Notre Dame's Jadarian Price aims to solidify his No. 2 running back draft status with a dynamic combine performance, showcasing big-play ability and impressive stats.
On Thursday, the 2026 NFL Combine is set to kick off and will feature six former Notre Dame players who are looking to take their game to the next level. Now, every player has a different set of things they'll have their eyes set to work on throughout the combine. It's likely all six for Fighting Irish players participate in the media day, but it's up for debate whether all will compete in drills for various reasons. Big-play running back Jadarian Price will look to lock down that No. 2 spot in the running back draft class this weekend.
Unlike Jeremiyah Love, Price will likely compete in the NFL combine to solidify his position as the No. 2 running back in the draft class. Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. have already coined the Texas native as the second overall running back in the class. Other analysts like Daniel Jeremiah have Price going as high as the second round to the Houston Texans, which would be a great fit given the current state of their running back room.
Price will have to put his skillsets on display during the NFL combine, and he'll likely put up some gaudy numbers along the way. Obviously, a lot of attention this past season went to Love and his explosive play-making ability. But Price hardly played second fiddle to any other running back in the country, including Love. There was hardly a drop off in production when No. 24 entered the game.
He finished this past season with 674 rushing yards, averaged 6.0 yards per carry and had 11 rushing touchdowns to go along with his two receiving touchdowns and two 100-yard kick off returns for touchdowns. In his career, Price had 1,692 rushing yards, 21 total rushing touchdowns and three total receiving touchdowns to go along with three total kickoff returns for touchdowns. His performance in big games, like his outings against USC in 2023, 2024 and 2025 speak to what kind of impact he can have at the next level.
The 5-11, 209-pound rusher was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award and the Jet Award this past season and is a big play waiting to happen. Price will benefit from putting up strong numbers in the 40-yard dash, three cone and shuttle drills. He's one of the best lateral cutters that has put on a blue jersey and gold helmet; some of those skills will also be on display this weekend.
It's unlikely a strong combine performance will push Price into the first round of the NFL draft. Overall, this is a relatively middle of the road running back draft class, so it's not impossible Price vaults up draft boards and is a borderline end of day-one, early day-two draft pick. Like Love, his skillset will fit well at the next level. His film and production speaks for itself, now it's about putting on a strong showcase at the combine.
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