Josiah Blanton (born February 6, 2002) is a soccer player who plays as a left-back or centre-back for USL League Two side Nona FC. Born in the United States, he represented the Marshall Islands national team at the 2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup.
Early life and college career Born in Roswell, Georgia, United States, Blanton started at Roswell Santos, before joining Atlanta United in 2016 as one of the club's first academy players. He later played for USSDA side Concorde Fire.
While in his senior year of high school, he was nominated for the Gatorade State High School Player of the Year in Georgia, but lost out to Bosnian youth international midfielder Vedad Kovac. In 2020, he joined the James Madison Dukes in the NCAA Division I, where he played a total of 79 matches across five seasons and made two All-State Second Teams.
In December 2024, Blanton was eligible for the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, but ended up going undrafted. A year later, he was listed as one of the top left-back prospects for the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, but ended up undrafted again.
Club career In 2021, Blanton joined the Southern Soccer Academy Kings for the 2021 USL League Two season, before spending the 2022 USL League Two season at Asheville City SC.
In 2025, Blanton signed for USL League Two side Ocean City Nor'easters, where he made his debut as a substitute in a 4–1 win against Delaware FC. He later joined Nona FC in April 2026.
International career In August 2025, Blanton was selected to represent the Marshall Islands in their first ever matches at the 2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup in Springdale, Arkansas. He later scored the Marshall Islands' first ever goal, scoring with a left-footed strike in the 28th minute of a 3–2 defeat to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Personal life Blanton attended Roswell High School. His father, Corey, played basketball for the Kennesaw State Owls.
International career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsMarshall Islands202521Total21
Scores and results list the Marshall Islands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Blanton goal.
+List of international goals scored by Josiah BlantonNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 August 16, 2025 Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium, Springdale, United States 1–2 2–3 2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup
References
External links
James Madison Dukes profile Ocean City Nor'easters profile