LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head football coach Bronco Mendenhall announced the remainder of his second signing class on Wednesday, as part of the NCAA National Signing Day. The class, which includes 36 total players, is comprised of 32 four-year transfers and four high school athletes.
Twenty-nine of the 36 signees are enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester.
Overall, four of Utah State's signees have been rated as a four-star recruit at some point during their careers, while 20 signees have been rated as a three-star recruit.
The states of Utah and Texas produced the most signees with six each, followed by five players from North Carolina, three players from Nevada, two players from Alabama, California and Florida, and one player each from Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and American Samoa.
Twenty of Mendenhall's signees are defensive players with six linemen, five outside linebackers, four safeties, three cornerbacks and two inside linebackers. Of the 15 offensive players that signed, five are linemen, five are wide receivers, two are fullbacks, and two are quarterbacks, to go along with one running back. USU also signed one kicker.
Mendenhall announced 17 high school signees in December. Ten of those signees are offensive players with four linemen, two quarterbacks, two tight ends, one wide receiver and one running back. Of the seven defensive players that signed, four are linebackers, two are defensive backs and one is a lineman.
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| Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Yr. |
Exp. |
Hometown |
High School / Previous School |
| Kian Afrookhteh+ |
K |
5-8 |
195 |
Sr. |
TR |
Laguna Niguel, Calif. |
(Dana Hills HS / Coastal Carolina) |
| Antonio Bluiett+ |
CB |
6-1 |
200 |
Sr. |
TR |
Buffalo, Minn. |
(Buffalo HS / North Dakota) |
| Grady Brosterhous+ |
QB |
6-3 |
220 |
Gr. |
TR |
Charlotte, N.C. |
(Weddington HS / Virginia) |
| Asher Cunningham+ |
ILB |
6-2 |
235 |
Jr. |
TR |
Asheville, N.C. |
(A.C. Reynolds HS / Elon) |
| BJ Diakite |
OLB |
6-4 |
250 |
Gr. |
TR |
Birmingham, Ala. |
(Pinson Valley HS / North Alabama) |
| Markie Grant+ |
CB |
5-11 |
180 |
So. |
TR |
Houston, Texas |
(Dekaney HS / Wyoming) |
| Rex Haynes+ |
WR |
6-4 |
205 |
Jr. |
TR |
San Diego, Calif. |
(Cathedral Catholic HS / Arizona) |
| McCae Hillstead+ |
QB |
5-10 |
195 |
Jr. |
TR |
Lehi, Utah |
(Skyridge HS / BYU) |
| Jeremiah Holmes+ |
OLB |
6-3 |
240 |
Sr. |
TR |
Durham, N.C. |
(Hillside HS / The Citadel) |
| Adonis Jackson+ |
OLB |
6-4 |
250 |
Sr. |
TR |
Las Vegas, N.V. |
(Las Vegas HS / Mississippi Valley State) |
| James Jennette+ |
OLB |
6-4 |
230 |
Gr. |
TR |
Durham, N.C. |
(Jordan HS / Virginia Tech) |
| LJ Johnson Jr.+ |
WR |
5-11 |
180 |
So. |
TR |
Madisonville, Texas |
(Madisonville HS / Texas State) |
| David Kabongo+ |
S |
5-11 |
190 |
So. |
TR |
Fort Worth, Texas |
(Byron Nelson HS / Oklahoma State) |
| Chapman Lewis+ |
S |
6-1 |
185 |
Jr. |
TR |
Fort Worth, Texas |
(Burleson Centennial HS / Texas Tech) |
| Kasen Long+ |
DL |
6-6 |
270 |
So. |
TR |
Lubbock, Texas |
(Shallowater HS / Texas Tech) |
| Kadin Lynch |
OL |
6-4 |
300 |
Sr. |
TR |
Asheville, N.C. |
(Asheville HS / William & Mary) |
