The Seattle Seahawks looked to Notre Dame’s backfield in search of their next star running back. While the electrifying Jeremiyah Love went at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals as the third overall pick, his Fighting Irish teammate, Jadarian Price, went to the Super Bowl champs at No. 32. Price only had 295 touches on offense but showcased NFL traits in a comparatively limited sample size. His impressive explosive run rate is something that undoubtedly intrigued the Seahawks,
who lost Kenneth Walker III in free agency.
This special edition of 5 Qs and 5 As is with Joshua Vowles, site manager for SB Nation’s Notre Dame outlet, One Foot Down. Joshua is usually up in the press box for home games, so he very much has his finger on the pulse for Notre Dame football.
1.) Price made a big impact despite limited touches at Notre Dame–he’s never had more than 15 carries in a college game. What are his standout qualities that make him a first-round caliber back?
Price is elite with the ball in his hands. His vision and ability to read blocks correctly enhances a great one cut and go running style. It’s his explosion on the cut that truly sets him apart from most backs.
2.) What similarities and differences do Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have that made them first-round picks at opposite ends of the draft order?
They both have the ability to take it to the house any time they touch the ball. This big play skill isn’t just because of speed (as Love is faster than Price) but also because of their power with the stiff arm and drive.
Outside of it being the NFL and having a different value system for RBs, the biggest difference between the two is that Love was much more involved in the passing game, and Love never EVER fumbled. Price does have some ball protection issues.
3.) Are the concerns about Price’s ball security valid? He has several fumbles inside the red zone, which is far from ideal.
The concerns are definitely valid. Notre Dame running backs for the better part of a decade have been mostly elite at holding on to the football, so I’m not sure how this issue can be fixed. Of all of the issues a back can have, however, ball security always seems like the one that is the most easily fixed.
4.) Which areas of Price’s game does he need to improve upon the most?
Besides ball security, his play within the passing game can always improve. While he does a good job running a screen or a quick out, his ability to do more out of the backfield could get better. He was never known as a great pass blocker, although I don’t recall it being too much of an issue.
5.) As someone who regularly covers Notre Dame in person, what are your thoughts on Price as a person, not just as a player?
Price is a tremendous person and will be an incredible teammate. He completely bought into Marcus Freeman’s mantra of “Team Glory” and stayed at Notre Dame knowing he would have to split time with Jeremiyah Love. Price would have been the starter at any other school in the country, and be richer for it, but his education at Notre Dame and his commitment to the brotherhood were far more important.
Thanks to Joshua for answering my questions! I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Price can bring to Seattle’s talented backfield.
