Notre Dame Commit Jonaz Walton Becomes Fan Favorite After Viral Video Shows Absurd Weight Room Feat That Shocks Fighting Irish Nation

The University of Notre Dame football program has seen its fair share of high-profile recruits, but every once in a while, a prospect does something that instantly captures the attention—and admiration—of the fanbase before ever playing a down in South Bend. That’s exactly what happened with Jonaz Walton, a three-star interior offensive lineman from Montgomery, Alabama, who recently went viral for a jaw-dropping weight room performance that’s now the talk of Irish Nation.

In a video posted by his high school’s strength coach and reshared widely on social media by recruiting insiders and Notre Dame fans alike, Walton is seen deadlifting an eye-popping 655 pounds with apparent ease. The clip, set to booming music, shows the 6-foot-3, 315-pound lineman powering through the massive lift with clean form, no straps, and raw energy. Almost immediately, Irish fans flooded message boards and X (formerly Twitter) with reactions ranging from awe to excitement to pure disbelief.

“Give that man the Joe Moore Award already!” one user joked. Another declared: “Walton just became a legend before even enrolling. Notre Dame got themselves a monster.”

And just like that, Jonaz Walton—an early verbal commitment from the 2025 recruiting class—has become one of the most talked-about recruits in recent Notre Dame memory.

A Viral Moment That Meant More Than Just Weights

The video wasn’t just impressive—it was a statement. In an age where highlight tapes are common and athletic feats go viral by the hour, it takes something truly special to cut through the noise. Walton’s lift wasn’t just about brute strength; it was about effort, grit, and displaying the kind of mentality Notre Dame coaches crave in future linemen.

“It shows who he is,” said Walton’s high school coach, Anthony Calloway. “Jonaz isn’t just strong—he’s determined. He’s the first guy in the weight room and the last to leave. That lift? That’s just another day for him.”

Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph took notice as well, resharing the clip with the caption:

“Notre Dame standard. Can’t wait to get this guy in our room. #BuiltDifferent #GoIrish”

Walton’s future teammates and even current Notre Dame players joined in, reacting with fire emojis, GIFs, and posts welcoming him to the brotherhood. Clearly, the strength feat resonated far beyond just a viral clip—it created instant cultural cachet within the program.

Who Is Jonaz Walton?

While he may have entered the national spotlight because of his powerlifting performance, Jonaz Walton’s football resume is equally impressive.

A product of Carver High School in Montgomery, Walton plays left guard and center, demonstrating elite agility, hand placement, and toughness. Though rated a three-star by most recruiting services, many analysts view him as a high-upside prospect with four-star potential.

“He’s underrated nationally because of geography and exposure,” said recruiting expert Tom Lemming. “But the coaches who’ve watched his film love him. He’s an interior lineman who plays with the aggression of a defensive tackle.”

Walton committed to Notre Dame in early June over offers from Auburn, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech. In his announcement video, he cited academic excellence, tradition, and the chance to be developed into an NFL-caliber player as reasons for choosing the Irish.

“I chose Notre Dame because it’s not just about football,” Walton said. “It’s about being the best version of myself on and off the field.”

That attitude, coupled with his physical dominance, has turned him into a fan favorite—and a rising star.

Culture Fit: A ‘Golden Domer’ Mentality

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized culture and toughness as pillars of the program. Walton appears to embody both.

“He fits what we’re building,” Freeman said in a recent interview. “Guys who love the work, who embrace challenge, and who understand that Notre Dame isn’t for everyone—it’s for those who want to be great.”

Walton’s work ethic has been well-documented. During the off-season, he participates in voluntary 6 a.m. lifting sessions and maintains a disciplined meal and recovery regimen. Teammates have described him as “a coach on the field,” someone who takes younger players under his wing and leads by example.

And it’s not just lip service. In addition to his viral deadlift, Walton also benches 405 pounds and squats well over 600. His footwork—developed through years of basketball and wrestling—sets him apart from many interior linemen in his class.

“He’s not just strong,” said one opposing coach. “He’s quick, he’s balanced, and he finishes blocks with a mean streak. Notre Dame fans should be very excited.”

Fan Reaction: “We’ve Got Our Next Cult Hero”

Following the viral weight room video, Notre Dame fans began drawing comparisons to past Irish linemen like Quenton Nelson, who also gained notoriety for punishing blocks and weight room feats. Walton’s blend of humility and toughness is already building a cult following.

Some fans are even creating early nicknames like “Mount Walton” and “Jonaz the Juggernaut.” A few dedicated fans took it a step further by photoshopping Walton into mock “300”-style posters and Notre Dame uniforms, captioned with phrases like “Built for the Trenches” and “The Next Great Irish Guard.”

The clip also made its way to several national platforms, including ESPN’s SportsCenter Instagram account and Barstool Sports’ College Football feed, which posted:

“Notre Dame’s newest OL commit Jonaz Walton just declared WAR on gravity.”

If there were any doubts about whether a three-star lineman from Alabama could win over Irish fans, they’ve been put to rest.

What This Means for Notre Dame’s 2025 Offensive Line

With Walton’s commitment, Notre Dame continues to solidify one of the strongest offensive line recruiting classes in the country. He joins fellow linemen Owen Strebig and Styles Prescod in what could be a foundational trio for the Irish trenches.

Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph praised the class’s chemistry and potential, noting:

“These guys love football, love competing, and love Notre Dame. That’s a powerful combination. Jonaz brings something special to that group.”

The 2025 season may be a redshirt year for Walton, allowing him to adjust to the speed of college football and further refine his technique. But given his physical maturity and mental focus, he may push for playing time sooner than expected.

“If he keeps developing like this,” said former Notre Dame lineman Mike Golic Jr., “don’t be surprised if he’s starting by Year Two. He’s got everything you want.”

Looking Ahead: More Than Just a Viral Star

While the viral deadlift clip gave Jonaz Walton his breakout moment, it’s clear that his story is just beginning. His focus remains on finishing his high school career strong and preparing for life in South Bend.

In interviews, he’s avoided talking too much about the hype, instead redirecting credit to his coaches and teammates.

“I appreciate the love, but I’ve got a long way to go,” Walton said. “I’m just staying focused, lifting, grinding, and getting better every day. When I get to Notre Dame, it’s go time.”

That mindset is exactly why Notre Dame fans—and coaches—are so excited. Walton isn’t just a strongman or a social media sensation. He’s a worker. A leader. A young man who wants to represent the Golden Dome with pride.

And after one viral moment, the college football world is now watching.

In a sport where buzz often fades quickly, Jonaz Walton has already carved out a place in the hearts of Notre Dame fans—before he’s even stepped foot on campus. His viral weight room moment wasn’t just about how much weight he lifted—it was about the force of personality, character, and commitment behind it.

For the Fighting Irish, Walton’s arrival in 2025 could mark the beginning of something special—not just another powerful lineman, but a foundational figure for years to come.

In the words of one fan:

“Jonaz Walton didn’t just lift 655 pounds. He lifted the hopes of every Irish fan dreaming of another title run.”