running back prospects: Jonaz Walton out of Georgia and Javian Osborne from Texas. Both bring elite production and high ceilings to the table.
Walton (5-9, 205) racked up 85 career touchdowns, including four on kickoff returns, and posted 32 100-yard rushing games. He’s a rare blend of size and speed, and according to Irish GM Mike Martin, “a tough, powerful young man” who’s “muscular, strong,” and can flat-out fly.
Osborne (5-10, 200) broke Forney High School’s all-time record with 105 career touchdowns. Martin called him “a naturally gifted runner” with “vision, anticipation, and feel” - the kind of instincts that separate good backs from great ones.
Both freshmen are expected to compete for early playing time, and with Love and Price out of the picture, there’s a clear opportunity for one (or both) to make an immediate impact.
The Veteran Option: Gi’Bran Payne
Then there’s Gi’Bran Payne - the steady hand in the room.
After missing all of 2024 with a torn ACL, Payne returned this season and appeared in all 12 games, primarily on special teams. He only logged 16 snaps on offense but made the most of his limited carries, averaging 5.9 yards on nine attempts.
Payne’s experience and vision could make him a valuable insurance policy, especially early in the season as the younger backs find their footing. He’s proven he can contribute in short-yardage situations and has a knack for finding daylight when things get tight.
Bottom Line
Notre Dame’s running back room may have lost its stars, but it hasn’t lost its shine.
With a healthy Aneyas Williams leading the way, a versatile weapon in Nolan James Jr., a power option in Kedren Young, two blue-chip freshmen in Walton and Osborne, and a steady veteran in Gi’Bran Payne, the Irish have a deep and diverse group ready to step up.
Ja’Juan Seider has plenty to work with - and if this group gels, Notre Dame’s ground game could remain one of the most dangerous in the country.
The names may change, but the standard in South Bend doesn’t.