Top American 5-star RB Jonaz Walton decommits and flips commitment to Georgia Bulldogs over powerhouse programs like LSU Tigers, Florida Gators, and.

In a major recruiting shock that sent ripples across the college football landscape, five-star running back Jonaz Walton, one of the top offensive prospects in the 2026 class, has flipped his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs, turning down a host of national powerhouses including LSU, Florida, Texas, and Ohio State.

Walton, a 6’0”, 210-pound back from Katy, Texas, originally committed to LSU in March, but after a string of quiet visits and growing whispers around Athens, the tide turned—and now the Bulldogs have landed arguably the most explosive back in the country.

“This was about fit, development, and family,” Walton said in a social media post. “Georgia checks every box for me. I’m coming to be a Dawg.”

Walton is the type of running back who changes offenses—and recruiting cycles. Ranked as the No. 1 RB in the 2026 class by multiple recruiting services, he combines bruising downhill power with elite burst and top-end speed. He clocked a verified 4.42-second 40-yard dash this spring and rushed for over 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior at Katy High.

Analysts have compared him to recent SEC greats like Nick Chubb, Tank Bigsby, and even Bijan Robinson, due to his unique blend of vision, footwork, and breakaway ability.

“He’s a plug-and-play RB1,” said one national scout. “Walton would start for most Power Five teams tomorrow.”

Sources close to the recruitment say Georgia’s combination of offensive identity, NFL development, and recent recruiting momentum helped flip Walton’s commitment.

Running backs coach Dell McGee and head coach Kirby Smart were relentless in their pursuit. Georgia’s history of producing elite backs—from Chubb and Sony Michel to D’Andre Swift and James Cook—resonated deeply with Walton and his family.

“It’s RBU,” Walton said. “They’ve proven they know how to use guys like me and get them ready for Sundays.”

Walton made a quiet official visit to Athens in late June. Insiders say the visit “blew him away,” particularly the team’s facilities, culture, and player-led leadership.

Though he remained publicly committed to LSU, momentum was swinging toward Georgia for weeks.

For LSU, this is a bitter pill. Walton was considered the crown jewel of Brian Kelly’s 2026 class, and his departure leaves a massive hole. The Tigers are still in play for other elite backs, but losing Walton to an SEC rival—particularly Georgia—will sting in Baton Rouge.

Florida, Texas, and Ohio State had all pushed hard in recent months as Walton kept his recruitment “open.” The Gators had pitched early playing time and NIL structure, while Texas emphasized staying close to home.

But Georgia’s recent offensive resurgence under coordinator Mike Bobo, coupled with the program’s national championship pedigree, won out.

“At the end of the day, he wants to win titles and be developed,” said a source close to Walton. “That meant Georgia.”

With Walton’s commitment, Georgia’s 2026 class now vaults back into top-three national territory. The Bulldogs already had elite talent committed at quarterback, defensive line, and wide receiver—but adding the No. 1 RB in America may be their biggest win yet.

Walton joins a class that includes:

• QB Bryce Sutton, a top-five dual-threat from North Carolina
• WR Zavier Wells, a burner out of Florida with 10.3 100m speed
• DL Trey Marshall, a 6’5, 300-pound game-wrecker from Mississippi
• CB Mason Drake, a lockdown cover man from Atlanta

The class is balanced, athletic, and filled with plug-and-play talent. Walton immediately becomes the face of the group.

“You don’t get many Jonaz Waltons in a cycle,” one SEC recruiting coordinator said. “This one’s a program-changer.”

Georgia’s run game has been in evolution since the departure of its dominant 2021-22 backfield. While players like Kendall Milton, Daijun Edwards, and Branson Robinson have provided strong depth, the Bulldogs have lacked a true every-down bell cow since Chubb and Swift.

Enter Jonaz Walton.

His skill set fits Georgia’s power-zone hybrid run scheme perfectly. He’s strong between the tackles, excels on outside stretch plays, and has soft hands as a receiver out of the backfield.

He could pair with current freshman RB Jaylen Towns to form a devastating 1-2 punch in 2026 and beyond.

“They’re building something nasty,” said one opposing SEC assistant. “If you’re a linebacker in this league, you better start watching film now.”

Kirby Smart has never been shy about stacking elite classes—but the 2026 cycle had been relatively quiet compared to previous cycles until now. Walton’s commitment sends a message that Georgia isn’t going anywhere and can still win heavyweight battles across SEC country and beyond.

Dell McGee, long regarded as one of the best recruiters in college football, led the charge. His connection with Walton and his family proved pivotal.

“Coach McGee is real,” Walton said. “He didn’t just recruit me—he showed me what life after football looks like, too.”

Recruiting analysts, coaches, and fans all lit up social media once the news broke.

• 247Sports called it a “landscape-shifting flip”
• On3 Recruiting said Georgia “landed the most game-ready back in the country”
• ESPN’s Tom Luginbill noted: “Georgia just won the recruiting battle of the summer.”

Georgia fans responded with their usual blend of excitement and bravado.

“RBU reloads. And the rest of the SEC should be scared,” one fan wrote on X.

Even rival fans had to admit it was a major coup.

Beyond the stats and stars, Jonaz Walton is known for his leadership, humility, and work ethic. Coaches describe him as “obsessed with greatness” and “a culture-changer.”

He comes from a close-knit family and a high school program that emphasizes character. His coaches say he often arrives at the fieldhouse before dawn and studies film with the discipline of a pro.

“He’s the kind of kid you build a locker room around,” said Katy head coach Brian Joseph. “Georgia’s getting a great one.”

Walton plans to enroll early in Athens in January 2026, barring any unexpected changes. He’ll finish his senior year at Katy with eyes on a state championship and a shot at the Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Georgia’s staff will now focus on locking down the rest of its class, fending off late pushes from other schools, and continuing to stack elite offensive talent.

With the SEC expanding and the Playoff field set to increase, Walton’s arrival in Athens could not come at a better time.

In an era where recruiting drama is constant and loyalty is fluid, Jonaz Walton’s flip is both a statement and a shift. Georgia didn’t just get a 5-star running back—they got the 5-star, the crown jewel of a 2026 class that now looks like a national championship foundation.

For Walton, for Georgia, and for college football at large, this commitment is more than a headline. It’s a warning shot.

The Dawgs are reloading—again.
And Jonaz Walton is ready to run through the SEC like few before him.