ATHENS, GA —College football just got its next major shakeup. In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the NCAA recruiting world, Jonaz Walton, the No. 1-ranked 5-star running back in the nation, has officially committed to the Georgia Bulldogs, turning down powerhouse offers from LSU, Florida, and Nebraska.
Walton, a 6’0″, 210-pound explosive back out of Texas, made his announcement via a livestreamed event that drew tens of thousands of viewers and instantly set social media ablaze. Known for his elite speed, vision, and punishing run style, Walton has been compared to NFL greats like Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley — and now he’ll be adding to Georgia’s already stacked offensive arsenal.
> “Georgia just felt like home,” Walton said. “Coach Smart’s vision, the culture, the brotherhood — it’s everything I’ve been looking for.”
Why This Commitment is a Game-Changer
With Walton in the fold, Kirby Smart just landed one of the most coveted recruits in the 2025 class. Georgia already boasts a dominant ground game, and Walton’s arrival could make them virtually unstoppable. His commitment reinforces Georgia’s reign as a running back factory — following in the footsteps of legends like Todd Gurley, Sony Michel, and D’Andre Swift.
But what really has fans and analysts buzzing is who Walton turned down:
LSU, known for its offensive firepower and SEC legacy.
Florida, who pulled out all the stops in their recruiting pitch.
Nebraska, the surprise dark horse in the race, had reportedly made a massive NIL push.
Yet, none of it was enough to sway Walton from heading to Athens.
Reactions Pour In
College football insiders are calling this a “program-shifting win” for Georgia. ESPN’s lead recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill commented:
> “This is the kind of player who doesn’t just change a team — he changes the entire SEC dynamic.”
Meanwhile, fans across the nation took to X (formerly Twitter) to express shock, joy, and heartbreak.
@GatorFaithful24: “We needed this one bad. Crushing loss. Congrats to Georgia… I guess.”
@UGA_Unleashed: “We just got the RB1. It’s OVER for the SEC. 🐶🔥”
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With National Signing Day still months away, all eyes will now be on how this move impacts the rest of the 2025 recruiting class — and whether Walton’s decision sparks a domino effect for other elite prospects.
One thing is clear: Georgia just landed the crown jewel of the 2025 class, and the rest of college football has officially been put on notice.