There's going to be a totally different look for the Notre Dame running backs room next season. First, Jeremiyah Love, a potential Top 10 pick, announced he was off to the NFL Draft. It didn't take long for Jadarian Price to do the same. Now, another speedster is leaving South Bend.
Nick Saban uttered the unsaid with Notre Dame getting robbed of a CFP spot
That'd be veteran running back Gi'Bran Payne, who had taken a backseat to Love and Price. A member of the 2022 class, Payne has made the choice to leave Notre Dame and enter the transfer portal once it officially opens up in early January.
This is a bit of a depth hit for the Irish, but Payne wasn't expected to be a major contributor for the offense in '26. If anything, it just puts more focus on running back Aneyas Williams, as the ground game is going to be his show moving forward:
Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL Draft. Gi'Bran Payne to the transfer portal.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) December 20, 2025
All of a sudden, Aneyas Williams is the eldest statesman in the Notre Dame running back room.
It's his time. 2026 is his season. pic.twitter.com/1qo88NyjzC
Notre Dame RB Gi'Bran Payne will leave the Irish for the transfer portal
This doesn't come as a major surprise. Throughout his career with the Fighting Irish, the 5-10, 205-pounder posted 56 carries for 226 yards and two touchdowns. His biggest season with the team came in 2023, with 168 yards and two scores to his name.
Payne faced plenty of adversity throughout his time with the program, which is why he was a bit emotional in his goodbye to Fighting Irish fans. Again, his transfer news doesn't come as a major shock, as he's undoubtedly looking for a bit more playing time elsewhere.
As for the Notre Dame offense, everyone is already getting pretty excited about Williams' potential for next fall. However, with so many bodies leaving campus, could Freeman and his coaching staff look to the transfer portal to bring in someone with experience to help out?
Recently, NC State running back Hollywood Smothers announced he was going to leave the Wolfpack for the portal and some Notre Dame fans added him to their Christmas list. Regardless if Freeman makes a move there, losing three RBs from one season to the next isn't great. Regardless, ND will make sure the group is at its best before Week 1 gets here next September.