Notre Dame Faces Early Running Back Battle Following Jeremiyah Love’s NFL Leap

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has officially turned his attention to the NFL, leaving the Fighting Irish with one of the most critical openings on their roster. During Super Bowl week, Love revealed to ESPN that a college program attempted to contact him about transferring, an unusual tampering attempt that he ultimately ignored. The identity of the program remains unknown, but Love said the call was simple and did not distract him from his path forward.

Love’s departure creates a significant void for Notre Dame, as he leaves behind a high-powered offense and a starting role that was central to the team’s success last season. The Fighting Irish will have clarity on who emerges as the lead back during spring practices, when coaches begin evaluating options for the 2026 campaign.

Two freshmen are already being viewed as early contenders to inherit the RB1 position. Javian Osborne, a four-star recruit from Forney High in Texas, racked up 4,077 career rushing yards with 61 touchdowns and added 2,015 yards and 32 scores in his final high school season. He arrives in South Bend with a reputation as a dynamic, versatile back.

The other challenger is Jonaz Walton from Central High in Carrollton, Georgia. Walton, also a four-star recruit, enjoyed an illustrious prep career with 5,965 rushing yards and 70 touchdowns, including a 1,000-yard season in each of his four varsity years. Both players passed on multiple Power Five programs to commit to Notre Dame, signaling their confidence in competing for the starting role.

1. The Impact of Jeremiyah Love’s Exit

Jeremiyah Love’s departure leaves a massive gap in Notre Dame’s backfield. As a Heisman Trophy finalist and likely top-10 NFL Draft pick, Love was the centerpiece of the Irish offense and a reliable threat on the ground. His combination of speed, vision, and power made him difficult to replace. The Fighting Irish elected not to pursue any transfer options after Love declared for the draft, meaning the incoming freshmen will have the first opportunity to compete for the starting spot. This decision reflects confidence in the development of Notre Dame’s recruiting class and a desire to maintain continuity within the program. Love’s exit also intensifies the spotlight on spring practices, as the coaching staff must evaluate which player can best fill the role and carry the offense. With so much production lost, the new RB1 will be tasked with leading a critical aspect of the team’s 2026 strategy. Replacing a player of Love’s caliber is never straightforward. While the program benefits from top-tier incoming talent, the challenge will be whether either Osborne or Walton can step into the NFL-ready shoes left behind.

2. Freshman Contenders to Watch

Javian Osborne arrives in South Bend with a decorated high school career, highlighted by 4,077 rushing yards and 61 touchdowns. His senior year alone produced 2,015 yards and 32 touchdowns, demonstrating consistency and explosiveness at the prep level. Coaches see Osborne as a versatile back who can contribute immediately if he adapts quickly to college competition. Jonaz Walton is another highly-regarded freshman ready to challenge for the starting job. At 5-foot-9, he was a four-year 1,000-yard rusher in high school and finished with nearly 6,000 career rushing yards and 70 touchdowns. Walton’s combination of speed and vision gives Notre Dame another dynamic option in the backfield. Both players turned down offers from multiple Power Five programs, indicating their commitment to competing at Notre Dame. Their arrival adds depth and fuels healthy competition for the RB1 role, which is crucial following Love’s exit. The spring practices will serve as the proving ground for Osborne and Walton. Who emerges as the starter will depend on performance, consistency, and adaptability to the collegiate game. The coaching staff will likely use the first few weeks to test both players in multiple scenarios to determine readiness.

3. Looking Ahead to Spring Ball

Notre Dame’s 2026 spring practices are expected to feature one of the most competitive running back battles in recent memory. The new RB1 will not only replace a Heisman finalist but also set the tone for an offense that relied heavily on Love’s production. The coaching staff will evaluate both freshmen on vision, speed, pass protection, and durability. Early performance in drills, scrimmages, and conditioning tests could determine who earns the starting nod for the season opener. Beyond immediate production, the battle also provides a glimpse into the future of Notre Dame’s backfield. Both Osborne and Walton have the potential to anchor the offense for multiple seasons if they prove capable of stepping into a lead role as freshmen. Ultimately, the race for RB1 highlights the challenge and opportunity presented by Love’s departure. The player who emerges will inherit a significant responsibility but also a chance to make an immediate mark in South Bend.