Notre Dame Scores Big as Both 2026 Running Back Commits Land in Rivals Top-10 Rankings, Signaling Elite Backfield Future

Notre Dame Scores Big as Both 2026 Running Back Commits Land in Rivals Top-10 Rankings, Signaling Elite Backfield Future

Notre Dame football continues to flex its recruiting muscle in the 2026 cycle, and the latest development from Rivals only adds fuel to the excitement brewing in South Bend. The Fighting Irish have not only landed two highly-coveted running backs, but both of them have now been officially ranked among the top ten at their position by Rivals. That’s more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement of intent. Notre Dame is building a backfield for the future that rivals any in the nation, and it’s doing so with the kind of talent and versatility that can change the complexion of games for years to come.

The two players in question, both committed to Notre Dame early in the cycle, have now received national recognition for their performances, upside, and overall potential. One brings home-run speed and dynamic playmaking to the Irish offense, while the other offers power, vision, and three-down reliability. Together, they could form the backbone of an offense that Marcus Freeman and his staff envision as both physical and explosive. With both backs earning top-10 positional status from Rivals, the Notre Dame 2026 class takes another leap in credibility, and the program strengthens its position as one of the best at developing elite running back talent.

For years, Notre Dame’s backfield success has hinged on a combination of blue-collar toughness and NFL-caliber skill. Players like Kyren Williams, Josh Adams, and Audric Estimé have each played crucial roles in major campaigns, proving that the Irish know how to identify, develop, and unleash top running backs. With the 2026 class, that tradition appears not only alive and well but accelerating toward new heights. These two recruits—now solidified among the best in the country—could be foundational pieces for a playoff-contending team in the near future.

What makes this development particularly important is that Notre Dame secured both commitments relatively early in the process. That means the coaching staff didn’t just wait to see how the rankings would shake out—they trusted their evaluations, built strong relationships, and earned the commitments before the national services validated what the Irish already believed. That’s a testament to running backs coach Deland McCullough and the rest of the offensive staff, who have been praised for their hands-on, transparent approach with recruits and their families.

McCullough, a former NFL coach who has quickly become one of Notre Dame’s most valuable recruiters, has consistently emphasized building a room full of diverse skill sets. In these two backs, Notre Dame is doing just that. The first commit, known for his acceleration and ability to make defenders miss in space, fits the mold of a modern spread-offense weapon. He can line up in the backfield, motion out wide, and serve as a mismatch nightmare for linebackers and safeties. His highlight reel is filled with jaw-dropping cuts and breakaway scores, and his commitment gave Notre Dame a true headliner for the class.

The second commit, more of a classic downhill runner, brings a physical edge that will endear him to Irish fans right away. He thrives between the tackles, showing patience behind his blockers and finishing runs with authority. But don’t mistake him for a plodder—he’s got enough burst to hit the second level and challenge safeties, especially in short-yardage situations where his low pad level and strength make him incredibly difficult to bring down. Together, the pair give Notre Dame a thunder-and-lightning combo reminiscent of the best duos in school history.

Their place in the Rivals top-10 rankings not only validates Notre Dame’s evaluations but also boosts the overall national perception of the 2026 class. In an era where recruiting is as much about narrative as it is about results, having two top-10 running backs committed is the kind of development that can help sway other elite recruits to South Bend. Skill position players want to play with other stars. Quarterbacks want to know they’ll have weapons. Offensive linemen want to block for special talents. And defensive players want to compete against the best in practice every day. With these two backs in the fold and now nationally recognized, the Irish are suddenly a more attractive destination across the board.

It also gives Notre Dame leverage in managing the rest of its class. With the backfield all but locked in, the staff can now turn its full attention to other pressing needs—perhaps at wide receiver, defensive back, or the offensive and defensive lines. Moreover, it allows them to get creative with how they plan to use both backs. In modern offenses, it’s increasingly common to see two-back sets, motion concepts, and package plays designed to get multiple skill players involved. With both top-10 backs on board, the Irish can start planning a future offense that maximizes their unique abilities.

From a competitive standpoint, this haul gives Notre Dame the kind of firepower necessary to go toe-to-toe with the elite. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan have all built recent success around elite running back play. For Notre Dame to close the gap and enter that same conversation as a true title contender, they need to match that level of backfield talent. The 2026 duo is a huge step in that direction.

Another underrated element is the long-term recruiting impact. If these backs develop as expected and produce early in their college careers, it sends a message to future recruits that Notre Dame is a place where top talent thrives. This is especially important at running back, where careers can be short, and development windows are tight. The Irish have shown they can prepare runners for the NFL while also featuring them in a balanced offensive attack. That message resonates in living rooms across the country, and with these top-10 backs in the mix, Notre Dame’s pitch becomes even stronger.

The reaction from fans and analysts alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Recruiting insiders have praised the Irish for their early identification and aggressive pursuit of both players. Fans, always hungry for signs that the program is trending upward, now have tangible proof that Notre Dame is competing at the highest levels for elite talent. And perhaps most importantly, the players themselves seem committed not just to Notre Dame, but to helping build something special. Both have spoken about wanting to be part of a championship team, of embracing the tradition, and of helping bring the Irish back to the top of the college football world.

That mindset is contagious. When your top recruits are also leaders, the rest of the class often follows suit. These backs aren’t just elite players—they’re tone-setters. They’re the kind of athletes who attract attention on the field and respect in the locker room. They’ll be the guys other players look to when times get tough, and their presence in the class already elevates the expectations for what the 2026 group can achieve.

There’s still a long way to go before the 2026 season kicks off, and recruiting is never truly finished until signing day. But make no mistake—Notre Dame is in a fantastic position. With two of the top-10 running backs in the nation committed, the Irish are not only winning on the trail, but they’re also positioning themselves for long-term success. It’s the kind of development that matters now and echoes well into the future.

And in the ultra-competitive world of college football recruiting, where perception and production are everything, Notre Dame just made one of the loudest statements of the 2026 cycle so far. The Irish backfield is in good hands—and the rest of the country is officially on notice.