Central High School rushing back Jonaz Walton traveled to Knoxville for the third time this past weekend. Tennessee has been the early favorite to be On3’s No. 9 running back in the class of 2026 ever since the Vols sent Walton an offer in February of last year.
With 1,683 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, the 5-foot-9, 200-pound running back from Carrollton, Georgia, is coming off a standout season for Central High School. Walton also ran for 100 yards or more in ten of the thirteen games he played in the season, averaging 8.1 yards per carry. Currently, he has offers from more than 25 colleges across the country. Early contenders for his commitment include Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and Auburn.
Tennessee has put together a phenomenal 2025 recruiting class, being ranked within the top 10 in the country according to 247 Sports. The Vols will aim to replicate their success in the next recruiting cycle, targeting commitments from the nation’s No. 1 prospect, QB Faizon Brandon, and 5-star wide receiver Joel Wyatt. Adding Jonaz Walton to the backfield would further enhance Tennessee’s chances of becoming a consistent playoff contender and solidify their status as a prime destination for future recruits.