It's a big upgrade in talent when you compare the 2026 stable to the 2019 stable.

Looking back in time, when Brian Kelly had the 13th ranked offense in all of college football:

2019:

RB1 - Tony Jones
RB2 - Jahmir Smith
RB3 - Avery Davis
RB4 - C'Bo Flemister
RB5 - Kyren WIlliams


The top 5 backs on 2026's squad have a much higher level of talent as a whole, and with the exception of Kyren Williams (and *maybe* Tony Jones), higher talent than any of the 2019 guys.

I know it's not kind of me to say that, especially since Avery Davis is the spitting image of what a Notre Dame man should be, and that he put every last drop of energy into bettering the program in the most unselfish way I have ever seen, but due to his bad history of injuries, his ceiling was diminished. The man is a hero to me, whether it be on the field or off the field.

I can say with confidence that with the excellent offensive line in place, along with a QB who can make all of the throws all over the field with accuracy, consistency, and reliability, that those running backs have a real opportunity to feast this year.