Oklahoma Sooners Win Big: 5-Star Running Back Jonaz Walton Chooses OU Over Ohio State and Tennessee Vols
In the world of college football recruiting, few decisions are more consequential than the commitment of a 5-star player, and the Oklahoma Sooners have just received some of the best news possible. Jonaz Walton, the nation’s top-ranked running back, has decided to decommit from Ohio State and choose Oklahoma as his future home, turning down the Tennessee Volunteers in the process. Walton’s commitment marks a monumental win for the Sooners, elevating their recruiting class and adding a dynamic playmaker to their already stacked roster.
At 6 feet 2 inches and 210 pounds, Walton is a physical specimen who combines speed, vision, and power in a way that few running backs at the high school level can match. Known for his explosive playmaking ability and versatility out of the backfield, Walton was the centerpiece of a recruiting battle that had captivated fans and analysts alike. With offers from virtually every major program in the country, Walton’s recruitment has been one of the most closely followed in recent memory.
A Huge Win for Oklahoma
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and his coaching staff have been on an impressive recruiting run since taking over in Norman. Walton’s commitment is yet another sign of the program’s continued rise as a perennial national title contender. The Sooners’ running back room was already talented, with a mix of experienced players and highly touted recruits, but adding a player of Walton’s caliber takes it to another level.
This is a major coup for Oklahoma, who now finds itself in an even stronger position heading into the 2025 season and beyond. Walton’s commitment should not only bolster the Sooners’ offense but also create an exciting dynamic in the backfield alongside talented quarterbacks and offensive line players. His unique skill set offers the potential to contribute immediately and make an impact from day one.
Walton’s decision to choose Oklahoma over Ohio State and Tennessee is a testament to the Sooners’ ability to sell their vision, their culture, and their commitment to developing players at the highest level. Oklahoma’s offensive system, which emphasizes the ground game and the ability to exploit mismatches in space, aligns perfectly with Walton’s strengths. Moreover, the Sooners’ ability to regularly produce NFL-caliber talent, especially at the running back position, likely played a significant role in his decision.
Why Walton Chose Oklahoma
For Jonaz Walton, choosing Oklahoma wasn’t just about football—it was also about the fit, the people, and the culture surrounding the program. While his recruitment process involved significant interest from Ohio State and Tennessee, it was Oklahoma that ultimately stood out.
“From the first time I visited Oklahoma, I just felt at home,” Walton said in an interview after his commitment. “The coaches really made me feel like I was part of the family. I can see myself fitting into their offense, and I know that they have a history of developing great running backs who go on to have successful careers. I want to be part of something special.”
Another factor in Walton’s decision was the leadership of head coach Brent Venables. Venables, known for his defensive prowess, has instilled a culture of toughness and accountability at Oklahoma. But he has also made it clear that the Sooners’ offense is poised for a new era of explosive playmakers. Walton’s addition further enhances that vision.
The coaching staff at Oklahoma, led by offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, is also known for its ability to maximize the skill sets of its players. Walton’s ability to be used in multiple ways—both as a traditional running back and as a weapon in the passing game—will make him an ideal fit in the Sooners’ system. Lebby’s high-tempo offense and emphasis on big plays will give Walton ample opportunities to shine.
The Competition: Ohio State and Tennessee
While Walton’s commitment to Oklahoma is a huge win for the program, it’s also a blow to two other schools—Ohio State and Tennessee—that had been vying for his services for months. The Buckeyes had long been considered a frontrunner for Walton, with their storied history of developing running backs like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins. The potential to play in a high-powered offense under head coach Ryan Day was a major selling point for Ohio State, but ultimately, Walton felt that Oklahoma offered the best fit for his long-term development.
Similarly, Tennessee had made significant strides in Walton’s recruitment and was thought to be a major contender as well. The Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, have experienced a renaissance in recent seasons, including a high-powered offense that has drawn recruits from all over the country. But despite the appeal of playing in Knoxville, Walton ultimately chose to play for the Sooners over the Volunteers.
One of the major factors in Walton’s decision was the immediate opportunity to play in a program with a clear path to early playing time. Oklahoma’s running back depth chart, while talented, isn’t as crowded as some of the other top-tier programs. This gives Walton a chance to potentially make an impact right away as a true freshman. The Sooners’ ability to develop young players and get them on the field early was a significant draw for the 5-star running back.
The Impact on Oklahoma’s Recruiting Class
With Walton now officially committed to Oklahoma, the Sooners’ 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Walton’s commitment adds another blue-chip player to an already stellar class, further solidifying Oklahoma’s place as a national powerhouse. In addition to Walton, the Sooners have secured commitments from several other top-ranked players, and their recruiting momentum is building.
The impact of Walton’s commitment goes beyond just the running back position. As a high-profile recruit, Walton’s decision will likely have a domino effect on other prospects who are considering Oklahoma. High-profile recruits often attract more attention to a program, and Walton’s commitment could help Oklahoma land more talent in the coming months.
With Venables at the helm, Oklahoma is poised to be a major player in both the Big 12 and the national recruiting scene. The Sooners have long been known for their high-powered offenses and have now made significant strides on the defensive side of the ball under Venables. This combination of offensive and defensive prowess makes Oklahoma one of the most well-rounded teams in college football.
Walton’s High School Career and Skill Set
Jonaz Walton’s journey to becoming the No. 1 running back in the nation has been a remarkable one. As a high school senior at National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland, Walton has put up gaudy numbers and dominated opponents on the field. In his senior season, Walton rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 30 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make plays both inside and outside the tackles.
Walton’s combination of size, speed, and agility sets him apart from many of his peers. His 6-foot-2 frame allows him to power through defenders while also showcasing an ability to make defenders miss with a well-developed spin move and excellent footwork. His vision is second to none, as he consistently finds holes in the defense and accelerates to top speed in an instant.
What makes Walton especially dangerous is his versatility. He is a threat in the passing game as well, with the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and turn them into big gains. His balance and agility in space make him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs, and he has the speed to outrun defenders once he gets to the open field.
Walton’s football IQ is another asset that has earned him recognition as the top running back in the class. His ability to read defenses, set up blocks, and adjust his running style based on the situation shows his maturity and understanding of the game. These traits will serve him well as he makes the transition to the college level and takes on the challenges of playing in the Big 12.
Looking Ahead: Walton’s Future at Oklahoma
As Jonaz Walton prepares to join the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025, expectations will be sky-high. He is already being touted as a future NFL talent, and many believe that he will make an immediate impact for Oklahoma. With his skill set, Walton has the potential to be a game-changer for the Sooners, and his arrival will only add to the excitement surrounding the program.
For Oklahoma fans, Walton’s commitment represents not just a victory in the recruiting world, but a sign of the program’s continued success and future potential. With a top-tier running back like Walton in the fold, the Sooners are in prime position to compete for national championships in the years to come.