| Ronnie Mageo+ |
DL |
6-5 |
295 |
Sr. |
TR |
Daphne, Ala. |
(Fairhope HS / Baylor) |
| Tyler Masdea |
FB |
6-0 |
290 |
Sr. |
TR |
Carnegie, Pa. |
(Carlynton HS / Shippensburg) |
| Marcus McKenzie+ |
CB |
5-11 |
185 |
Jr. |
TR |
St. George, Utah |
(Pine View HS / BYU) |
| Jordan Pendleton+ |
OLB |
6-3 |
240 |
Sr. |
TR |
Memphis, Tenn. |
(Lausanne Collegiate School / St. Thomas) |
| John Randle Jr.+ |
OL |
6-4 |
290 |
So. |
TR |
Horn Lake, Miss. |
(Horn Lake HS / Purdue) |
| Collin Remenowsky+ |
FB |
6-1 |
255 |
Sr. |
TR |
Pleasant Plain, Ohio |
(Archbishop Moeller HS / Ashland) |
| Javon Robinson+ |
WR |
5-8 |
155 |
Sr. |
TR |
Florida City, Fla. |
(Homestead HS / Georgia State) |
| Steven Sannieniola |
S |
6-2 |
205 |
Gr. |
TR |
Bowie, Md. |
(Quince Orchard HS / Vanderbilt) |
| Kye Stokes+ |
S |
6-1 |
190 |
Sr. |
TR |
Tampa, Fla. |
(Armwood HS / Cincinnati) |
| Harrison Taggart+ |
ILB |
6-1 |
235 |
Sr. |
TR |
Draper, Utah |
(Corner Canyon HS / California) |
| Ta'avili Tuitama+ |
DL |
6-2 |
305 |
Sr. |
TR |
Mapusaga, American Samoa |
(Hillcrest (UT) HS / New Mexico State) |
| Sesi Vailahi+ |
RB |
5-9 |
205 |
Jr. |
TR |
Salt Lake City, Utah |
(West HS / Oklahoma State) |
| Chewy Wade+ |
OL |
6-5 |
305 |
So. |
TR |
Edmond, Okla. |
(Deer Creek HS / Oklahoma State) |
| Seth Wilfred+ |
OL |
6-5 |
315 |
Jr. |
TR |
Las Vegas, Nev. |
(Bishop Gorman HS / Auburn) |
| Eli Wood+ |
WR |
6-1 |
210 |
Gr. |
TR |
Lynchburg, Va. |
(E.C. Glass HS / Virginia) |
| Quincy Wright+ |
DL |
6-2 |
315 |
Sr. |
TR |
Dallas, Texas |
(Duncanville HS / Arkansas State) |
| Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Yr. |
Exp. |
Hometown |
High School |
| Chantz Chargualaf |
OL |
6-2 |
290 |
Fr. |
HS |
Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
(James Campbell HS) |
| Jesse King* |
DL |
6-4 |
240 |
Fr. |
HS |
Orem, Utah |
(Timpanogos HS) |
| Ifo Pili Jr.* |
DL |
6-5 |
225 |
Fr. |
HS |
West Valley City, Utah |
(Granger HS) |
| Kaina Watson+ |
WR |
6-1 |
175 |
Fr. |
HS |
Las Vegas, Nev. |
(Bishop Gorman HS) |
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Kian Afrookhteh --- Key-uhn / Af-rook-tay
Antonio
Bluiett --- Blue-it
Grady
Brosterhous --- Brahster-house
Chantz
Chargualaf --- Chance / Char-gwah-loff
BJ
Diakite --- Duh-kat-e
David
Kabongo --- Kuh-bahn-go
Ronnie
Mageo --- Muh-gow
Tyler
Masdea --- Maz-day
Ifo Pili Jr. --- Ee-foe / Pee-lee
Collin
Remenowsky --- Rem-in-ow-ski
Steven
Sannieniola --- Sun-nee-en-nee-ola
Ta'avili Tuitama --- Tah-ah-vee-lee / Too-ee-tah-mah
Sesi Vailahi --- Sess-e / Vy-lah-he
Kaina Watson --- Kie-nuh
| 2026 UTAH STATE FOOTBALL SIGNEES BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION |
KIAN AFROOKHTEH • K • 5-8 • 195 • SR • TR • Laguna Niguel, Calif. (Dana Hills HS/Coastal Carolina)
Previous School: Earned honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference honors during the 2025 season at Coastal Carolina ... was 15-of-19 (.789) on field goal attempts and 32-of-32 on extra points in 12 games ... was 5-of-7 on field goal attempts from 20-29 yards, 6-of-7 from 30-39 yards, and 4-of-5 from 40-49 yards ... scored 77 points ... made a career-long 44-yard field goal against Marshall (10/30) and made a career-best three field goals against Old Dominion (10/4).
