2026 Four-Star Running Back Jonaz Walton Discusses Official Visits, Recruiting Priorities, and Why Tennessee Feels Like a Second Home

Jonaz Walton doesn’t mince words when asked what he’s looking for in a college football program. “Family, development, and a place I can call home,” the elite 2026 running back told reporters after a recent 7-on-7 tournament. That simple but powerful formula has helped narrow down the field of suitors vying for his commitment. A dynamic ball carrier out of Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, Walton is considered one of the premier running backs in his class and already boasts an offer sheet that reads like a who’s who of college football’s powerhouses.

With his junior season on the horizon, Walton’s recruitment is shifting into high gear. He’s lining up official visits, sharpening his evaluation criteria, and building stronger relationships with coaching staffs across the country. One school in particular has carved out a special place in his heart: the University of Tennessee.

“Tennessee’s been showing love from the start,” Walton said. “I’ve been talking with Coach Mack [running backs coach Jerry Mack] a lot. He’s made me feel wanted—not just needed on the field, but wanted as a person too. That’s what stands out to me.”

It’s not just Coach Mack. The entire Tennessee staff, including head coach Josh Heupel, has taken a hands-on approach with Walton’s recruitment. Heupel’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense is appealing to any skill position player, but for Walton, it’s the consistent, genuine connection that sets the Volunteers apart.

“They make it personal,” he said. “They hit me up not just to talk football, but to check on how I’m doing, how school’s going, stuff like that. You can tell they care beyond the game.”

Walton recently visited Knoxville and came away impressed with more than just the facilities and the tradition-rich environment. “Everything from the stadium to the weight room to the campus—it’s top-notch,” Walton said. “But the biggest thing for me was how it felt. The energy, the people, the fans—it just felt like somewhere I could be for three or four years and be happy.”

That connection is significant considering the depth of Walton’s options. He holds offers from Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Penn State, and USC, among others. All of them offer compelling packages—whether it’s championship pedigree, NFL development, or cutting-edge offensive systems—but Walton is focused on feel as much as football.

“I know what I can do on the field,” Walton said. “I want to be somewhere I can grow as a man. Somewhere my mom feels good about me being. That’s just as important as who wins the most games.”

That mindset is partially shaped by Walton’s upbringing and the support system around him. His mother, whom he credits as his “rock,” has been instrumental in helping him navigate the intense and often overwhelming recruiting process. “She keeps me grounded,” he said. “Reminds me that it’s a blessing to be in this position, but also that I’ve got to stay focused, stay humble.”

It’s also clear that Walton is doing his homework. He’s been methodical in researching depth charts, offensive schemes, running back usage, and player development histories at each of his top schools. “I look at who they’ve put in the league. But more than that, I look at how they use their backs. Some schools use them like battering rams, and others know how to get them the ball in space, in the passing game, in creative ways. That matters a lot to me.”

In that context, Tennessee makes sense. Under Heupel, the Vols have showcased a balanced, aggressive offense that uses its running backs in a variety of ways, from inside zone to jet motion swing passes. Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright both benefited from the system, and Tennessee’s backfield depth doesn’t appear too daunting for an incoming freshman looking to make an impact.

“It’s competitive, but it’s not crowded,” Walton noted. “I’m not scared of competition. I want to come in and earn mine. But I also want to see a path to the field.”

That opportunity, combined with the Vols’ personal approach, has Tennessee sitting in a strong position. Still, Walton is far from making a final decision. He plans to take his official visits this summer and fall before committing sometime in late fall or early winter. “No rush,” he said. “I want to see everything. Talk with my family. Pray on it.”

That list of official visits is still taking shape, but Tennessee is already penciled in. He’s also working to lock in trips to Georgia, Florida State, and USC, and is considering Penn State and Texas as potential fifth options. “Each of those schools brings something different to the table,” Walton said. “I want to be fair and give them a real look.”

One advantage Tennessee might have is proximity. While Phenix City isn’t next door to Knoxville, it’s close enough to make weekend visits relatively easy. “That’s a plus,” Walton admitted. “My family could come up for games, I could go home if I needed to. You don’t realize how big a deal that is until you start thinking about being away from home for the first time.”

Another key piece of the puzzle is early playing time. Walton knows his talent will get him on the field eventually, but he’s looking for a school where he can learn, contribute, and compete from Day One. “Not necessarily start—just contribute. Get in the rotation. Help the team win. That’s all I care about.”

As for his own game, Walton describes himself as a “do-it-all back.” His tape backs it up. He’s got the vision, burst, and balance to thrive between the tackles, plus the top-end speed and receiving skills to be a threat in space. His ability to block on passing downs is another trait that coaches rave about.

“I take pride in being complete,” Walton said. “If I’m on the field, the defense shouldn’t know what’s coming. I don’t want to be a guy they take off in pass protection or third down.”

That maturity and attention to detail is part of what makes him such a coveted prospect. It’s also why schools like Tennessee have gone all in. They see the talent, yes—but they also see the mindset. “I’m coming to work,” Walton said. “Wherever I go, I’m coming to compete, to represent my family, and to make an impact.”

For now, Walton is focused on the present. He’s heading into his junior season with goals of improving his game, staying healthy, and leading his team to a state title. Recruiting will continue behind the scenes, but his on-field performance will remain his top priority.

“My coach always says, ‘The film is your resume,’” Walton said with a grin. “I want mine to speak for itself.”

As his recruitment unfolds and official visits approach, one thing is clear—Jonaz Walton is one of the most thoughtful, grounded, and gifted players in the 2026 class. And if Tennessee continues to cultivate the relationship they’ve built with him, there’s a real chance he’ll be lighting up Neyland Stadium in orange and white a couple of years from now.

Until then, the race is on. Walton is listening, learning, and evaluating. But his bond with Tennessee? That’s real—and it might just be the thing that tips the scales when decision day arrives.