The running back, who leads the nation with rushing nine touchdowns so far this season, is drawing praise for how he handles himself on the field and in the classroom.

Congratulations are in order for University of Washington standout running back Jonah Coleman, who is earning praise for how he handles himself on the field, and in the classroom.

Per the Big 10 Network:

Jonah Coleman isn’t just a force on the field for @UW_Football— he also excels in the classroom and embodies everything it means to be a student-athlete.

Coleman has been nominated for the William V. Campbell Trophy, an award given by @NFFNetwork to a college football player with the best combination of academics, leadership, and on-field performance.

Coleman on the field

The fourth-year player, who transferred in from Arizona before the 2024 season, leads the nation in rushing touchdowns (nine) and total touchdowns (10) thus far. Even more impressive is that those numbers have been put up in only three games, with the Huskies going 3-0 against Colorado State, UC Davis and Washington State.

In addition to the touchdowns, he's also got 347 yards rushing, averaging nearly seven yards per carry.

Lifetime, Coleman has 30 touchdowns from scrimmage and he's averaging 5.9 yards per carry.

In the classroom

A Sports and Education major, Coleman stars in the classroom, saying that his family always drilled into him the importance of education.

He recognizes that football will only take him so far in life, but education is always something he can lean on, and he said it's important to show people where he's from (Stockton, Calif.), that there are alternative ways to make a living and have success.

What they're saying

Diamond Brown of the Football Academics Department says that Coleman defies the great stereotype that you are either a great student, or a great athlete, and can't be both. Head coach Jedd Fisch says that Coleman is the poster child for what kind of program Washington wants to build.

What's next

Washington will take on No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon at Husky Stadium. It will be the biggest game in Seattle since 2023. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m. PT.