Previous School: Spent the 2024 season at Nevada ... appeared in the final four games of the season, going 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and 9-for-9 on PATs for 15 points ... made his collegiate debut against Colorado State (11/2), hitting all three extra point attempts ... went 3-for-3 on extra points at Boise State (11/9) ... made both of his field goals at Air Force (11/23), connecting from 27 and 26 yards.
Junior College: Spent two seasons (2022-23) at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif.,, appearing in 11 games … as a sophomore, made 16-of-19 (.842) field goals with a long of 42 yards and was 41-for-42 on extra points.
High School: Lettered in football and soccer at Dana Hills High School in Laguna Niguel, Calif. … named to the All-Pacific League Team and conference Special Teams MVP as a senior.
Personal: Son of Afshin Hoda Afrookhteh ... has one sister ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in integrated studies ... name is pronounced Key-uhn Af-rook-tay.
ANTONIO BLUIETT • CB • 6-1 • 200 • SR • TR • Buffalo, Minn. (Buffalo HS/North Dakota)
Previous School: Played in 35 career games with 16 starts during his four seasons at North Dakota (2022-25) ... posted 79 tackles (64 solo), including 2.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles-for-loss, to go along with three interceptions and 15 pass breakups ... named an FCS honorable mention All-American and earned first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors following his junior season ... started seven games at cornerback and appeared in 10 contests before missing the rest of the season with an injury ... had 29 tackles (25 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three interceptions and six pass breakups ... had a season-high five tackles at South Dakota (11/1) ... had four tackles to go along with a career-high two interceptions and a career-high-tying two pass breakups at No. 5 Montana (9/13) ... started nine games as a sophomore in 2024 and finished the season with 24 tackles (19 solo), to go along with four pass breakups ... had a career-high seven tackles against Idaho State (9/14) ... played in four games during the 2022 season to preserve his redshirt.
High School: Earned All-Metro honors as a defensive back following his senior year at Buffalo (Minn.) High School ... selected to the All-State team by the Associated Press ... named the district's defensive back of the year ... tallied six interceptions as a senior ... had a fumble recovery and a return touchdown ... finished with 35 tackles.
Personal: Son of Rodney and Catherine Bluiett ... has a twin sister ... dad played basketball at Manchester University ... graduated from North Dakota with his bachelor's degree in communications ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... pursuing his master's in sports management ... last name is pronounced Blue-it.
GRADY BROSTERHOUS • QB • 6-3 • 220 • GR • TR • Charlotte, N.C. (Weddington HS/Virginia)
Previous School: Appeared in 13 games during his four seasons at Virginia (2022-25) ... was 1-of-1 passing for 21 yards ... rushed 14 times for 21 yards and four touchdowns ... missed the 2025 season due to injury ... appeared in seven games in 2024 and rushed for 14 yards on 10 carries and four touchdowns, which are the most by a UVA quarterback since 2022 ... rushed for a career-high two touchdowns against Coastal Carolina (9/21) ... played in six games during the 2023 season and rushed for seven yards on four carries ... did not appear in any games in 2022 ... named to the All-ACC Academic Team in 2024 and to the ACC Honor Roll in 2022 and 2023.
High School: Played quarterback at Weddington High School in Charlotte, N.C. … won the North Carolina 4A State Championship in 2018 and 2019 ... helped his basketball team to back-to-back state championships during his junior and senior seasons.
Personal: Son of Tamara and Derek Brosterhous … has two siblings … grandfather, George Brosterhous, played basketball at Texas and professionally in France ... graduated from Virginia with his bachelor's degree in psychology ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... pursuing his master's in applied sport coaching ... last name is pronounced Brahster-house.
CHANTZ CHARGUALAF • OL • 6-2 • 290 • FR • HS • Ewa Beach, Hawaii (James Campbell HS)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports ... prepped at James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii ... earned first-team All-State honors following his senior season as he helped his team to a state championship ... started on the offensive line in all 12 games for the Sabers in 2025 ... played 512 snaps and allowed one sack, two quarterback hits and four pressures during the season ... an honor student his senior year.
Personal: Son of Jesse Chargualaf and Deborah Cool ... has six sisters, three of which won state wrestling titles ... sisters, Ashlynn and Jaelyn played soccer at Kansas ... plans on majoring in criminal justice ... name is pronounced Chance Char-gwah-loff.
