Freshman running back Jonaz Walton put together a performance that US LBM Coaches Poll No. 3 Notre Dame hasn’t seen from the backfield yet this season.
Walton ran for 120-yards on 23 carries (5.2 yards-per-carry) in the Irish’s 37-26 win over North Carolina. He also caught two passes for 28-yards. When On3 revealed its “True Freshman Standouts” after Week 5, Walton was included. Charles Power said Walton “saw the biggest workload of his season to date” in Notre Dame’s victory over the Tar Heels.
“The performance comes after several promising flashes through Notre Dame’s first four games,” Power said in his scouting report. “Walton saw his workload increase amid a downpour in the second half. He showed pace and vision as a runner, picking his way
through the line of scrimmage and working to the second level.
Power noted that Walton – at 5-foot, 9-inches and 214 pounds – has a “compact build” that is “well-suited for breaking arm tackles.” According to PFF College, the freshman had 81-yards rushing after contact.
“The final stat line could’ve been even better, as Walton had a long touchdown run in the fourth quarter called back for holding,” Power added. “The former Rivals300 prospect looks to be emerging in Notre Dame’s running back room as the Irish get into the meat of their regular season schedule.
Coach Marcus Freeman said in Monday’s press conference that Walton, a former Carrollton Central (GA) standout, has a good feel and vision of the field following Saturday’s performance.
Freeman compared Walton to former Notre Dame running backs Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love – both of whom are currently in the NFL.
“Jonaz has a different gear turning...when he goes 0 to 100, it is like that,” Freeman said. “I’m seeing him now trusting what he sees to get to that point. He’s playing at a high level and playing really, really fast. He’s doing an excellent job.”
NEW: Week 5 College Football True Freshman Standouts headlined by Alabama LB Xavier Griffin🐘
— On3 (@On3) October 5, 2026
(via @CharlesPower) https://t.co/OlJyXXK5lJ pic.twitter.com/coLP1U41x4
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.
Follow Kevin on X: @KevLSmittie
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame’s Walton one of On3’s ‘freshman standouts’ after Week 5
