Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman Trending Towards Landing Elite Running Back.

Notre Dame football, under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, is riding high on a wave of momentum as the program gears up for the 2025 recruiting cycle. Freeman, who took the helm as head coach in 2022, has quickly shown that he has a clear vision for the future of the Fighting Irish, especially as they continue to compete with the nation’s top programs. A critical piece of this future is solidifying the team’s running back depth, which is why Freeman and his coaching staff have been making significant moves to land one of the top-tier running backs for the 2025 class.

In this article, we will dive into the recruitment process, examine the elite talent Freeman and his staff are targeting, and analyze what this means for the future of Notre Dame football. We will also consider the impact of these recruitments on the overall program and why they could help catapult the Fighting Irish to new heights in the years to come.

Marcus Freeman’s Vision for Notre Dame Football

When Marcus Freeman was hired to replace Brian Kelly, there were high expectations for his ability to revitalize the program. Freeman’s ability to connect with players, coupled with his aggressive recruiting style, quickly won over both recruits and fans alike. His deep ties to the Midwest and strong understanding of the recruiting landscape gave him a head start, and it’s clear he is building something special in South Bend.

One of Freeman’s main objectives as head coach is to ensure that Notre Dame not only competes at a national level but has the depth and talent to sustain success over multiple seasons. A key position for any successful football team is running back, and Freeman has made it clear that he intends to build a solid corps of running backs to complement his team’s offensive philosophy. In a college football landscape where the game continues to evolve, having a dynamic running back room can provide balance and help open up passing lanes for the quarterback, making the entire offense more versatile.

Notre Dame’s Approach to Running Back Recruitment

Notre Dame has always prided itself on attracting top-tier talent, and the running back position is no exception. The team has produced some of the best running backs in college football history, such as Jerome Bettis, Reggie Brooks, and Cierre Wood, to name a few. However, in recent years, the team’s running back depth has been somewhat inconsistent, with injuries and departures leaving gaps at the position.

To remedy this, Freeman and his staff have turned their attention to securing some of the nation’s most sought-after running backs for the 2025 recruiting class. With a combination of high-profile offers and an impressive pitch about what it means to be a part of the Notre Dame football program, Freeman has positioned the team to land some of the most elite backs in the country.

The Running Back Class of 2025: High-Level Targets

Freeman’s recruitment efforts are centered around landing a versatile, explosive running back who can contribute immediately. The class of 2025 has several top-tier running backs who fit this description, and Notre Dame is in the running for some of the most coveted players on the board.

Gideon Davidson

One of the most talked-about running backs in the 2025 class is Gideon Davidson, a standout from Lynchburg, Virginia. At 6’0” and 190 pounds, Davidson combines power with speed, making him a dual-threat in both the running and passing game. With an offer list that includes some of the most prestigious programs in college football, including Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, and Tennessee, Davidson is a highly coveted recruit.

Davidson’s style of play is a perfect fit for the type of running back Freeman envisions in his offense. He is known for his ability to break tackles, display excellent vision, and catch passes out of the backfield. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ makes him a rare find, and landing Davidson would give Notre Dame an immediate impact player for years to come.

Jonaz Walton

Another elite target on Freeman’s radar is Jonaz Walton, a four-star running back from Carrollton, Georgia. Walton is another dynamic playmaker with the ability to take over games with his speed and vision. His recent decision to place Notre Dame in his top ten is a positive sign for the Irish, as it demonstrates their ability to stay competitive in a recruiting battle against other top-tier programs.

Walton’s running style is electric, as he is capable of accelerating through holes and quickly getting to the second level of the defense. He is also known for his ability to break off long runs, which could complement the style of play Freeman wants to implement at Notre Dame. With Walton’s combination of speed, elusiveness, and field vision, he would be a game-changer for the Irish.

Other Notable Targets

In addition to Davidson and Walton, Freeman and his coaching staff have expressed interest in several other elite running back recruits. Names such as TreVaughn Lee from Florida and Deandre Maxwell from Texas have emerged as strong targets, and Notre Dame’s ability to secure commitments from these players would further strengthen the depth and talent of the running back room.

While these prospects may not yet have decided on a program, Notre Dame’s continued presence in their recruitment and its ability to offer both football and academic success could give them an edge in securing commitments.

Notre Dame’s Recent Success in Running Back Recruiting

While the 2025 class has yet to officially sign, Notre Dame has already made some significant headway in improving its running back depth for the upcoming seasons. The team has secured commitments from several talented backs who will join the Fighting Irish in the coming years.

Daniel Anderson

One such commitment is Daniel Anderson, a standout from Bryant, Arkansas, who committed to Notre Dame after an unofficial visit. Anderson’s decision to commit to the Irish reflects the program’s strong appeal, particularly in its focus on developing players beyond the football field. Anderson’s skill set and football IQ will allow him to come in and compete for immediate playing time in South Bend. His vision, balance, and ability to finish runs in the open field make him a versatile piece for Freeman’s offense.

Nolan James Jr.

Another significant addition to the running back room is Nolan James Jr., a three-star back from New Jersey. James, who initially committed to Boston College, flipped his commitment to Notre Dame after a visit to South Bend. James brings a solid blend of speed and vision, and his decision to choose Notre Dame over other major programs indicates the growing appeal of Freeman’s program.

Jeremiyah Love and Aneyas Williams

Notre Dame’s 2024 class also boasts promising running backs like Jeremiyah Love and Aneyas Williams. Love, a highly touted recruit, rushed for over 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns in his senior season, showcasing his explosive ability. Williams, a four-star recruit, is also a dynamic playmaker who has the potential to make an immediate impact at Notre Dame. With these two recruits already in the fold, the future of the running back position at Notre Dame looks bright.

Coaching Stability and Development

Freeman’s approach to building a successful program is centered on development and stability, which is especially critical when it comes to recruiting running backs. With the hiring of Ja’Juan Seider as the new running backs coach, Notre Dame has bolstered its staff with someone who has extensive experience developing talent at the position.

Seider, who previously coached at West Virginia and Florida, is known for his ability to develop running backs who excel both as runners and pass catchers. His experience working with elite talent will be crucial in ensuring that Notre Dame’s recruits reach their full potential. Having Seider on staff is a major win for Freeman and adds credibility to Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts.

What This Means for Notre Dame Football

The ability to land elite running back talent is pivotal to Freeman’s long-term vision for Notre Dame football. A dominant running game is essential for establishing balance and control in games, and with the recruits Freeman is targeting, Notre Dame is positioning itself to have one of the strongest running back groups in the country.

Additionally, securing these top-tier recruits allows Freeman to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of college football. A deep and talented running back room not only ensures the team’s success on offense but also provides the coaching staff with flexibility in their game planning. A strong running game can be the difference-maker in high-stakes games, and Notre Dame’s focus on this position will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the program’s success.

Marcus Freeman’s focus on securing elite running back talent for the 2025 class underscores his commitment to building a championship-contending program at Notre Dame. By targeting players like Gideon Davidson and Jonaz Walton, along with securing commitments from players like Daniel Anderson and Nolan James Jr., Freeman is setting up the Fighting Irish for sustained success at the position.

As Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts continue to gain momentum, it’s clear that Freeman’s vision for the future is becoming a reality. With a combination of elite talent, stability, and development, Notre Dame is well on its way to building one of the top running back units in college football. The next few years will be critical in determining whether these recruits can help bring a national championship back to South Bend.