A NEW ERA IN THE NOTRE DAME BACKFIELD: Aneyas Williams and others Takes the Reins for Notre Dame Running Backs in 2026

For the past two seasons, Notre Dame has enjoyed one of the nation's most dangerous running back tandems.


Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price didn't just produce explosive plays, they defined the Irish offense. Between Love's home run speed and Price's physical, downhill running style, opposing defenses were forced to account for elite talent on every snap. Now, with both backs off to the NFL, the spotlight shifts to junior Aneyas Williams, who is expected to take over as Notre Dame's starting running back in 2026.


Replacing two first-round NFL Draft picks is no small task.


But if there's one player who has quietly prepared for this opportunity, it's Williams.
Waiting His TurnSometimes the best preparation comes from patience.


Williams spent his first two seasons learning behind two of the best running backs in college football. While touches were limited, he made the most of every opportunity, averaging an impressive 7.6 yards per carry through his first two seasons while also proving to be one of Notre Dame's most reliable pass-catching backs.


His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock flexibility that could make the Irish offense even more dynamic.


Now, after years of developing behind elite talent, it's finally Williams' turn.


Different Doesn't Mean WorseThe biggest mistake Notre Dame fans can make is expecting Williams to be Jeremiyah Love.


Or Jadarian Price.


He's neither.
Williams brings his own strengths to the offense.


He's an instinctive runner with excellent vision, soft hands out of the backfield, and the patience to let blocks develop before exploding through the hole. Coaches have praised his football IQ and versatility throughout his time in South Bend, and many believe his skill set fits perfectly within Notre Dame's offensive philosophy.


Rather than trying to replicate Love's explosiveness or Price's bruising style, Williams gives the Irish a balanced, all-around back capable of impacting every phase of the offense.
More Than Just One Back
While Williams is expected to lead the backfield, don't expect Notre Dame to rely on him alone.


The Irish have built one of the nation's deepest running back rooms, with players like Nolan James Jr., Kedren Young, and highly regarded newcomers all expected to compete for carries throughout the season.


Marcus Freeman has repeatedly emphasized competition, and the running back room should be no exception.


Still, Williams enters camp as the clear leader.
The Opportunity AheadWilliams understands the comparisons are inevitable.


When you follow players like Love and Price, expectations naturally rise.


But inside the program, the focus isn't on replacing production, it is on creating new production.


Williams has already shown flashes during meaningful moments, including his contributions in postseason play earlier in his career. Coaches and teammates have consistently pointed to his work ethic and maturity as reasons they believe he's ready for a larger role.
The Bottom LineNotre Dame's running game has long been one of the pillars of the program's success.


That won't change in 2026. The names may be different, but the standard remains the same. Aneyas Williams isn't being asked to become the next Jeremiyah Love or Jadarian Price.


He's being asked to become the first Aneyas Williams.


If his patience, development, and flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons are any indication, the Irish backfield is still in very good hands, and Williams now has the opportunity to write the next great chapter in Notre Dame's tradition of elite running backs.