With the departure of key players, Aneyas Williams is set to make a significant impact, evolving from a sporadic contributor to a standout offensive force.
Notre Dame's offense will feel the absence of stars like Doak Walker Award winner Jeremiyah Love and his dynamic partner Jadarian Price, who are both heading to the NFL after a combined 2,046 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025. This opens the door for rising junior Aneyas Williams to take on the lead-back role and potentially have a breakout season.
A breakout season can happen on multiple levels. First, a player transitions from limited play to becoming a key part of the rotation.
Next, they move from a rotation player to a starter. Finally, they become a dominant force on their side of the ball.
Williams has the chance to make this multi-level leap in the upcoming season.
Williams has been a part of the Fighting Irish offense in bursts so far. In 2024, he carved out a role as a third-down back, playing 213 snaps, including appearances in all four playoff games. His performance against Penn State, where he ignited the offense with a 36-yard catch and a 15-yard rush, showcased his potential.
Last season, although his field time was limited, Williams made the most of it. The 5-10, 206-pound running back logged 47 offensive snaps, rushing for 224 yards and five touchdowns on just 24 carries-an impressive 9.3 yards per carry. This fall, he'll aim to extend that production over the entire season.
Williams is likely to start as the No. 1 back in fall camp, but competition from redshirt sophomore Kedren Young and redshirt freshman Nolan James Jr. will keep the pressure on. Running back coach Ja'Jaun Seider, known for his two-back rotation, might need to adjust given the depth of talent this year.
Williams has been a big-play threat throughout his Notre Dame career, though not as consistently as Love and Price. With three touchdown runs of 50 yards or more over the past two seasons, he fits perfectly into Mike Denbrock's explosive offense, which set a school record with 7.3 yards per play in 2026.
While Williams may not match Love's numbers due to the likely rotation with Young and James Jr., his impact will be significant. Improved offensive line play will benefit all backs, particularly Williams, who also excels as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
In 2025, Love expanded his role as a receiver, but Williams remains the most natural pass catcher. In high school, he amassed 177 receptions and 3,249 receiving yards, complementing his 4,255 rushing yards and 151 total touchdowns.
Williams has the potential to be one of Notre Dame's best dual-threat running backs in recent memory. While his highlight-reel plays might not be frequent, they’re certainly within reach.
Notre Dame's offense may lean more on the passing game this fall with Heisman hopeful CJ Carr at quarterback, but the Irish will still focus on establishing the run. Williams is poised to have a pivotal season, and he's ready to seize the opportunity.