Saturday Scouting #3: Aneyas Williams
Photo by Rick Kimball/ISD
Notre Dame have been solid through 4 weeks, with 3 Big Ten wins on their resumé; however, none have come against the elite of the conference. Now, they face back-to-back ACC games before tackling BYU in what many consider the first real test on the schedule. But the unbeaten start has predominantly been built on defense and not turning the ball over, where Notre Dame leads the nation in yards allowed per game, and QB CJ Carr has only 1 pick through 4 games. For the Irish to make the playoffs this year, and even win a postseason game, they will need a strong running game, and the #1 guy on the depth chart is Aneyas Williams, returning after being down the depth chart in 2025. Check out my detailed scouting report on Williams below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Aneyas Williams
College: Notre Dame
Year: Junior
Size: 5’10, 210 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Versatile running back in a pin-and-pull counter running scheme
Former 4-star RB in the 2024 class out of Hannibal, Missouri. He chose Notre Dame over Alabama and Arkansas. As a freshman, he played in 15 games for the Irish and tallied 219 rushing yards and 172 receiving yards in his debut season. He also caught at least one pass eight times, showing promise as a receiver.
As a sophomore, he played in only 6 games for the Irish, seeing time on offense and special teams but was limited at times due to an elbow injury sustained in training camp. He rushed 24 times for 224 yards and five touchdowns, mostly as the 3rd-down specialist and playing behind 2 future 1st-round picks at RB. He also logged two receptions for 40 yards and entered the 2026 season with his first chance to be RB1 for the Fighting Irish. Williams hasn’t fully taken his chance in 2026, leaving his draft stock a bit uncertain as we enter Week 5 of college football.
Scouting Report
Strengths
Looks electric in space, even flashing as a kick returner.
Has good burst with quick cuts to find soft spots in the defense.
Compact runner who is an asset in short-yardage situations. Has 15 first downs in 2026 on only 51 runs through 4 weeks.
Fundamentals are there. Excellent ball security and very few mental or assignment errors on film.
Development Points
Needs to get stronger to help as both a pass blocker and a yards-after-contact runner.
Wasn’t even the backup for Notre Dame in 2025 and missed time. Isn’t even the clear #1 this season so far and is a non-factor in the passing game.
Vision needs to improve. Has to slow his process down and have a bit more patience.
Doesn't get a ton of yards after contact; more of a space runner.
Conclusion
Williams is extremely up and down as a prospect, which is a concern. At times, in his role as Notre Dame's #3 back in 2025, he looked explosive and every bit the next great Fighting Irish runner. Then 2026 kicks off and the variance in his performance and usage is probably too much to get a fair evaluation of him. His deficiencies in the passing game are likely keeping him off the field, as he is deployed more as a closer in games where Notre Dame has a substantial lead. I like him as a one-cut runner with some wiggle who projects as a borderline starting back with the right level of coaching and experience. For an NFL comp, I would go with Jaylen Warren, a player who has flashed in his role as Pittsburgh's 1A back, but isn't considered among the best at his position.
Grade: 4th round
Possible team fits: Bills, Bengals, Dolphins, Chargers