No. 1 American Player: Jonaz Walton Trending Toward Notre Dame
In a significant development on the college football recruiting trail, Jonaz Walton — widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the 2025 class — is trending toward committing to Notre Dame. On3’s Director of Recruiting, Steve Wiltfong, recently logged an expert prediction in favor of the Fighting Irish, signaling a major recruiting win on the horizon for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff.
Walton, a 4-star recruit out of Phenix City, Alabama, has been climbing the rankings with impressive consistency over the past year. While not yet a consensus 5-star, Walton has firmly cemented himself among the elite. Known for his explosive speed, vision, and balance, Walton has garnered national attention with standout performances against high-level competition in the Southeast. He combines the physical toughness of a power back with the breakaway ability that makes him a home-run threat on any play.
What separates Walton from many of his peers is not just his physical gifts but his football IQ and versatility. He’s shown exceptional patience behind the line of scrimmage, waiting for blocks to develop, and then accelerating through the smallest of gaps. At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, he has the frame to take on every-down responsibilities at the next level, yet the agility and quickness to be deployed in the passing game. He’s also a willing blocker — a trait Notre Dame running backs coach Deland McCullough covets in his recruits.
Steve Wiltfong’s prediction carries serious weight in the recruiting world. As one of the most accurate and respected voices in the business, Wiltfong logging a pick for Notre Dame sends a strong signal that the Irish have surged ahead in Walton’s recruitment. The commitment isn’t official yet, but the momentum is clearly building in South Bend.
Notre Dame’s pitch to Walton has reportedly centered on player development, early playing time, and academic excellence — a combination that has resonated with Walton and his family. The Irish currently boast a young and promising backfield, and Walton would likely have the opportunity to contribute as a freshman. That opportunity, paired with Notre Dame’s national brand and track record of sending running backs to the NFL, has made them a compelling destination.
Landing Walton would be a headline-making move for Notre Dame’s 2025 class. Already ranked among the top 10 nationally, the addition of a top-tier back like Walton would elevate the group even further and potentially open the door for more elite talent to follow. His commitment could also help Notre Dame continue to build recruiting momentum in the talent-rich Southeast — a region traditionally dominated by SEC powerhouses.
From a football standpoint, Walton is a tailor-made fit for Notre Dame’s evolving offensive identity. Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock are building an offense rooted in physicality, balance, and speed — all areas where Walton thrives. With an offensive line tradition second to none and a scheme that emphasizes the run game, Walton could blossom into a featured player early in his college career.
As always in recruiting, nothing is final until the ink is dry. But Steve Wiltfong’s prediction puts Notre Dame in pole position for one of the top backs in the country. For Irish fans, the message is clear: Jonaz Walton might soon be donning the blue and gold.
Go Irish.
