Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman rarely has to plan for both halves of a dominant backfield leaving at the same time, but that is exactly the reality facing the Fighting Irish after Jadarian Price joined Jeremiyah Love in declaring for the NFL Draft.
With both backs atop the depth chart now gone, Freeman must navigate how to replace one of the most potent rushing attacks in college football and decide whether the solution lies in-house, in the transfer portal, or both.
Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Faces Roster Dilemma Following RB Draft Declarations
Love’s decision was widely expected. Viewed by many draft analysts as the RB1 in the 2026 class and a consensus top-10 overall prospect, his departure felt inevitable. Price’s announcement, however, carries far more ripple effects for Notre Dame’s immediate future.
Notre Dame’s rushing attack was a foundational pillar of its offense. The Irish averaged 203.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 17th nationally, and scored 38 rushing touchdowns, the third most in the country.
That production was driven by an embarrassment of riches at running back. On PFSN’s draft board, Love ranked as the No. 1 running back prospect, while Price sat at No. 9, giving Notre Dame the rare luxury of deploying two top-10 NFL-evaluated backs in the same backfield.
The impact metrics tell the same story. Love posted a PFSN RB Impact Grade of 92.2, the fifth highest in the nation, while Price checked in at 77.6, ranking 66th nationally. Together, they formed a one-two punch that few defenses could survive.
Now, those shoes must be filled.
Notre Dame’s Options
The most natural successor is already in South Bend.
Aneyas Williams enters the offseason as the presumptive next man up, and while he has not yet carried a full workload, the belief internally has long been that his opportunity was coming. Williams ran for just 200 yards as Notre Dame’s third-string back, but flashes of burst, vision, and balance were enough to fuel optimism.
Recruiting pedigree is not a concern. Williams was a four-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals, ranked No. 144 nationally by Rivals, and listed as the second-ranked running back and fifth-ranked prospect in his state by Rivals
Asked earlier this fall about his future, Williams did not publicly anoint himself “the guy,” but his intent to stay and develop within the program was clear. The talent is there, and the opportunity is undeniable. However, replacing both Love and Price will likely result in some growing pains.
Given the magnitude of the loss, it would be surprising if Freeman did not explore the transfer portal to supplement the position group. Here are some possible options.
Evan Dickens: Small School Standout
One intriguing name is Evan Dickens, the Liberty running back who recently entered the portal with two years of eligibility remaining. Dickens was one of the most productive backs in college football in 2025, earning second‑team All‑CUSA honors and a spot on the CUSA All‑Academic Team. Nationally, he ranked No. 3 in rushing yards per game (121.7), No. 4 in rushing touchdowns (16), No. 5 in total rushing yards (1,339), and No. 7 in all‑purpose yards (127.3 per game).
His PFSN RB Impact Grade of 80.4, ranking 45th nationally, underscores his consistency. In Notre Dame’s run-centric system, surrounded by better supporting talent, Dickens could elevate his profile even further.
A Sneaky Depth Addition: CJ Miller
If Notre Dame prefers to pair Williams with another capable option rather than chase a clear-cut starter, CJ Miller from Mercer could be a smart, under-the-radar addition.
Miller rushed for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, averaging 5.7 yards per carry over 12 games. He topped 100 rushing yards five times and scored in nine contests, with his best performance coming against East Tennessee State, when he posted 172 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.
Still developing, Miller offers upside, toughness, and proven production. For a program seeking depth and competition, he could form a balanced one-two punch with Williams or provide valuable rotational support.
A Crossroads Moment for Freeman
Freeman now faces a defining offseason decision. Notre Dame is losing not just talent, but certainty, at one of the most important positions on its roster. Replacing a backfield that featured two top-10 NFL prospects will not be easy, but it does not have to be a rebuild.
Whether Freeman entrusts the offense to Williams, adds a proven portal producer, or blends both approaches, the Irish’s identity as a ground-driven program remains intact. How quickly that identity reasserts itself will depend on the choices made in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: The path forward at running back will shape Notre Dame’s ceiling in the season ahead.
