Notre Dame’s Running Back Room Is Reloading - And Still Dangerous
Notre Dame’s backfield in 2025 was nothing short of electric. Few position groups across college football packed the same punch as the Irish running backs, and now the program faces a major test: replacing two All-Americans, including a Doak Walker Award winner, without losing its offensive identity.
Let’s be clear - losing both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price is a serious blow. Love, the nation’s top running back this past season, and Price, who not only starred in the backfield but was arguably the best return man in the country, combined for over 2,400 yards from scrimmage and 36 touchdowns. That’s production you don’t just plug-and-play.
But here’s the good news: Notre Dame’s running back room is still loaded. The Irish have recruited the position at a high level in recent years, and while you don’t replace Love and Price one-for-one, the talent pipeline is strong enough to keep the backfield among the best in the nation - if the pieces come together.
There’s a question mark around Gi’Bran Payne, who may be eyeing the transfer portal. If he stays, he adds depth and experience.
If not, the Irish still have a five-man group that could make serious noise in 2026. Let’s break it down.
Aneyas Williams and Kedren Young: The Duo to Watch
Notre Dame’s 2024 recruiting class brought in two of the top backs in the country in Aneyas Williams and Kedren Young, and both could be central to the Irish offense moving forward.
Williams made his presence felt early in his career. As a true freshman, he carved out a role as the third-down back and flashed big-play ability - including two game-changing moments in the Orange Bowl.
In limited action this past season, he still managed 224 yards and five touchdowns on just 24 carries. That’s nearly a touchdown every five touches.
What makes Williams so intriguing is his all-around game. He’s compact and powerful, with excellent vision and a knack for slipping through tight spaces.
He’s also a proven pass-catcher and a willing blocker - traits that make him a true three-down back. And despite limited touches, he already has three touchdown runs of over 50 yards.
That kind of explosiveness doesn’t stay on the bench for long.
Then there’s Young. At 5-11, 240 pounds, he’s built like a short-yardage specialist, but his game is more than just power.
He’s got nimble feet, great vision, and was a dominant runner in high school for a reason. A knee injury in fall camp kept him sidelined in 2025, but if he returns to full strength, he could be the perfect complement to Williams’ shiftiness.
Together, they offer a thunder-and-lightning combo that could solve the red zone and short-yardage struggles that plagued Notre Dame this past season.
Nolan James Jr.: The Wild Card with Star Potential
Redshirt freshman Nolan James Jr. is another name to circle. He didn’t see the field much in 2025, but that had everything to do with the depth ahead of him - not a lack of ability.
James brings a unique blend of quickness, physicality, and vision. He was a 1,000-yard receiver in high school, so he’s got natural hands and knows how to work in space.
He turned heads in fall camp and might’ve cracked the rotation if not for the presence of Love and Price. With those two gone, James enters 2026 with a real shot to push for the starting job.
He’s not just competing for touches - he’s talented enough to challenge for the lead role. His versatility in the passing game makes him a potential mismatch weapon, and his feel for the position gives him a chance to be a breakout player in the spring.
Freshmen Arriving Early - And Ready to Contribute
Notre Dame didn’t stop stockpiling talent. The Irish landed the nation’s top running back duo in the 2026 class, and both early enrollees - Javian Osborne and Jonaz Walton - will be on campus in January.
Osborne is lightning in a bottle. He’s got elite agility, great vision, and a frame that’s already ready for college football. His ability to plant, cut, and burst through holes is special - and he brings a physical edge that mirrors what Price offered, only with a bit more strength right out of the gate.
Walton, meanwhile, is a smooth, long-striding runner with serious top-end speed. He may not have Osborne’s initial burst, but once he hits the second level, he’s gone. He’s also an asset in the passing game and as a returner, and his frame suggests he can handle a full workload down the line.
Both freshmen bring something different to the table, and both could factor into the rotation sooner than later.
What It All Means for 2026
Notre Dame’s running back room in 2026 won’t look the same without Love and Price - but that doesn’t mean it’ll be any less dangerous.
Between Williams’ all-purpose skill set, Young’s power and vision, James’ versatility, and the high-ceiling potential of Osborne and Walton, the Irish have five backs who can all contribute - and possibly star - in different ways.
The talent is there. The depth is there.
The home run ability is there. What’s next is on running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider: developing the group, defining the roles, and getting the most out of a room that still has the tools to be one of the best in the nation.
Replacing All-Americans is never easy. But Notre Dame might just have the firepower to do it - and keep the ground game rolling in 2026.