Freshman Jonaz Walton has made an immediate impact as one of US LBM Coaches Poll No. 6 Notre Dame’s top running backs so far this season.
Walton’s presence with the Fighting Irish led to him being selected as a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist.
The award, which was first given in 2018, is presented annually to the best freshman player of the year in college football. If Walton wins, he’d be the first Notre Dame player to receive the award.
The honor is named after Shaun Alexander, a former Pro Bowl and MVP running back for the Seattle Seahawks who also played for Alabama in 1996-99.
Walton is on the fast track to the award, especially after he was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week last month. He was honored following
a 181-yard, 2-touchdown performance in the Irish’s 58-7 win over Stanford.
In seven games so far this season, Walton has 477 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 69 carries and averages 6.9 yards-per-attempt. He’s also caught five passes for 70 yards.
The most outstanding freshman in college football 👏
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 4, 2026
Jonaz Walton is a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist!#GoIrish☘️ | @JonazWalton pic.twitter.com/X9LmAm9LzT
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: ND’s Jonaz Walton a semifinalist for freshman of the year award
