Brian Bonner Jr., a standout running back from Valencia High School in Santa Clarita, California, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the 2026 recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Bonner’s junior year statistics are a testament to his versatility and athleticism. He amassed 1,493 rushing yards on 197 carries, resulting in 25 touchdowns, and showcased his receiving skills with 40 receptions for 498 yards and four additional scores. citeturn0search0

 

His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. Bonner has received scholarship offers from several prestigious programs, including Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Penn State, UCLA, Stanford, and Washington. Notably, he has scheduled visits to Washington on March 8, Michigan on March 27, and Penn State on April 7. citeturn0search2

 

Notre Dame’s interest in Bonner is particularly significant. The Fighting Irish extended an offer to him earlier this month, which Bonner received with enthusiasm. He expressed his excitement, acknowledging Notre Dame’s status as a top program and their recent appearance in the national championship. citeturn0search1

 

In addition to Bonner, Notre Dame has been actively recruiting other elite running backs in the 2026 class. One such prospect is Jonaz Walton from Carrollton Central High School in Georgia. Walton, standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 190 pounds, announced his top ten schools, including Notre Dame, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Oregon, Stanford, and Tennessee. Despite recent coaching changes at Notre Dame, Walton remains interested in the program. citeturn0search3

 

Another notable prospect is Jonathan Hatton Jr. from Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas. Hatton, a 6-foot, 205-pound running back, has garnered attention from numerous elite programs, including Notre Dame, Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and USC. During his junior year, Hatton rushed for 1,147 yards and 14 touchdowns on just 121 carries, averaging an impressive 9.5 yards per carry. citeturn0search7

 

Notre Dame’s recruitment efforts have been bolstered by the hiring of Ja’Juan Seider as the new running backs coach. Seider, previously at Penn State, is renowned for his coaching and recruiting prowess. His arrival has sparked interest in prospects like Messiah Mickens from Harrisburg High School in Pennsylvania. Mickens, who was named Pennsylvania’s Player of the Year, had committed to Penn State but may reconsider his options given Seider’s move to Notre Dame. citeturn0search6

 

The Fighting Irish have also extended offers to other top running backs in the 2026 class. Notably, they reached out to Javian Osborne from Forney High School in Texas, who rushed for over 2,000 yards as a sophomore, and Javian Mallory from West Boca Raton High School in Florida, known for his versatility and quickness. citeturn0search5

 

As Notre Dame continues to pursue these elite running backs, securing commitments from players like Brian Bonner Jr. will be pivotal in maintaining their competitive edge in the coming seasons.