Jonah Coleman, a former Lincoln High running back from Stockton, was selected by the Denver Broncos as the 108th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He felt a strong connection during his pre-draft visit with the Broncos, which influenced his selection.
“When a team has a situation, a plan or something mapped out for you,” Coleman said. "Like, they literally had an idea, mapped out a plan for me if I was to get drafted to Denver Broncos, and that's ultimately what you want. You wanna be put in a good situation.”
That ideal situation became reality Saturday, when the Broncos selected Coleman No. 108 overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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“It’s not about when you get drafted, what round,” Coleman told Yahoo Sports’ Woody Wommack on April 22. “It’s about where you go, where you fit and what prolongs your career. Because at the end of the day, NFL stands for ‘Not For Long.’
Trojans Jonah Coleman (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown during Fridays game against the St. Mary’s Rams at Alex G. Spanos Stadium. Dianne Rose/For The Record
Trojans Jonah Coleman (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown during Fridays game against the St. Mary’s Rams at Alex G. Spanos Stadium. Dianne Rose/For The Record
Just as important was finding the right culture, which he said was reflected in coach Sean Payton and the rest of Denver’s staff, as he shared with Rich Eisen on April 16.
“Just the whole Broncos’ organization was ultimately in great spirits when I was there, and I felt all the love they have to give,” Coleman said. “And just the camaraderie that they have. As far as a coaching staff and the culture that they’re building there is amazing. I would definitely say that’s been the highlight of the draft. They showed the most love and utmost respect when I visited there. It was just an amazing experience.”
'I’m from Stockton'
Lincoln's Jonah Coleman (3) on the sideline before the varsity football game at the Hubbard Field Stadium in Lodi, California on Friday, March 26, 2021. (SARA NEVIS/FOR THE RECORD)
Lincoln's Jonah Coleman (3) on the sideline before the varsity football game at the Hubbard Field Stadium in Lodi, California on Friday, March 26, 2021. (SARA NEVIS/FOR THE RECORD)
St. Mary's High was originally where Coleman planned to go. He grew up playing on its youth teams.
But during his first days of practice, he was disappointed after being placed on the freshman team.
Looking for a chance to play junior varsity football, he searched for another opportunity and eventually found far more than he expected at Lincoln.
Lincoln's Jonah Coleman (3) runs a 57 yard touchdown during the first quarter during a varsity football game at Lodi High’s Grape Bowl Stadium in Lodi, California on Friday, April 8, 2021. (SARA NEVIS/FOR THE RECORD)
Lincoln's Jonah Coleman (3) runs a 57 yard touchdown during the first quarter during a varsity football game at Lodi High’s Grape Bowl Stadium in Lodi, California on Friday, April 8, 2021. (SARA NEVIS/FOR THE RECORD)
As a freshman on varsity, Coleman rushed for 545 yards and nine touchdowns on 77 carries while adding 30 catches for 298 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
His sophomore season, however, was when everything took off.
More recognition likely would have followed if not for COVID-19.
Even so, Coleman still earned three-star recruiting status from Rivals and 247Sports as part of the Class of 2022. He also landed 10 offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State, New Mexico, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Jose State and Tennessee.
He ultimately committed to Arizona.
(3/19/21)
Lincoln's Jonah Coleman, center, escapes from a group of Tracy defenders during a varsity football game at Lincoln's Spanos Stadium in Stockton. CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORD
(3/19/21) Lincoln's Jonah Coleman, center, escapes from a group of Tracy defenders during a varsity football game at Lincoln's Spanos Stadium in Stockton. CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORD
There were chances, though, for Coleman to leave Stockton after his sophomore season.
Instead, he stayed rooted in the city that shaped him, later giving back with a $10,000 donation to his alma mater on Oct. 28, 2024, through a name, image and likeness deal with Cheez-It and the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.
Lincoln's Jonah Coleman (3) scores a 62 yard touchdown during the first quarter during the varsity football game at the Hubbard Field Stadium in Lodi, California on Friday, March 26, 2021. (SARA NEVIS/FOR THE RECORD)
Lincoln's Jonah Coleman (3) scores a 62 yard touchdown during the first quarter during the varsity football game at the Hubbard Field Stadium in Lodi, California on Friday, March 26, 2021. (SARA NEVIS/FOR THE RECORD)
Stockton was, and will always be, home.
“That meant a lot to me,” Coleman told The Seattle Times. “To make it out and still be able to represent that. I’m from Stockton, California. I went to Lincoln High School. I didn’t need to go anywhere else to be in the position I’m in now.”
'Not trying to get too cute'
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Jonah Coleman of the Washington Huskies speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Jonah Coleman of the Washington Huskies speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
"We're not trying to get too cute here," Payton said. "We're trying to find — who's the best runner, and does it fit us? We felt strongly it did with him."
Coleman first showed that in two seasons at Arizona, where he rushed for 1,243 yards, added 307 receiving yards, scored 10 total touchdowns and earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention as a sophomore.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 25: Jonah Coleman #1 of the Washington Huskies celebrates after beating the Illinois Fighting Illini at Husky Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 25: Jonah Coleman #1 of the Washington Huskies celebrates after beating the Illinois Fighting Illini at Husky Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Then, after following Jedd Fisch to Washington in 2024, he took it even further.
As a junior, Coleman rushed for 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 127 yards. He became the 15th player in Washington history to record a 1,000-yard rushing season and earned third-team All-Big Ten honors from the media, along with honorable mention from the coaches.
He backed that up as a senior with 156 carries for 758 yards, 15 rushing touchdowns and 17 total. The 17 touchdowns tied for sixth in Washington single-season history, while his 102 points made him the first non-kicker to lead the Huskies in scoring since 2017.
"He can play on third down," Payton said. "Normally, you have to project that. A lot of these guys, in college, maybe the protection plan's different or limited. So, you have to develop that and that's fine. But his frame is such when you see him, that he does a really good job in blocking pressure looks. He's smart, he's tough. There was a lot to like with him."
Sep 20, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) jumps into the end zone for a touchdown against Washington State Cougars cornerback Jamorri Colson (5) in the second half of Apple Cup at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington Huskies won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) jumps into the end zone for a touchdown against Washington State Cougars cornerback Jamorri Colson (5) in the second half of Apple Cup at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington Huskies won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
What stood out even more was ball security — Coleman fumbled just once in his entire college career.
"It takes an athlete who's talented, and you also see how they're being coached," Payton said. "So, it's that combination. It certainly makes the decision easier, if they're not having trouble with it."
