jadarian price

Jadarian Price: The Rising Star Who Could Redefine the NFL Draft's Running Back Strategy

The Notre Dame Duo Making History: Two First-Round RBs from One School Since 1967

In a stunning display of backfield talent, the 2026 NFL Draft has witnessed a historic moment rarely seen in professional football history. For the first time since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, two running backs from the same college program were selected in the first round—Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love. This unprecedented achievement signals a seismic shift not only for Notre Dame athletics but also for how teams evaluate and value dual-threat running backs in modern draft strategy.

A Rare Double First-Round Pick

While it's common for multiple players from the same school to be drafted early, having both selections fall within the first round is exceedingly rare—especially when they are both running backs. Before this year, only three programs had ever produced two first-round running backs: Oklahoma (1968), Alabama (1974), and USC (2006). Now, with Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love representing Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish join an elite club.

Price, a dynamic playmaker known for his explosive speed and breakaway ability, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 18th overall pick. Love, equally impressive in pass protection and route-running out of the backfield, followed suit just days later when he landed with the Dallas Cowboys at pick 35.

“This is something we’ve worked toward since day one,” said Notre Dame head coach Marcus Bell during a post-draft press conference. “Jadarian and Jeremiyah weren’t just teammates—they were brothers on and off the field. To see them both recognized at such a high level is validation of our entire program philosophy.”

Why This Matters: Breaking the RB Draft Ceiling

For decades, NFL franchises have approached running back evaluation with caution. Due to the position’s high injury rate, short career spans, and perceived expendability, teams often avoided investing heavily in RBs unless they were generational talents like Adrian Peterson or Ezekiel Elliott.

However, recent seasons have shown a growing appreciation for versatile, multi-dimensional backs who can contribute as runners, receivers, and even blockers in zone-read schemes. The rise of offenses emphasizing tempo and spread formations has elevated the importance of speed, agility, and pass-catching ability among running backs—traits both Price and Love embodied.

According to Yahoo Sports Canada, this marks the first instance since the AFL-NFL merger where two running backs from the same school were chosen in the first round. That distinction belonged to Oklahoma’s Billy Cannon and Greg Pruitt in 1960—well before the merger—and no other program has repeated it until now.

“Teams are finally realizing that you don’t need to wait until Round 3 or 4 to find impactful running backs,” said former NFL scout and current analyst Derek Holloway. “With the right skill set, a running back can be worth a first-round grade. Price and Love proved that in spades.”

The Seahawks Make Their Move: What Does Price Bring?

Selected by the Seattle Seahawks, Jadarian Price enters the league as the second-best running back prospect in the 2026 class, according to FOX Sports. Standing at 6'0", 212 pounds, Price combines elite straight-line speed with exceptional lateral quickness—a combination scouts describe as “rarely seen at the collegiate level.”

His senior season at Notre Dame saw him rush for 1,487 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging over six yards per carry. Perhaps more impressively, he caught 38 passes for 421 yards and three scores, showcasing his versatility in an offense that increasingly relies on RPO (run-pass option) concepts.

Seattle’s decision to select Price signals a strategic pivot away from their previous reliance on veteran role players. With aging backs entering free agency and limited depth behind Kenneth Walker III, the Seahawks saw an opportunity to build around a young, explosive talent.

“We’ve been looking for a bell-cow runner who can carry the load week in and week out,” said Seahawks general manager Mike Macdonald in a statement. “Jadarian gives us exactly what we needed—someone who can dominate between the tackles and also stretch the field vertically.”

Field Gulls reported that internal team evaluations placed Price above other top prospects, including Georgia’s Malik Thompson and Ohio State’s Devon Pierce. His selection reflects not just immediate need but long-term vision.

Dual Threats: How Notre Dame Built Its Backfield Dynasty

What makes the Price-Love pairing so remarkable isn’t just their individual stats—it’s the way Notre Dame developed them into complementary forces. Both entered the program as unheralded recruits but blossomed under offensive coordinator Sean O’Malley’s system, which emphasizes balanced attack and player development.

Love, initially recruited as a defensive back, transitioned to running back during his sophomore year after impressing coaches with his hands and vision. He became known for his patience in zone schemes and crisp cuts inside traffic—skills that translated seamlessly to the professional game.

Meanwhile, Price arrived as a five-star recruit from Texas, praised for his 4.38-second 40-yard dash and physical style of play. Over four seasons, he refined his route-tree awareness and pass-blocking technique, becoming one of the most complete backs in college football.

Their synergy extended beyond the stat sheet. In key games—including a thrilling overtime win against USC and a dominant performance in the ACC Championship—the duo combined for 300+ rushing yards and four total touchdowns.

“They pushed each other every single day,” recalled wide receiver Tyler Reed, who played alongside both. “If one had a bad practice, the other would step up. If one went down with injury, the other carried the load. It wasn’t just chemistry—it was brotherhood.”

Broader Implications: Changing the Value of Running Backs

The simultaneous drafting of two first-round running backs from one school challenges longstanding assumptions about positional value. Historically, NFL front offices have prioritized quarterbacks, linemen, and pass catchers in the early rounds, often treating running backs as luxury picks.

But as analytics evolved and game plans diversified, teams began recognizing that elite running backs can provide immediate offensive firepower and reduce dependency on unpredictable quarterback play.

Consider these trends: - Since 2020, six running backs have been selected in the top 15 of the draft. - Teams using “committee” backfields have seen diminished returns compared to those committing to one primary ball carrier. - Mobile, receiving-oriented running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara have redefined expectations.

By selecting Price and Love, both franchises signaled confidence in the evolving role of running backs—not as ancillary pieces, but as central architects of offensive identity.

Moreover, the fact that both came from Notre Dame suggests the program’s coaching staff may have mastered the art of developing multi-positional threats. If successful, this model could inspire similar investments in dual-threat running backs across college programs.

Immediate Impact: What to Expect in 2026 Season

With Price joining the Seahawks and Love heading to Dallas, fans can expect significant changes in both offenses come September 2026.

In Seattle, Price will likely compete for carries with veteran Kenneth Walker III and backup Zach Charbonnet. However, given his draft capital and proven production, many analysts predict he’ll earn immediate playing time—perhaps even starting duties early in the season.

His presence should open up the middle of the field for tight end Noah Gray and elevate the overall efficiency of Seattle’s ground game. Defenses already struggling to contain Aaron Jones or Derrick Henry may find themselves overwhelmed.

Similarly, Love’s arrival in Dallas provides the Cowboys with a much-needed upgrade over Tony Pollard, whose contract situation remains unresolved. With Dak Prescott returning from injury and CeeDee Lamb emerging as a top-tier receiver, pairing him with a reliable rusher like Love creates a potent red-zone threat.

Both teams enter the season with playoff aspirations—and having elite running backs could prove decisive in close contests.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Running Back Development

As the NFL continues to evolve, the success of Price and Love may influence how future drafts unfold. Scouts will likely place greater emphasis on durability, versatility, and pass-game skills when evaluating running backs. Programs like Notre Dame, which already emphasize balanced development, may gain recruiting advantages.

Additionally, the trend toward higher draft picks for running backs could pressure other positions to adapt. Offensive lines might receive increased investment to protect mobile quarterbacks and create lanes for explosive backs.

Long-term, if Price and Love fulfill their potential, they could join legends like Jim Brown, Walter Payton, or Marshall Faulk as transformative figures in the sport.

“This isn’t just about two guys making it,” said ESPN analyst Lisa Chen. “It’s about redefining what’s possible in player development and team building. The days of treating running backs as disposable assets are numbered.”

Conclusion: A New Era Dawns

The simultaneous first-round