Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is set to enter the NFL after declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. In three seasons at Notre Dame, the running back recorded 2,882 yards on 433 carries, finishing third in Heisman voting in 2025 with 46 first-place votes.
Head coach Marcus Freeman will also lose Jadarian Price, who is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. Following this decision, PFSN has predicted that Freeman will look to rebuild his roster through the transfer portal, with one 2,445-yard All-American emerging as an option.
Notre Dame Predicted to Land 2,445-YD Transfer Portal RB
According to a recent prediction from PFSN’s analysts, Notre Dame has emerged as a potential option for James Madison running back Wayne Knight. Knight totalled over 1,770 all-purpose yards last season, which earned him All-American honors.
“Notre Dame stands out as an ideal fit due to its established two-back system. Jeremiyah Love has been dominant, posting a PFSN CFB RB Impact grade of 92.1 while Jadarian Price checked in at 77.5. That kind of development could really entice Knight to choose the Fighting Irish,” wrote PFSN’s Ryan Guthrie.
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During his time at James Madison last season, Knight also had 40 receptions for 397 receiving yards. This would make him the perfect replacement for Notre Dame’s starter, Love, who had 280 receiving yards on 27 receptions, with three touchdowns.
After setting the single-season all-purpose yard record at James Madison last year, the All-American decided to enter the transfer portal. This came after former head coach Bob Chesney accepted the coaching vacancy left by DeShaun Foster at UCLA.
“Even if head coach Marcus Freeman doesn’t view Knight as a clear RB1, he would immediately slot in as the best complementary 1B option in a backfield Notre Dame has historically been comfortable rotating,” PFSN’s analyst continued.
Currently, looking far into the future in 2026, Aneyas Williams would most likely be the starter on Notre Dame’s depth chart. When questioned on whether he would remain at Notre Dame next year earlier in the season, Williams was confident he would stay.
“Just understanding this running back room, and how special it is. It’s kind of hard to be negative on yourself. I got two first-rounders (Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price) in front of me.” Williams stated, confirming that he would be staying with the Fighting Irish.
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Last year, the third-string Notre Dame running back recorded 24 carries for 224 yards, including five rushing touchdowns. Currently, Nolan James Jr. and Kedren Young are also expected to return for the 2026 season, while Gi’Bran Payne has entered the transfer portal.
“We believe that every game goes through the running back room,” Love said, “so if we’re on our stuff, the offense is going to be on their stuff. Just be great backs, be great teammates.” Love stated back in October, after a victory over USC, in which the running back recorded 228 rushing yards.
With Payne, Love, and Price all departing Notre Dame ahead of 2026, whether it be to the NFL or the transfer portal, Freeman may look to restrengthen his running back room. And Knight would be the perfect target to start with.
