A recent event makes it clearer who Notre Dame is concentrating on when recruiting running backs.

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football programs. It’s a way to build future teams and ensure that a program remains competitive year in and year out. One area that has recently garnered a lot of attention at Notre Dame is the running back position. With the evolution of the offensive schemes in college football and the need for a dynamic, versatile backfield, the Notre Dame coaching staff is doubling down on securing elite talent at the running back position.

A recent recruiting development has made it clearer than ever who Notre Dame is concentrating on when it comes to running back recruiting. While many programs focus on securing five-star talent at every position, Notre Dame has taken a more targeted approach to its running back recruiting in recent years, focusing on players who can excel in both the run game and as versatile threats in the passing attack. The commitment of some key players in the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes has solidified this focus, and as the program builds its future, it’s clear that the Irish are zeroing in on backs who fit their evolving offensive philosophy.

The Changing Landscape of Notre Dame’s Offense

Before we dive into the specific recruits, it’s important to understand the context of how Notre Dame’s offensive philosophy is changing. Historically, the Fighting Irish offense has been grounded in a power running game. Under former head coaches, the team leaned heavily on a smash-mouth, downhill running attack, with backs who could pound the ball between the tackles, wear down defenses, and control the clock. It’s a system that has worked for Notre Dame, as it has produced some very successful seasons.

However, under current head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker, the offensive philosophy has become more dynamic and versatile. Notre Dame is embracing more modern concepts that emphasize balance and the ability to attack defenses in multiple ways. This includes utilizing a more varied passing attack, with an emphasis on getting running backs involved in the screen game, as well as lining them up in the slot or out wide to create mismatches. As a result, the type of running back that Notre Dame is targeting has shifted, from the traditional power back to a more multifaceted, all-around threat.

The Importance of Versatility

When Notre Dame recruits running backs now, the coaching staff is looking for more than just players who can run the football between the tackles. With the evolving nature of the offense, they need backs who can do it all: block, catch passes out of the backfield, and provide value as both a rusher and a receiver. The ideal recruit for this new offensive system isn’t just a player who can rack up yards on the ground, but one who can be a dual threat, capable of lining up in multiple positions and creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

This shift has been evident in Notre Dame’s recent recruiting efforts. The coaching staff has been prioritizing running backs who fit this mold, players who have the size and physicality to run the football effectively, but also the speed, agility, and hands to contribute in the passing game. This dual-threat ability is particularly important because, in today’s college football landscape, offenses that can stretch the field horizontally as well as vertically have a much higher success rate.

The focus on versatility isn’t just a reflection of changing offensive trends but also a response to the nature of modern college football. The game has become faster and more wide open, with teams needing to adapt to a variety of offensive schemes. With quarterbacks who can throw the ball deep and offensive line play becoming more dynamic, having a running back who can catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in space is essential for keeping defenses on their toes.

Key Recruits and Commitments

The recent recruitment of running backs in the 2025 and 2026 classes has made it clearer than ever who Notre Dame is targeting to fit this new offensive model. A few key names have risen to the top of the Irish’s recruiting board, each one embodying the ideal blend of power and versatility that the staff is looking for. These players stand out not only for their ability to run the football but also for their ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

1. Aiden Hutchinson (Class of 2025)

Aiden Hutchinson, a highly-rated running back out of Michigan, is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 215 pounds, Hutchinson has the size and physicality to run between the tackles, but it’s his versatility that makes him a perfect fit for the Notre Dame offense. He’s an explosive player who can break away for long runs, but he’s also an excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield, able to line up as a receiver and create mismatches against linebackers.

In addition to his skills as a rusher and receiver, Hutchinson is an adept blocker, an often-overlooked quality in running back recruits. His ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback is a huge asset in today’s pass-heavy offenses, and it’s one of the key reasons why Notre Dame has prioritized him so heavily. Hutchinson is a complete back, and his well-rounded skill set fits perfectly into the direction Notre Dame is heading with its offense.

2. Mason McMillan (Class of 2026)

Another name to watch is Mason McMillan, a 5’11”, 210-pound back from Texas who committed to Notre Dame for the 2026 class. McMillan has been a standout in high school, dominating both as a runner and as a pass-catcher. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field, combined with his power as a ball-carrier, has made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. What sets McMillan apart, however, is his ability to contribute in the passing game. He has excellent hands and runs sharp routes, often lining up in the slot and acting as a reliable target for his quarterback.

McMillan’s skill set is perfect for the modern offensive system that Notre Dame is implementing, as he is able to do damage in multiple ways. Whether it’s catching swing passes out of the backfield, running wheel routes down the sideline, or picking up a blitz in pass protection, McMillan is the type of player that will excel in a system that values versatility and balance.

3. Tyler Jameson (Class of 2025)

Tyler Jameson, a 6’0″, 200-pound running back from Ohio, is another key recruit that Notre Dame is heavily pursuing. Jameson is an all-around back who has the ability to take over a game with his running ability but also makes an impact in the passing game. Known for his quickness, vision, and ability to make defenders miss, Jameson is a natural fit for a spread offense that looks to use running backs in creative ways.

In addition to his agility and playmaking ability, Jameson is a reliable pass protector and has shown that he can read blitzes and make the necessary adjustments. His ability to handle multiple responsibilities—both in the ground game and as a receiver—makes him an ideal recruit for Notre Dame’s evolving offense.

Why Notre Dame is Focusing on These Types of Backs

So why are these types of recruits so important to the future of Notre Dame football? The answer lies in the changing dynamics of college football, and more specifically, the offensive systems that dominate the landscape. As teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia continue to evolve their offenses, the need for dynamic, all-around running backs has become paramount. These teams are not just looking for power backs; they want backs who can line up in the slot, catch passes, and create mismatches against defenses.

Notre Dame has recognized this shift, and as a result, the program has made a concerted effort to secure running backs who fit this mold. While traditional power backs still have a place in college football, the most successful teams are those that can stretch the field both horizontally and vertically, forcing defenses to account for multiple threats. By recruiting backs like Hutchinson, McMillan, and Jameson, Notre Dame is positioning itself to compete with the nation’s top programs and build a more versatile and explosive offense.

Additionally, Notre Dame’s recent success with dynamic running backs like Kyren Williams and Audric Estime shows that the program is capable of developing players who can thrive in a modern offensive scheme. With Sam Hartman at quarterback, the Irish offense has the potential to open up and take advantage of mismatches, and running backs who can contribute in both the running and passing game will be crucial to that success.