Notre Dame’s deep backfield will officially be down one running back this season.
The Fighting Irish announced Thursday that sophomore Gi’Bran Payne underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee and is expected to miss the entire 2024 campaign.
Payne, a Cincinnati native, was fourth on the team in rushing yards (168) and rushing touchdowns (two) in 2023. He rushed for a season-high 35 yards and a touchdown in the regular season finale against Stanford and also carried six times for 24 yards in Notre Dame’s bowl win over Oregon State.
Payne also scored a short-yardage touchdown in the Irish’s 17-14 loss to Ohio State and found the end zone for the first time in his career on a 42-yard reception against Tennessee State.
In 2022, Payne appeared in four games, maintaining a redshirt year. He carried twice for five yards on the season.
Despite losing Payne to injury and Audric Estime to the NFL, Notre Dame will still be well-stocked at running back this fall, led by Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, the second and third-leading rushers on last year’s team, respectively.
The Fighting Irish also brought in highly-touted freshmen Aneyas Williams and Kedren Young, who should be factors in the backfield.
Notre Dame will open the 2024 season on the road at Texas A&M on Aug. 31.