“Super-Sized and Set to Shine: Kedren Young Turning Heads in Notre Dame’s Crowded Backfield as Coach Seider Predicts a Breakout Sooner Than Later”

Kedren Young has entered the Notre Dame football program not as just another name in the depth chart, but as a uniquely gifted talent whose presence is already shifting conversations around the running back room. Physically imposing, instinctively sharp, and mentally prepared, Young is carving out a lane for himself in a crowded and competitive stable of runners. His size and athleticism have turned heads from day one, and while many would expect a freshman to quietly find their footing in the shadows of veterans, Young is demanding attention in all the right ways. According to running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider, there’s no mistaking the ceiling on this young man’s potential, and it may not take long for that potential to show up under the bright lights of South Bend.

The depth at running back is, without question, one of the strongest aspects of Notre Dame’s 2025 roster. With a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and explosive returners, many believed that it would take time—perhaps even a redshirt year—for Young to break through. But what they didn’t anticipate was how prepared he would be from the very beginning. In every rep, every drill, and every meeting room session, Young has operated not like a player waiting for his turn, but one ready to take the reins. Seider emphasized this mentality, saying, “I want him to always approach the game like he’s going to be a starter, because I think that kid has a bright future, and it’s sooner rather than later.”

This is high praise from a coach with years of experience identifying elite talent. Seider isn’t one to overhype a freshman unless he truly believes the kid can deliver on the field. That belief stems from the tools Young already brings to the table. At over 220 pounds, he’s built more like a linebacker than a typical tailback. Yet he moves with surprising speed and agility, displaying a blend of power and finesse that’s hard to come by. He doesn’t just lower his shoulder to pick up extra yards—he combines vision, balance, and footwork to hit holes decisively and slip through contact. It’s a rare combination, and it’s why even among a deep group of backs, Young stands out.

His high school tape told part of the story, as Young bulldozed through defenses in Texas, rushing for thousands of yards while rarely going down on first contact. But physical traits alone don’t earn the trust of a coaching staff as meticulous as Notre Dame’s. What’s truly impressed the staff is his maturity. He’s shown up every day ready to learn, humble yet confident, and eager to contribute in whatever way possible. Whether it’s mastering the playbook, refining his pass protection, or simply soaking up wisdom from older teammates, Young has approached his freshman year with purpose.

That attitude is crucial, especially in a room as competitive as Notre Dame’s. Veteran backs know the playbook, understand blitz pickups, and have already earned the staff’s trust in high-pressure moments. But that doesn’t intimidate Young. He sees competition not as a barrier, but as fuel. It’s this drive that could make him one of the surprise breakout players in the 2025 season. And while others may see him as a future star, Young is treating the present moment as his opportunity to stake a claim.

The Fighting Irish offense is looking to diversify and elevate under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, and versatility in the backfield will be a critical part of that plan. With quarterbacks still solidifying roles and a retooled offensive line seeking cohesion, having a powerful and reliable run game will be key to maintaining offensive balance. That’s where Young could become more than just a rotation piece. His ability to punish defenders and wear down defenses can complement the styles of quicker, shiftier backs in the room, creating a multi-faceted rushing attack that can adapt to any opponent.

There’s also special teams, often the proving ground for young players trying to break onto the field. But Young’s skill set may demand more than a special teams role. He’s already being looked at as someone who can make an impact between the tackles, in red zone packages, or even as a reliable short-yardage option. And once he earns those limited reps, the door may swing wide open.

Even beyond physical play, leadership qualities are already bubbling to the surface. Teammates describe him as respectful, focused, and eager to absorb knowledge. Coaches praise his study habits and his ability to translate film sessions into performance on the field. That’s rare in someone who should still be adjusting to the pace of college football, yet Young seems to be ahead of schedule.

His path to playing time won’t be easy. There are too many talented players ahead of him for it to be handed over. But that’s exactly what makes Young’s rise so compelling. He’s not skipping steps. He’s taking each one with determination and clarity, earning every ounce of trust. It’s why Seider’s comment carries so much weight. It’s not just about potential—it’s about how close that potential is to becoming reality.

There’s also something to be said about what Young represents for Notre Dame’s recruiting success. Pulling a high-level back out of Texas is no small feat, and his development will be closely watched by future recruits considering the Irish. If Young flourishes early, it becomes a message to the next wave of prospects: you can play—and star—early at Notre Dame if you come in prepared. That’s the culture Marcus Freeman and his staff are building: development meets opportunity, and those who buy in will be rewarded.

For Young, it’s all unfolding in real time. Every practice is a step toward that first moment under the stadium lights, when the fans are roaring and the stakes are real. He may not be the first back through the tunnel when the season opens, but he’s making a strong case that he should be on the field sooner rather than later. And when that moment comes, few will be surprised to see him break a tackle, explode upfield, and make the kind of statement that confirms everything his coaches have seen behind the scenes.

Notre Dame has had its share of great running backs, from Jerome Bettis to Josh Adams to Kyren Williams. Each brought something different, but all made their mark by seizing opportunity and playing with heart. Kedren Young has a chance to etch his name into that lineage—not in the distant future, but potentially this fall. The early returns suggest he’s more than ready.

As the 2025 season draws closer, Young’s story will be one of the most intriguing to watch. He’s the kind of player who could shift the dynamics of a game with one run. A bruising, intelligent, and determined back who’s not waiting for a perfect moment, but preparing for every moment. And while he may have entered campus as just another freshman, he’s leaving no doubt that his presence will be felt in South Bend sooner than most expected.