Kedren Young is on the cusp of making a significant return to the Notre Dame football lineup, and his optimism is contagious. After a challenging recovery from a torn ACL, Young is eyeing a full return by summer, which would position him to compete with fellow backs Aneyas Williams and Nolan James Jr.
Earlier this week, Young shared updates alongside Irish coaches and trainer Rob Hunt, revealing that he has started running again-a crucial milestone in his recovery journey. If all goes according to plan, Hunt believes Young could be ready for fall practice, setting the stage for a competitive battle in the backfield.
With Nolan James Jr. making waves this spring and Aneyas Williams expected to be at full strength by fall, the competition for Notre Dame’s starting running back spot in 2026 is shaping up to be fierce.
Kedren Young’s potential return could be a game-changer for Notre Dame’s running back dynamics
Head coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized the "next man up" philosophy, and Young is eager to step into the spotlight following the departures of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.
Despite missing the entire 2025 season due to his injury, Young showed promise in 2024 with 116 yards on 21 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and scoring a touchdown. His performance hinted at the potential that Notre Dame fans are eager to see fully realized.
If Young continues his rehab trajectory, Notre Dame will boast a formidable array of running back options in 2026, posing a daunting challenge for their opponents.