Why Aneyas Williams turned down the transfer portal and stayed at Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As Notre Dame pushes through spring practice, new storylines are beginning to take shape ahead of the 2026 season. One of the biggest questions centers on the backfield: who will step up to replace departing standouts Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love.

Williams said he was tempted to enter the transfer portal after last season, receiving interest from multiple programs. But ultimately, it was not football that kept him in South Bend. Williams said the biggest thing was the people, the culture, and the relationships he couldn’t give up.

On the field, Williams has already flashed his potential. Over the past two seasons, he has totaled 443 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 212 receiving yards. However, with Price and Love leading the backfield, his opportunities were limited.

That is now expected to change. With both veterans gone, Williams is in line for an expanded role — something he said felt “so far away” just six months ago.

However, his spring has not been without challenges. Williams has been limited as he works back from an elbow injury that required surgery.

He described the initial news as a low point, but said his mindset shifted once he received a clear recovery timeline. Now ahead of schedule, Williams is expected to be fully ready by the fall.

Williams believes he is ready for that opportunity — both on and off the field.

“Obviously there’s always interest,” Williams said. “With how the portal works, anybody can get anybody. But it didn’t feel right. I came here for a reason. This degree means something to me.”

Running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider said Williams’ decision to stay was influenced by the success he has helped develop in players like Price and Love, and that Williams wants to follow a similar path.