The Notre Dame running back room is undergoing a full-scale reset, and it’s happening fast. With standout backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price both declaring for the NFL Draft, the Irish have now lost a third piece of their backfield puzzle. Gi’Bran Payne, a veteran presence and former member of the 2022 recruiting class, has officially announced his intention to enter the transfer portal once it opens in early January.
Payne’s decision doesn’t come out of left field. He spent much of his time in South Bend behind more explosive playmakers, and with Love and Price leading the charge in recent seasons, opportunities were limited. Still, his departure marks a hit to Notre Dame’s depth at the position - a reminder of just how quickly a position group can turn over in today’s college football landscape.
In total, Payne recorded 56 carries for 226 yards and two touchdowns during his time with the Irish. His most productive stretch came in 2023, when he rushed for 168 yards and both of his career scores.
At 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, Payne brought a physical edge to the backfield, but consistent touches were hard to come by. Now, he’ll seek a fresh start and, more importantly, a bigger role elsewhere.
His exit, combined with the early departures of Love and Price, leaves Notre Dame with a clear focal point in the backfield: Aneyas Williams.
Williams, who came into the program with plenty of hype, suddenly finds himself as the most experienced returning back. He’s now the de facto leader of a room that’s been completely reshaped in just a matter of weeks. For a player with his skill set - a mix of vision, burst, and pass-catching ability - this is a golden opportunity to take the reins and make the backfield his own.
Notre Dame fans have already started to rally around the idea of Williams being “the guy” in 2026, and it’s easy to see why. He’s shown flashes of what he can do, and with a full offseason to prepare as the lead back, expectations are only going to rise.
That said, losing three running backs in one offseason is no small thing. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff may need to dip into the transfer portal themselves to round out the depth chart. One name that’s already popped up on fan radars is NC State’s Hollywood Smothers, who recently entered the portal and could be a fit for a team in need of experience and explosiveness.
Whether or not Notre Dame pursues a veteran addition, the message is clear: the Irish backfield is Aneyas Williams’ to lead. The coaching staff will be counting on him to anchor the ground game, and with a full workload likely coming his way, 2026 is shaping up to be his breakout campaign.
From a crowded, talent-rich backfield to a room in transition, Notre Dame’s running game is entering a new era - one built around youth, opportunity, and the promise of what’s next.