ASHER CUNNINGHAM • ILB • 6-2 • 235 • JR • TR • Asheville, N.C. (A.C. Reynolds HS/Elon)
Previous School: Three-star recruit as a transfer by 247Sports ... played in 20 games with 16 starts during his three seasons at Elon (2023-25) ... recorded 108 tackles (62 solo), including 5.0 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, to go along with five pass breakups, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery ... earned third-team All-Coastal Athletic Association honors during his sophomore season in 2025 ... started all 12 games ... recorded 84 tackles (48 solo), including 5.0 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions, one forced fumble and one pass breakup ... posted a career-high 11 tackles against Campbell (11/15) and had 10 stops against Hampton (9/27) ... had 1.0 sacks and a career-high 2.0 tackles for loss against North Carolina A&T (11/22) ... played in six games with four starts as a redshirt freshman in 2024 ... had 24 tackles (14 solo), including 1.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one interception, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery ... played in two games as a freshman in 2023 to preserve his redshirt.
High School: Two-time first team all-conference and all-region player at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, N.C. ... helped the Rockets to a 37-11 record during his prep career, including a 25-1 conference mark ... team went 12-2 during his senior season and won the NCHSAA Regional Championship ... recorded 105 tackles, including 4.0 sacks, as a senior and 110 tackles, including 2.0 sacks, as a junior ... scored 11 touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons ... had 500 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2020 ... earned four varsity letters and all-conference recognition in both basketball and track & field ... two-year team captain in football, basketball and track & field.
Personal: Son of John Cunningham and Denise Reid ... has three brothers and two sisters ... dad played baseball at Montreat College and Appalachian State ... brother, Devanie, played football at Maine Maritime Academy and brother, Romaine, played soccer at Louisville ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester.
BJ DIAKITE • OLB • 6-4 • 250 • GR • TR • Birmingham, Ala. (Pinson Valley HS/North Alabama)
Previous School: Played in two games during the 2025 season at North Alabama ... had two tackles ... missed the remainder of the season due to injury.
Previous School: Played in 26 games over three seasons at Vanderbilt (2022-24) ... appeared in six games due to a season-ending injury in 2024 ... had four tackles (3 solo) ... made 20 tackles (6 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, to go along with one pass breakup, across 11 games during his sophomore season in 2023 ... had a career-high six tackles, including a career-high-tying 1.0 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss, against UNLV (9/16) ... appeared in nine games during his freshman season in 2022 and finished the year with 12 tackles (6 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, to go along with one pass breakup ... had a career-high 2.5 tackles for loss against Northern Illinois (9/17) ... named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2023.
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports and On3 ... was ranked as the No. 41 edge defender in the country and the No. 38 athlete, while also ranking among the top 25 players in Alabama by both publications ... prepped at Pinson Valley High School in Birmingham ... helped Pinson Valley to a 10-4 record during his senior year in 2021, reaching the state quarterfinals ... recorded 74 tackles, including 10.0 sacks and 20.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 35 quarterback pressures while also scoring a defensive touchdown ... helped Pinson Valley to a state championship during his junior season in 2020 .. spent time as a tight end as well ... played basketball.
Personal: Son of Asmaou and Mamadou Diakite ... has two sisters and one brother ... will graduate from North Alabama this spring with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies ... last name is pronounced Duh-kat-e.
MARKIE GRANT • CB • 5-11 • 180 • SO • TR • Houston, Texas (Dekaney HS/Wyoming)
Previous School: Three-star recruit as a transfer by 247Sports ... appeared in 15 games with four starts during his two seasons at Wyoming (2024-25) ... Played in 12 games with four starts as a redshirt freshman in 2025 ... posted 27 tackles (18 solo), including 0.5 tackles for loss, to go along with one interception and two pass breakups ... had a career-high five tackles at San Diego State (11/1) ... intercepted a pass against Colorado State (10/25) ... recorded pass breakups against UNLV (10/4) and Fresno State (11/15) ... appeared in three games in 2024 to preserve his redshirt ... had one tackle.
High School: Three-star prospect and 171st overall recruit in the state of Texas by 247Sports ... prepped at Dekaney High School in Houston ... had 56 tackles (45 solo), including 3.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 18 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, three interceptions and one fumble recovery during his senior season ... returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown ... helped lead Dekaney HS to an 8-3 record and the Bi-District Round of the 2023 6A D2 State Playoffs.
Personal: Son of Tabitha Horace ... has three brothers ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in criminal justice.
