### Notre Dame's Running Back Dilemma: Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price Declare for NFL Draft Notre Dame's football program is facing a significant transition as two of its star running backs, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. This development comes as a blow to the Fighting Irish, who were anticipating Love's departure but are now also losing Price, a key player in their offensive strategy. Love's decision follows a remarkable season where he not only finished third in Heisman Trophy voting but also set multiple school records, including the Doak Walker Award for the nation's top running back. Price's declaration adds to the urgency for Notre Dame to rebuild its backfield ahead of the next season. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Developments and Implications 1. **Jeremiyah Love's Announcement**: - Love declared for the NFL Draft on December 17, 2025, after a standout season where he rushed for **1,372 yards** and scored **21 total touchdowns**, breaking Notre Dame's single-season record for touchdowns [https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/jeremiyah-love-declares-nfl-draft-2026-notre-dame-rb-doak-walker-winner-projects-as-first-round-pick]. - He was a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing third in voting behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia [https://www.irishstar.com/sport/college-football/notre-dame-price-nfl-draft-36425957]. 2. **Jadarian Price's Declaration**: - Price, who was also a significant contributor to the team's rushing attack, announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft on the same day as Love, marking a double loss for the Fighting Irish [https://www.onefootdown.com/nfl-draft/79792/notre-dame-running-back-jadarian-price-declares-for-the-nfl-draft]. 3. **Impact on Notre Dame's Roster**: - With both players leaving, Notre Dame will need to find replacements to fill the void left by their departures. This could lead to a shift in the team's offensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season [https://www.irishstar.com/sport/college-football/notre-dame-price-nfl-draft-36425957]. ### Supporting Evidence: Performance Metrics and Achievements - **Jeremiyah Love**: - Rushing Yards: **1,372** - Total Touchdowns: **21** (school record) - Heisman Voting Position: **3rd** - Doak Walker Award Winner [https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/jeremiyah-love-declares-nfl-draft-2026-notre-dame-rb-doak-walker-winner-projects-as-first-round-pick]. - **Jadarian Price**: - Specific statistics for Price's season were not detailed in the articles, but he was noted for his explosive playing style and significant contributions to the team's success [https://www.onefootdown.com/nfl-draft/79792/notre-dame-running-back-jadarian-price-declares-for-the-nfl-draft]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Notre Dame Football In summary, **Notre Dame's football program is at a crossroads** as it prepares for the 2026 season without two of its most dynamic players. The departures of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price not only impact the team's immediate roster but also signal a need for strategic adjustments moving forward. 1. **Loss of Key Players**: The exit of both Love and Price creates a significant gap in the running back position. 2. **Need for Rebuilding**: Notre Dame must now focus on recruiting and developing new talent to maintain competitive performance. 3. **Future Prospects**: Love is projected to be a top pick in the NFL Draft, which could influence how the program is viewed in terms of player development and success [https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/jeremiyah-love-declares-nfl-draft-2026-notre-dame-rb-doak-walker-winner-projects-as-first-round-pick]. This situation underscores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Notre Dame as it navigates the complexities of college football and player transitions.