Washington just landed a major piece for its 2026 recruiting class - and it’s a big one. Four-star running back Brian Bonner, out of Valencia High School in California, is headed to Montlake. At 6’1”, 185 pounds, Bonner isn’t just one of the top backs in the country - he’s the kind of player who can tilt a game, and maybe even a season.
Rated the No. 7 running back and the No. 105 overall prospect nationally, Bonner gives the Huskies a dynamic weapon in the backfield. His commitment didn’t come easy - this was a full-on recruiting battle.
After an early official visit to Washington in April, Bonner kept his options open, checking out UCLA, Nebraska, and Penn State. But when it came down to it, Washington outdueled UCLA in a classic West Coast recruiting showdown.
So what are the Huskies getting in Bonner? In short: a home-run hitter.
He clocked a blazing 10.61 in the 100 meters during his junior track season, and that speed shows up on tape. He’s not just fast in a straight line - Bonner has the kind of lateral quickness and field vision that makes defenders miss in space and turns routine plays into highlight reels.
His junior-year numbers paint the picture: 1,493 rushing yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry, plus 443 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns. That’s not just production - that’s dominance.
He’s a threat on the ground, through the air, and in the open field. Bonner doesn’t need a perfect blocking scheme to make something happen - he creates his own space.
Timing-wise, this is a strategic win for Washington. With veteran back Jonah Coleman set to move on after this season, the Huskies are in transition mode in the running back room.
Adam Mohamed is expected to take the reins in the short term, but the depth behind him is largely untested. Bonner steps in as a potential early contributor - someone who could push for touches right away and grow into a featured role.
And let’s be clear: Washington has a strong tradition at running back. Names like Myles Gaskin, Bishop Sankey, and Chris Polk didn’t just rack up yards - they defined eras.
Bonner has the tools to follow in that lineage. He’s not just a recruit - he’s a potential cornerstone.
For a program looking to reload and stay competitive in a shifting college football landscape, this is exactly the kind of win Washington needed. Bonner brings track speed, football instincts, and a knack for the end zone - a combination that’s tough to find and even tougher to stop.