Nolan James Jr. pushes for Notre Dame’s starting running back job after breakout performance

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Notre Dame’s running back competition is heating up, and sophomore Nolan James Jr. is making a strong case for the starting job.

After rushing for a career-high 121 yards against Michigan State, James is now listed alongside Aneyas Williams as a co-starter on the Irish’s Week 4 depth chart.

It marks the first time this season an “OR” has appeared between the two running backs, signaling a potential shakeup as No. 4 Notre Dame prepares to face Purdue.

For James, however, the competition is about much more than who takes the first snap.

“Honestly, to me, it doesn’t really matter to me much if I go first or second or if I get the fourth or fifth series,” James said. “I know when I get in there, I need to do my job. Who goes out there first just really doesn’t matter to me, as long as I get in there and do my job.”

James entered the 2026 season with just 37 career rushing yards.

Three games later, the sophomore is making his presence felt in Notre Dame’s backfield.

He scored his first career touchdown against Wisconsin, followed by two rushing touchdowns in the Irish’s dominant win over Rice.

Then came Saturday night’s rivalry matchup against Michigan State, when James delivered his first career 100-yard rushing performance.

The sophomore carried the ball 26 times for 121 yards, doubling his combined number of carries from Notre Dame’s first two games.

Williams, meanwhile, finished the night with 25 rushing yards.

While James’ production has earned him a spot alongside Williams at the top of the depth chart, he doesn’t view their competition as one player taking the other’s job. Instead, he believes the battle for playing time is making both running backs better.

“Honestly, we both value it because we are both getting better,” James said. “If I wasn’t competing with him, I don’t think that either of us would be getting better, so I think we know we are both pushing each other and we see that as a positive thing.”

With both backs now listed as potential starters, Notre Dame has a decision to make heading into its first true road test of the season against Purdue.

Whether James gets the first carry or comes off the bench, the sophomore has made one thing clear: He’s ready to make the most of every opportunity.