Brian Bonner made his commitment to the University of Washington official.
The four-star Valencia running back will be graduating early in the fall semester and begin his Huskies career in the spring.
Bonner, who made his verbal commitment to the Huskies in July, was highly sought out by football programs all over the country as the running back had 29 Division 1 college offers,according to 247 sports.
Notre Dame, UCLA, Penn State and Nebraska were among the many schools to have offered scholarships to the Valencia running back, but in the end, Bonner described Washington as the right opportunity for him to be the best football player possible.
“I’m very excited to go out to college soon,” he said. “It’s a big accomplishment and I’m a little nervous. I’m leaving all my friends and family, but I think it’s a good opportunity for me to become a better football player and get ready for what’s ahead.”
The senior back couldn’t have ended his high school career any better: Bonner was with the Valencia football team all four years and was a starter on varsity since his sophomore year.
He ended the 2025 season sharing Foothill League Player of the Year honors with his quarterback Brady Bretthauer and ran for 3,043 yards along with 41 touchdowns during his time with the Vikings.
Bonner will be graduating early from Valencia High School at the end of the fall semester and will officially enroll into the University of Washington in the spring in what he hopes will provide him an advantage.
“I just feel like it gives me a little advantage,” he said. “Being there a little earlier than some other people coming in the summer, I get a chance to show my skill earlier.”
Head coach Larry Muir said that it’ll be difficult to replace Bonner but added that he’s happy to see him go on to the next level and that he’s the perfect example of what Vikings football is about for future players to see.
“Here at Valencia, we can give them every opportunity on the football field and in the weight room and our training, and we really just pour into these guys,” Muir said. “So, we’re excited to see where he’ll go. But he represented us and our program so well. It’s been just an honor to have him here at Valencia High School.”
Bonner described the decision to attend Washington over other schools as a result of him feeling more of a connection to the Huskies coaching staff, and he described the location of his future school as the “perfect distance.”
“I chose Washington mainly because I feel the connection with the coaches, and they really showed me a lot of love throughout the entire process,” he said. “I feel like it’s just a great opportunity for me and it’s not too far away from home, but it’s not too close. So, I think it’s a perfect distance for me as well.”
Photo gallery below from Valencia High School early signing day:
