Aneyas Williams has quickly emerged as one of Notre Dame’s most promising young talents, and his new position coach, Ja’Juan Seider, already knows firsthand what he brings to the table. Their paths crossed in a significant way during the Orange Bowl, where Williams delivered a standout performance that helped propel the Fighting Irish to victory over Penn State. For Seider, who was coaching running backs for the Nittany Lions at the time, Williams’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways left a lasting impression. Now, as the two work together at Notre Dame, their connection could be key in shaping Williams’s future and strengthening the Fighting Irish offense.
Seider has a reputation for developing high-caliber running backs, having worked with several successful players during his time at Penn State. He recognizes Williams’s potential not just as a traditional ball carrier but as a complete offensive weapon. Williams’s ability to catch passes, make defenders miss, and step up in key moments is something that stood out in the Orange Bowl and will likely be a focal point moving forward. “He’s the kind of player that, as an opposing coach, you knew you had to account for on every snap,” Seider said. “Now, I get to work with him and help him take his game even further.”
Williams’s performance in the Orange Bowl was a defining moment in his young career. With Notre Dame needing a spark, he stepped up in a big way, showcasing his versatility as both a receiver and a runner. His ability to slip out of the backfield and create mismatches against linebackers was a critical factor in Notre Dame’s success that night. One of the biggest plays of the game came when Williams caught a 36-yard wheel route, displaying not just his hands but his awareness and route-running ability. It was a play that gave Notre Dame momentum and proved that Williams could be a reliable weapon in the passing game.
That performance wasn’t an outlier—it was the culmination of years of hard work and preparation. Williams has been turning heads since his high school days at Hannibal High School in Missouri, where he put up video-game-like numbers. His combination of speed, agility, and toughness made him one of the top recruits in the country. Even before arriving at Notre Dame, many expected that he would make an immediate impact. His work ethic and football IQ have only reinforced that belief.
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s head coach, has been effusive in his praise for Williams, pointing out that he’s the kind of player who doesn’t shy away from the spotlight. “Aneyas is someone we trust completely,” Freeman said. “You can put him in at any time, and he’s going to make a play. That’s rare for a young guy.” Trust is something that Williams has earned through his preparation and consistency. He isn’t just a playmaker—he’s also a reliable pass protector and a smart decision-maker, traits that make him valuable in critical situations.
His new position coach’s familiarity with his game should help Williams continue to develop in the right direction. Seider has worked with some of the best running backs in college football, and his experience will be crucial in helping Williams refine his skills. One area of emphasis will be his ability to run between the tackles. While Williams is already dangerous in open space, becoming more effective in short-yardage situations will make him an even bigger threat.
Another aspect of Williams’s game that stands out is his ability to process defenses. He’s not just running to a spot—he understands coverages and how to exploit matchups. That level of football intelligence is what separates good players from great ones. Seider sees this as a huge advantage, especially in a modern offense where running backs are expected to contribute in multiple ways. “You don’t find a lot of young players who understand the game the way Aneyas does,” Seider said. “That’s what makes him special.”
Williams’s rise comes at an exciting time for Notre Dame football. The Fighting Irish are looking to build on their recent success and establish themselves as legitimate national title contenders. A strong running game will be essential in that pursuit, and Williams is expected to play a key role. He has already proven that he can handle the pressure of big games, and his performance in the Orange Bowl was just a preview of what’s to come.
As the offseason progresses, Williams will continue to work closely with Seider to refine his craft. The focus will be on improving his vision, footwork, and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. He already possesses the natural talent and instincts to be a game-changer, but the little details will help him reach an even higher level. Seider is confident that Williams is ready to take that next step. “He’s got everything you want in a running back,” Seider said. “It’s just about continuing to put in the work and taking advantage of every opportunity.”
Looking ahead, Williams is poised to become one of the most dynamic players in college football. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a valuable asset for Notre Dame, and with Seider guiding him, the sky is the limit. The connection between player and coach—one that began on opposite sides of the Orange Bowl—could prove to be one of the most important storylines for the Fighting Irish moving forward.
For Williams, the Orange Bowl was just the beginning. His journey at Notre Dame is only getting started, and if his performance on that stage was any indication, there are plenty more big moments ahead. With a new coach who already understands what makes him special, Williams is ready to take the next step in his career and help lead the Fighting Irish to even greater success.