Connor Walendzak
Connor Walendzak
Does a little of everything without one standout trait. Third year in the Toledo backfield, same address the whole way. One game to point at: 27 rush yds, 1 tackles against Western Kentucky — Week 2, 2025.
Low coverage — composed from the verified record.
- positional archetype classification
- seasons on the roster
- game log
Career Arc
Coaching Lineage · 2023–2025
1 coachPlayed his entire career under Jason Candle.
2025 snapshot
Season context · Team result + system
Splits & context
Supporting Cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Mike Jacobs
Career stats
Signature game
SIGNATURE GAME · Week 2 · 2025
W 45–21
vs Western Kentucky
27 rush yds (7 car)
Dominant 24-point win at home against Western Kentucky.
How he plays
Play style
Plays within the scheme — consistent production without a dominant dimension.
CFB Index positional classification
2026 Outlook
Toledo
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Running back · Toledo
Returning around him
- 68% of 2024 offensive production back (Solid continuity)
- 2 Toledo players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -5 net (33 in / 38 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Toledo · Last season: 8-5 · Talent rank #75 · 2026 recruiting class #121
DNA match
Player DNA
Balanced Back
Plays within the scheme — consistent production without a dominant dimension.
His 2024 production profile sits closest to Shadrick Byrd’s 2023 season.
Matches Shadrick on
Differs from Shadrick on
Through 3 college seasons, his career arc tracks closest to Damonta Witherspoon’s path through Samford.
Matches Damonta on
As a sophomore, his production profile tracks closest to Jordan Simmons's sophomore season at Michigan State (2021).
Matches Jordan on
Differs from Jordan on
Development
Development Trajectory · rushing yards
2023–2025+230%
Up 230% from first season to most-recent.
Background
2025 Played in all 13 games...99 yards rushing on 32 attempts...Four receptions for 21 yards...Earned CSC Academic All-District honors and Academic All-MAC honors. 2024 Led team with 458 yards rushing...Got the starting nod vs. Buffalo and NIU...Set career high with 87 yards vs. Akron...79 yards...