The foundation of Marcus Freeman’s backfield at Notre Dame is crumbling, and another key piece just fell away. With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, the team’s depth diminished significantly. Now, with another running back making his intention to leave clear, Freeman faces an added setback.

“After careful consideration and reflection, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal,” said Notre Dame RB Gi’Bran Payne while announcing his transfer portal move on Friday. “This was not an easy choice, but one I believe is necessary for my future growth and opportunities.”

Although Payne has one season of eligibility remaining, he could petition for a second after missing the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL. With approximately two years of eligibility remaining, he could attract numerous suitors given his skills. His decision to enter the portal ultimately depends on several key factors.

After his injury, Payne returned faster and more explosive than ever. But the Notre Dame backfield had moved on, and he fell behind sophomore Aneyas Williams and even true freshman Nolan James Jr. With that, he finished this season with just nine carries for 53 yards. It appears that this challenging year is fueling his next move, particularly given his standout performance with ND back in 2023.

That season, Payne showed his clutch ability as a short-yardage and third-down back, rushing for 168 yards and two TDs. Now, seeking a better opportunity to play, he has entered the transfer portal.

Still, the decision to leave the Irish doesn’t seem easy for him. The 205-pound RB from Cincinnati came to ND after leaving Indiana, following then-RB coach Deland McCullough.

Out of high school, Payne signed with Indiana as part of the 2022 class, but when McCullough left for Notre Dame, he followed him. While that relationship stood out, the school gave this RB a chance to make a name for himself, which is why gratitude accompanied his transfer portal announcement.

“I want to express my gratitude for the past 3 and a half years here. To my teammates, I want to thank you for accepting me and pushing me to improve every day. To the coaches and support staff, thank you for believing in me,” wrote Payne.

Amid all that, Payne’s decision puts Freeman in urgent mode to fill gaps through the transfer portal. With Love and Price heading to the NFL, Williams has a chance to make his mark.

But if he gets injured or decides to leave, the depth, especially among the freshmen, would be in serious jeopardy. In that scenario, the Notre Dame head coach would need to act aggressively to find players capable of filling those big shoes.

But since Love made a name for himself by becoming a 2025 Heisman finalist for Notre Dame, it may be easier to find a running back for South Bend.

Marcus Freeman needs a key piece in the RB room

Although Payne missed the 2024 season and had a limited role in 2025, the duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price dominated Marcus Freeman’s offense. While Love set a single-season program record with 21 total TDs, his 1,372 rushing yards ranked fourth in program history.

Then, together, the duo accounted for 36 total TDs, carrying the Irish attack all season long.

With those key pieces leaving, Freeman needs someone who can maintain that level of production. But the running back room isn’t empty as Aneyas Williams remains.

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He thrived as a versatile change-of-pace and third-down back, making the most of limited touches with an impressive 9.3 yards per carry this season. With the departures piling up, he is now expected to step into the starting running back role.

With depleted depth, concern remains for Marcus Freeman, and the transfer portal may be his only solution to land an experienced, proven option.

Now, while Payne’s short-yardage and third-down ability could attract plenty of suitors, the Notre Dame staff must turn to the transfer portal to find pieces.