There’s a good reason why Notre Dame is considered a threat to win the national championship in 2026. The Irish return 72% of the production from last year’s 10-win team, which is the most of any team in the entire country.
There is potentially a gap in that returning production, though. The running back position saw Notre Dame lose two first-round NFL Draft picks, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.
The pair combined for 2,046 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground. As a team, Notre Dame had 2,441 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns. On top of that, they had 367 yards and five touchdowns through the air. Notre Dame had 3,061 yards and 25 touchdowns as a team. So, it’s a massive blow to lose both of their top running backs.
The plan at running back for Notre Dame
The top returning running back for Notre Dame is Aneyas Williams. He averaged 18.7 yards per game a season ago, largely in mop-up duty, but did have five touchdowns. After him, Nolan James Jr. also returns after playing in just four games a season ago.
That’s largely all that Notre Dame knows what it’s getting in the backfield.
Notre Dame chose not to take a running back in the transfer portal. Instead, the focus there was on defensive line, defensive back and wide receiver. The Irish did land four-star recruits Jonaz Walton and Javian Osborne in the Class of 2026, both of whom were top 10 in their position, per Rivals. But the Irish won’t want to bank on true freshmen in the biggest moments.
Ultimately, that means it’s going to fall on Williams’ shoulders to replace two running backs who became first-round draft picks. Someone else may step up at some point in the season, but it’s Williams who is going to get that first shot.
“Man, I’ve been waiting two years … and I wasn’t satisfied with last year at all,” Williams said recently. “Coach Seider knows that.”
Williams was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024, per Rivals. That was good for the 17th-ranked player at his position, but he’s largely been overlooked through two seasons at Notre Dame. Still, when given the opportunity, he’s been solid.
Williams has 58 career carries for 443 yards, or 7.6 yards per carry. He also has seven touchdowns. Through the air, he has 20 receptions for 212 yards.
If Notre Dame expects Williams to turn into Love, or even Price, it may be disappointed. However, he’s a talented back who is very capable, especially in short yardage.
