Recent development gives Notre Dame running back recruiting more clarity and who they are focusing on

Javian Osborne - Forney (Texas) High School

Even while Mickens was on the board, Osborne had become the top priority for Notre Dame. He is fresh off of a great spring visit, and the Irish have vaulted into the lead for the Texas standout. His game is reminiscent of former NFL star LeSean McCoy. Osborne can make defenders look really silly in tight spaces. Notre Dame will have to keep Michigan and Miami at arms length to close on him in the end.

Brian Bonner - Valencia (Calif.) High School

There may not be a more fun watch in the 2026 running back class than Bonner. At 6-1 and 185 pounds, Bonner is a long strider that makes a ton of big plays. He is finishing up a multi-day visit to Notre Dame this weekend, so more context will be gained about how Bonner values the program soon. They are listed as a top school for him, but are they a serious contender? We will know very soon. Getting Bonner back for an official visit will be the next step.

One other running back to know is Carrollton (Ga.) Central star Jonaz Walton, who has visited Notre Dame multiple times in the past. Walton also has an official visit scheduled for June 13-15, which is the same as Osborne funny enough. The Irish staff likes Walton a lot, but he doesn’t feel like the most likely land right now, although that can change.

Notre Dame is also going to continue to recruit several other running backs moving forward. That includes Raymore-Peculiar star DeZephen Walker out of Missouri. He brings big time speed to the table. Forney (Texas) North athlete Legend Bey is also on that short list. He is a player to keep a very, very close eye on.