Tennessee Football RB Target Jonaz Walton Predicted to Land with Notre Dame
The Tennessee Volunteers have a running back target who is set to commit to a school next week. That running back target is Jonaz Walton from Central High School in the state of Georgia.
Walton is a four-star recruit who has been a priority target for many schools. Following his commitment date announcement of May 14th, the Central running back was crystal balled to commit to Notre Dame.
Walton is one of many running backs the Vols have had the opportunity to grow a relationship with. While it would be great for the Vols to land the talented running back, they still have options on the table if they were to swing and miss on Walton.
Tennessee football’s pursuit of four-star running back Jonaz Walton appears to be nearing its conclusion, with recent predictions favoring Notre Dame as his likely destination. Walton, a standout from Central High School in Carrollton, Georgia, is set to announce his college commitment on Wednesday, May 14, at 3 p.m. ET, during a ceremony at his high school. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, drawing significant attention from college football fans and recruiting analysts alike.
Walton is ranked as the No. 10 running back nationally and the No. 14 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2026 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. His impressive high school career includes over 4,700 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns, showcasing his ability as a powerful and versatile runner. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 205 pounds, Walton combines strength and agility, making him a formidable presence on the field. Additionally, his athleticism extends to track and field, where he has recorded a personal best of 10.63 seconds in the 100-meter dash.
Tennessee has been among the top contenders for Walton’s commitment, competing against programs like Alabama, Florida, Stanford, and Notre Dame. The Volunteers have made significant efforts to recruit Walton, recognizing his potential to make an immediate impact in their backfield. However, recent developments suggest that Notre Dame has emerged as the frontrunner.
Notre Dame’s recruiting momentum has been bolstered by the efforts of running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider, who has established a strong rapport with Walton. Seider’s recent visit to Georgia to meet with Walton further solidified the Irish’s position. Following this visit, On3’s Director of Recruiting, Steve Wiltfong, logged a prediction favoring Notre Dame, indicating a significant shift in Walton’s recruitment.
Should Walton commit to Notre Dame, he would join a 2026 recruiting class that already includes four-star running back Javian Osborne. The addition of Walton would provide the Fighting Irish with a dynamic duo in the backfield, enhancing their offensive versatility and depth. Notre Dame’s 2026 class currently ranks No. 4 nationally, and securing Walton’s commitment would further solidify their standing.
For Tennessee, missing out on Walton would be a setback, but the Volunteers have other targets on their radar. The coaching staff remains committed to strengthening their roster and will continue to pursue top talent to bolster their offensive lineup. While Walton’s decision may not favor Tennessee, the program’s proactive approach to recruiting ensures that they remain competitive in attracting elite prospects.
As the commitment date approaches, all eyes will be on Walton’s announcement. His decision will not only impact the programs involved but also shape the landscape of the 2026 recruiting class. Regardless of the outcome, Walton’s talent and potential promise an exciting future at the collegiate level.