REX HAYNES • WR • 6-4 • 205 • JR • TR • San Diego, Calif. (Cathedral Catholic HS/Arizona)
Previous School: Appeared in eight games during his four seasons at Arizona (2022-25) ... played in two games as a junior in 2025 ... appeared in six games primarily on special teams during 2024 season ... made one tackle against New Mexico (8/31) ... did not play during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports ... prepped at Cathedral Catholic in San Diego, Calif. ... had 39 receptions for 984 yards with 11 touchdowns during his senior year ... named team captain, all-conference and all-city ... won the state championship during his senior year in 2021 ... competed in track and field and was a member of the fastest 4x100-meter relay team in school history.
Personal: Son of Mike and Gigi Haynes ... his dad played in the NFL for the New England Patriots (1976-82) and Los Angeles Raiders (1983-89) and is in the NFL Hall of Fame ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester.
McCAE HILLSTEAD • QB • 5-10 • 195 • JR • TR • Lehi, Utah (Skyridge HS/BYU)
Previous School: Spent two seasons at BYU (2024-25) ... appeared in five games as a redshirt sophomore in 2025 ... was 4-of-5 passing for 33 yards against Portland State (8/30) ... rushed five times for 28 yards during the year ... redshirted the 2024 campaign as he did not appear in any games.
Utah State: Started four of the eight games he played in during his freshman season at Utah State in 2023 … was 94-of-158 (.595) passing for 1,062 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions … carried the ball 44 times for 36 yards (0.8 ypc)… was 3-of-5 passing for 18 yards in his collegiate debut against Idaho State (9/9) … in the first extended playing time of his career at Air Force (9/15), he was 18-of-27 passing for 202 yards and three touchdowns … was the eighth true freshman to start at quarterback for the Aggies in school history against James Madison (9/23) and set a freshman passing record as he was 25-of-47 (.532) for 399 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions, all of which are career highs … those 399 passing yards are the most by a freshman in program history and tied for the 15th-most in school history … was 6-of-11 passing for 111 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions at UConn (9/30), before missing the second half due to an injury … was 17-of-29 passing for 160 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in a start at San José State (10/21) … was 12-of-16 passing for 62 yards in the first half at San Diego State (11/4), before missing the second half due to an injury … was 6-of-12 passing for 53 yards against Boise State (11/18) … was 7-of-11 passing for 57 yards and one touchdown against Georgia State (12/23) in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl … was eighth in the Mountain West and 93rd in the nation in touchdown passes with 11 (1.4 pg) … earned academic All-MW honors.
High School: Three-star recruit that was rated as the No. 15 prospect from the state of Utah and the 60th-best quarterback in the nation by 247Sports ... three-year starter at Skyridge High School in Lehi ... was 491-of-816 (.602) passing for 6,898 yards with 73 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, while rushing for 1,791 yards on 327 carries (5.5 ypc) and 35 touchdowns ... during his career, he had five 300-yard passing games and five 100-yard rushing outings ... threw three-plus touchdown passes in 13 games and rushed for multiple touchdowns in nine games ... earned Utah Class 6A second-team All-State honors as a senior as he led Skyridge HS to the state championship, as he was 102-of-159 (.642) passing for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns, to go along with 51 carries for 291 yards (5.7 ypc) and seven touchdowns ... missed six games during the season due to injury ... was 15-of-23 passing for 276 yards and four touchdowns against Davis HS in the first round of the state playoffs ... earned honorable mention All-State and first-team All-Region honors as a junior, as he was 195-of-353 (.552) passing for 2,494 yards and 24 touchdowns, while rushing for 814 yards on 122 carries (6.7 ypc) and 13 touchdowns ... passed for a season-high 302 yards against American Fork HS, as he was 24-of-41 with two touchdowns ... had a season-high three touchdowns in five different games ... had four 100-yard rushing games during the year, including a career-high 172 yards on 10 carries against Pleasant Grove HS ... as a sophomore, he was 194-of-304 (.638) passing for 3,077 yards and 35 touchdowns, to go along with 686 rushing yards on 154 carries (4.5 ypc) and 15 touchdowns ... had four 300-yard passing games during the year, including a career-high 379 yards on 19-of-28 passing with three touchdowns against Orem HS ... had a career-high six touchdown passes against Jordan HS ... rushed for a season-high 104 yards on 20 carries against American Fork HS, and had a career-high three rushing touchdowns in back-to-back games against Westlake HS and Herriman HS.
Personal: Son of David and Kara Hillstead ... has three brothers ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in business.
