In a significant development for college football recruiting, Jonaz Walton, a highly sought-after running back from Central High School in Carrollton, Georgia, has made a pivotal decision regarding his athletic future. Walton, who had previously been committed to Ohio State, has now chosen to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, turning down offers from both the Tennessee Volunteers and the Buckeyes.On3+3ESPN+3247 Sports+3
A Stellar High School Career
Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 190 pounds, Walton has been a standout athlete at Central High School. His freshman year was particularly impressive, as he amassed 1,644 rushing yards and scored 20 touchdowns over 12 games, averaging an outstanding 8.79 yards per carry. This performance included nine 100-yard games and three 200-yard games, showcasing his consistency and explosive playmaking ability. Beyond the football field, Walton has demonstrated versatility by competing in swimming and track and field. Notably, he secured the Georgia Middle School state championship in the 200 meters with a time of 22.74 seconds as an eighth-grader and placed fifth in the 400 meters with a time of 53.49 seconds. His participation in the high jump and discus further underscores his diverse athletic talents. On3247 Sports+1Yardbarker+1247 Sports+1247 Sports
The Recruiting Journey
Walton’s exceptional high school performances did not go unnoticed. He received scholarship offers from more than 30 prestigious programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford, and Tennessee. In February 2025, he narrowed his choices to these ten schools, indicating a thoughtful and deliberate decision-making process. On3Yardbarker
Tennessee emerged as a strong contender in Walton’s recruitment. He visited the Volunteers multiple times, including attending their junior day in January 2025. During these visits, Walton expressed a high regard for Tennessee’s program, stating that they were “definitely pretty high” on his list and suggesting a strong possibility of returning for official visits. 247 Sports
The Decision to Flip Commitment
Initially, Walton committed to Ohio State, drawn by their storied football tradition and consistent success. However, after further reflection and additional visits, he reconsidered his options. The Oklahoma Sooners, under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables, had been actively recruiting Walton, highlighting their offensive scheme and the opportunity for early playing time. The Sooners’ commitment to developing their players for professional careers also played a significant role in Walton’s decision.
In February 2025, Walton announced his decision to decommit from Ohio State and commit to the University of Oklahoma. This move sent ripples through the college football community, as flipping commitments, especially from a powerhouse like Ohio State, is relatively uncommon and underscores the dynamic nature of college football recruiting.
Impact on Oklahoma Sooners
Walton’s commitment is a substantial boost for the Sooners’ 2026 recruiting class. His blend of speed, agility, and field vision makes him a formidable addition to Oklahoma’s backfield. Given his proven track record and athletic versatility, Walton is expected to make an immediate impact on the field.
Coach Venables expressed enthusiasm about Walton’s decision, stating, “Jonaz is an exceptional talent with the potential to elevate our offense. We’re thrilled to have him join the Sooner family and look forward to his contributions in the coming seasons.”
Reactions from Ohio State and Tennessee
For Ohio State, losing a player of Walton’s caliber is undoubtedly a setback. The Buckeyes will need to reassess their recruiting strategies to fill the void left by his departure. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships with recruits throughout the process to ensure commitments remain firm.
The Tennessee Volunteers, having been a close contender, will also feel the impact of Walton’s decision. Despite their efforts and multiple visits, they were unable to secure his commitment. However, Tennessee’s active engagement in Walton’s recruitment demonstrates their dedication to attracting top talent, which could bode well for future recruiting endeavors.
The Broader Recruiting Landscape
Walton’s decision reflects the fluid and competitive nature of college football recruiting. Prospects often reassess their options based on coaching changes, program developments, and personal growth. For programs, this underscores the necessity of consistent communication, relationship-building, and adaptability in their recruiting approaches.
As Walton transitions to Oklahoma, his journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His performance at the collegiate level will not only impact the Sooners’ success but also serve as a testament to the intricate and often unpredictable world of college football recruiting.
Jonaz Walton’s commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners marks a significant milestone in his athletic career and serves as a notable event in the 2026 college football recruiting landscape. His decision to leave Ohio State and choose Oklahoma over Tennessee highlights the complexities and competitive nature of recruiting top-tier talent. As he embarks on this new chapter, Walton’s development and contributions will be pivotal to the Sooners’ future success on the field.