Notre Dame Football 2026 Running Back Preview
- godcountryirish
- May 28
- 3 min read
The departure of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL—where they made history as the first two running backs selected in the first round of the 2026 draft—leaves a significant void in Notre Dame's backfield. Love and Price formed a formidable tandem that powered the Irish offense with explosive plays, versatility, and complementary styles: Love as the dynamic lead back with big-play ability, and Price as a reliable complement with power and elusiveness.
Yet, Notre Dame's running back tradition, rooted in physicality, vision, and multi-phase contributions, endures. The 2026 group, led by a junior and bolstered by young talent, aims to sustain that identity through committee work, scheme fit under Marcus Freeman and RB coach Ja’Juan Seider, and an offensive line poised for dominance.
Predicted Starter: Aneyas Williams
Aneyas Williams projects as the clear RB1 heading into the season. Limited by injury in prior years, his per-carry production stands out among recent Irish backs. Williams brings burst, vision, and tackle-breaking ability in a compact frame. He excels in zone schemes, finding creases and accelerating through the second level—ideal for Notre Dame's multiple offense. His 2025 long of 54 yards and high TD rate show home-run threat potential. Durability and pass protection improvements will be key, but spring reps (even limited) position him to handle a heavier load.
Williams offers a balanced skill set: a decisive one-cut runner with enough power to finish runs and receiving upside to keep defenses honest. If the O-line creates lanes, he could approach 1,000 yards while maintaining efficiency.
Full Depth Chart and Paths to Playing Time
Aneyas Williams (JR): Locked in as a starter. Needs to stay healthy, refine pass pro, and prove he can handle 15-20+ carries per game without wearing down.
Nolan James Jr. (Freshman/RS-Fr): Strong candidate for RB2 after limited 2025 action (14 carries, 37 yards). He impressed in spring practices with vision and competitiveness. To earn significant reps, James must improve burst/finish at the line, contribute in the passing game, and show special teams value. His freshman flashes and recruiting pedigree suggest big-play potential in a complementary role.
Kedren Young (RS-Sophomore): High-upside athlete who missed most of 2025 with an ACL injury. At full strength, his size/speed combo makes him a threat in outside zones or as a change-of-pace back. He needs to regain confidence post-injury, prove pass protection reliability, and carve a niche on third downs or in packages. Health is the biggest variable for expanded playing time.
Javian Osborne (Freshman): Early enrollee with talent but missed spring due to injury. As a true freshman, he must absorb the playbook quickly, show physicality in camp, and flash in limited opportunities. Special teams could accelerate his path; consistency and avoiding mistakes will be priorities.
Jonaz Walton (Freshman): Another mid-year enrollee who gained reps in spring. He needs to build strength, refine blocking, and demonstrate he can contribute immediately in a rotation. Explosive runs in practice suggest upside as a depth piece who earns trust through effort and scheme fit.
Continuing the Love-Price Tradition
Love and Price elevated Notre Dame's run game with explosive tandem play, receiving skills, and big moments in high-stakes games. The 2026 group continues this by emphasizing:
Explosiveness and complementarity: Williams, as the lead, with speedier complements (Young, James, freshmen), creates matchup problems
Physicality and vision: Notre Dame RBs have long succeeded with north-south runs, patience, and power. This group must maintain that while adding youth and speed.
Multi-phase impact: Expect more screen passes, check-downs, and return duties to mirror the duo's versatility.
Sustainability: A deeper rotation prevents overuse, keeping players fresh for a tough schedule and potential playoff push.
With CJ Carr at QB and a veteran offensive line, this backfield doesn't need superstar production to thrive—it needs reliability, chunk plays, and execution. Fall camp will sort the rotation, but early indicators point to a capable, if unproven, unit ready to uphold the tradition. The Irish backfield remains a strength in 2026—not through star power alone, but through depth, development, and the relentless culture that produced first-round talents. Expect Williams to lead the charge, with hungry youngsters pushing for their share.
Go Irish!
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