Projecting Notre Dame football’s 2026 running back depth chart

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It should come to no one’s surprise that both Notre Dame football’s star running backs, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, have decided to move on from college and play in the NFL.

The earnings window for a back in The League isn’t long, meaning there is only so much shelf-life for one. The Irish won’t have a gaping hole at the position next fall, but there won’t be a ton of returning experience. That being said, I don’t think Notre Dame goes after a back via the portal, as there are still four other scholarship players on campus with two more expect the join in the near future when the 2026 class arrives on campus.

Head coach Marcus Freeman won’t jump the gun and name a starter right away, but I highly doubt that it takes long for the coaching staff to make a decision know to the public. Below, we’ll guess what the five-deep Notre Dame running back depth chart will look like next fall.

(Note: All recruiting rankings are according to the 247Sports Composite.)

No. 5 – Javian Osborne

Osborne will be on campus early, and while he would have benefitted from some potential CFP practices, the nation’s No. 10 back in the 2026 class has the potential to be special. Osborne already has a frame that plays well at this level, at 5-foot, 10-inches and 200-pounds. Also can’t count out Jonaz Walton, as he was ranked just a spot behind at No. 12 nationally.

No. 4 – Kedren Young

Young wasn’t available at all this fall after tearing his ACL during fall practice. He most likely wouldn’t have made much of an impact, and Notre Dame has been slow to get players back to the field with these types of injuries. It hasn’t been due to talent, more easing players back. For that reason, I think Young will get a few carries, but won’t really be in the rotation.

No. 3 – Nolan James Jr.

James saw the field as the true freshman this fall after being the No. 12 back in the 2025 class, getting 14 carries but gaining only 37-yards. There are better days ahead of him, and he’s already earned some playing time through good practices. James most likely won’t be getting a lot of carries this fall, but you should see his usage tick up around 40-50 attempts next fall.

No. 2 – Gi’Bran Payne

After tearing his ACL during the spring game in 2024, Payne was eased back into the rotation this fall, but really didn’t get much run. Sure he’s considered a senior, but the NCAA should grant him an injury waver for last year, and he’ll bring some veteran leadership to the field with some explosive ability.

No. 1 – Aneyas Williams

Even before the news of his two teammates moving to the NFL, Williams knew his path, and it was waiting his turn in South Bend. He had been asked late in the season about the possibility of a transfer, and quickly dismissed it, and should be RB1 entering next fall.

Williams looked like a star in-the-making during his freshman season, but Notre Dame really didn’t need to use him this fall. It’s a plan that the coaching staff laid out for him, limiting his usage, saving reps when needed. When given the opportunity, Williams was dominant, rushing for 224-yards on 24 carries, a 9.3 yards-per-attempt clip. He scored almost 20% of his touches as well, so he should be pretty darn good when given the expanded opportunity.

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