The Washington Huskies have been trying to find their footing ever since coming just one win short of the National Championship less than two years ago. Last season was a step back, but there are signs things might be heading in the right direction again.
Head coach Jedd Fisch just landed a major win on the recruiting trail with a commitment from four-star running back Brian Bonner, a key piece in what’s shaping up to be an impressive 2026 class.
After developing one of the nation’s top backs in Jonah Coleman, adding the four-star as a potential successor gives the Huskies a much-needed boost heading into next season. Bonner becomes the sixth four-star commit in the 2026 cycle for Washington.
According to 247Sports, Bonner is ranked as the No. 6 running back in the country and the No. 104 overall player nationally. He also holds a 93 grade and ranks as the No. 13 prospect in California.
Bonner chose Washington over offers from Notre Dame, Penn State, Nebraska, and UCLA.
He’s a true multi-sport athlete who starred in both football and track and field, and his 2024 season was a breakout year. As a full-time running back, Bonner carried the ball 197 times for 1,493 yards and 25 touchdowns.
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But he’s more than just a ball-carrier. Bonner also caught 40 passes for 498 yards and four scores, and added 443 yards and two touchdowns as a kick returner—showcasing the kind of versatility that’s hard to coach.
Washington running backs coach Scottie Graham and director of recruiting Marcus Griffin led the charge in Bonner’s recruitment, helping the Huskies land one of the top backs in the country. And with Coleman likely NFL-bound after this season, Bonner’s path to early playing time could be wide open.
Bonner brings instant excitement to a Washington program looking to bounce back in a big way. With his versatility and a real chance to contribute early, he could be the next big name in the Huskies' backfield.