‘How do you defend it?’ – Notre Dame assistant coach asks the question Fighting Irish fans have been wondering about for years

The million dollar question for Notre Dame may have an answer coming in 2025.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer

Aug 5, 2025 2:33 PM EDT

When it comes to the 2025 Notre Dame football roster, the running back position has a great argument as the top overall group on the entire roster. That has been true for the last couple of years, having had names like Audric Estime, Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, Aneyas Williams, and Gi’Bran Payne toting the rock. It has been an embarrassment of riches.

Due to that surplus of talent, Fighting Irish fans have been asking for the offense to feature two running back sets more often. With the ability Love brings in the passing game, it should be very possible for offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to get two of his more talented playmakers on the field. Unless you have missed the news, it sounds like the fanbase might be getting what they wished for.

During media availability this week, running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider was asked about the offense utilizing two running backs on the field at the same time, more often. Coach Seider offered an easy question. It’s one that we have all been asking ourselves for some time.

“Well, we’re trying to figure out what Notre Dame is going to look like this year on offense,” Seider said. “If that is one of our best groups, how can we get some of the better players on the field?

It’s a problem for a defense. How do you defend it? Do you play nickel defense? Do you base defense? Do you keep three linebackers on the field? Now we motion a guy out and we have an advantage. It’s all about what gives us an advantage to win.”

Notre Dame fans have been very excited to hear that there has been an emphasis on the running back usage this offseason. Everyone knows how special of a football player that Love is. He is a Heisman Trophy candidate, and projected first round selection, for a reason.

Things will only get easier for Love if they can’t key on him all of the time. Price, Williams, Young, and Payne have the talent to take attention off of him, and make things easier. As Coach Seider said, “How do you defend it?”

Spoiler alert: You most likely can’t.