Notre Dame Running Back Nolan James Jr. Impresses in Spring Practice

Redshirt-freshman running back making a case for a bigger role in 2026 season

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:55pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion of a Notre Dame football player breaking through the line of scrimmage, their form dissolving into an energetic blur.Nolan James Jr.'s explosive spring performance has Notre Dame's coaching staff excited about the young running back's potential.Notre Dame Today

With top running back Aneyas Williams limited in spring practice, Notre Dame's coaching staff has given other running backs a chance to step up, and redshirt-freshman Nolan James Jr. has taken advantage. Running backs coach Ja'Jaun Seider has praised James' maturity, work ethic, and natural talent, saying he's doing things that even veteran pros struggle with.

Why it matters

Notre Dame is looking to replace its leading rusher from 2025, and James' strong spring performance could earn him a bigger role in the backfield rotation this fall. The Fighting Irish have high expectations for their offense in 2026, and James' development would provide valuable depth and competition at the running back position.

The details

James saw limited playing time in 2025 behind Aneyas Williams, Jeremiyah Love, and Jadarian Price, but has impressed the coaching staff with his maturity, reliability, and natural ability. Seider has said James is "the most mature young kid" he's coached and a "do s— right" guy who is always on time and has never been in the doghouse. In practice, Seider believes James is showing skills that even veteran pros take time to develop.

  • Nolan James Jr. appeared in 4 games in the 2025 season, rushing for 37 yards on 14 carries.
  • James is currently participating in Notre Dame's spring practice sessions in 2026.

The players

Nolan James Jr.

A redshirt-freshman running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Ja'Jaun Seider

The running backs coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Aneyas Williams

The leading rusher for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2025, who is limited in spring practice in 2026.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Jadarian Price

A running back on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

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What they’re saying

“He's the most mature young kid I've coached.”

— Ja'Jaun Seider, Notre Dame Running Backs Coach

“He does stuff what three, four-year pros figure out later.”

— Ja'Jaun Seider, Notre Dame Running Backs Coach

What’s next

As Notre Dame continues spring practice, the coaching staff will evaluate the running back competition and determine the depth chart heading into the 2026 season. Nolan James Jr.'s performance could earn him a larger role alongside Aneyas Williams.

The takeaway

Nolan James Jr.'s impressive spring has put him in position to potentially challenge for a bigger role in Notre Dame's backfield this fall. His maturity, work ethic, and natural talent have caught the eye of the coaching staff, providing depth and competition at a key position for the Fighting Irish offense.