JEREMIAH HOLMES • OLB • 6-3 • 240 • SR • TR • Durham, N.C. (Hillside HS/The Citadel)
Previous School: Appeared in 29 games with 13 starts during his three seasons at The Citadel (2023-25) ... recorded 55 tackles (25 solo), including 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries ... started all 12 games as a junior in 2025 and finished the year with 36 tackles (12 solo), including 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two pass breakups and one fumble recovery ... had a career-high six tackles, including a career-best 1.0 sacks, against Furman (10/25) ... appeared in 12 games as a sophomore in 2024 and made his first-career start at Clemson (11/23) ... had 16 tackles (11 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions and one fumble recovery ... had a season-high four tackles against VMI (10/19) ... had interceptions against Wofford (11/16) and Clemson in back-to-back games to end the season ... appeared in five games as a freshman in 2023 ... had three tackles (2 solo) ... was on the Dean's List all three years at The Citadel.
High School: Prepped at Hillside High School in Durham, N.C. ... earned second-team All-State honors as a senior and was an Academic All-American.
Personal: Son of German and Latasha Holmes ... has three brothers and three sisters ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in integrated studies.
ADONIS JACKSON • OLB • 6-4 • 250 • SR • TR • Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas HS/Mississippi Valley State)
Previous School: Three-star recruit as a transfer by 247Sports ... spent the 2025 season at Mississippi Valley State ... posted 37 tackles (20 solo), which included 2.0 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, to go along with one pass breakup ... tied his career-high with six tackles and a season-best 2.5 tackles for loss against Texas Southern (9/27) ... had a season-high 2.0 sacks as part of his four tackles against Lincoln (10/18) ... carried the ball one time for 19 yards ... scored a touchdown on a blocked punt against Prairie View A&M (11/22).
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Southern Oregon (2023-24), where he appeared in 19 games with 13 starts ... recorded 71 tackles (47 solo), including 14.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss, to go along with three fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and one forced fumble ... earned second-team All-Frontier Conference honors as a sophomore in 2024 as he recorded 40 tackles (26 solo), including 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble ... recorded a career-high-tying six tackles against Lincoln (9/7) .. had a career-high 2.5 sacks against Rocky Mountain (10/12) ... tied his career-high with six tackles, which included 2.0 sacks, while adding a forced fumble against Carroll College (11/2) ... had five tackles and a fumble recovery against the College of Idaho (9/21) ... earned honorable mention All-Frontier Conference honors as a freshman in 2023 as he started two of the eight games he played in ... finished the year with 31 tackles (21 solo), which included 5.0 sacks and 8.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two pass breakups and one fumble recovery ... had a career-high six tackles against Rocky Mountain (10/7), which included a season-high 2.0 sacks and a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss ... had a career-high two pass breakups against the College of Idaho (11/11).
High School: Played one year of football at Las Vegas (Nev.) High School ... named his team's Defensive MVP ... earned first-team All-Conference honors at linebacker and second-team All-Conference honors as an athlete.
Personal: Son of Angela Edwards and Tre Jackson ... has three brothers and one sister ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in integrated studies.
JAMES JENNETTE • OLB • 6-4 • 230 • GR • TR • Durham, N.C. (Jordan HS/Virginia Tech)
Previous School: Played in 25 games and made one start during his three seasons at Virginia Tech (2023-25) ... appeared in four games for the Hokies during the 2025 campaign, making one start and recording nine tackles (4 solo), including 0.5 sacks and 1.0 tackles for loss ... had a season-high four tackles at South Carolina (8/31) ... played in 10 games during the 2024 campaign and had four tackles (1 solo), including a career-high 1.0 sacks against Stanford (10/5) ... played in 11 games in 2023 and posted two tackles (1 solo) with 0.5 sacks.
Junior College: Four-star recruit by 247Sports ... ranked the No. 8 junior college prospect and the No. 1 junior college edge rusher in the nation ... spent the 2022 season at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. ... played in seven games and recorded 25.0 tackles (15 solo), including 1.5 sacks, to go along with two pass breakups ... had a season-high six tackles against Fullerton College (9/17).
Previous School: Spent two seasons at William & Mary (2020-21) and appeared in six games ... saw action in four games during the 2021 season and recorded six tackles (4 solo) … had a career-high-tying five stops at Virginia (9/4) … played in two games during the spring 2021 season ... finished the year with seven tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss … recorded a career-high five tackles against top-ranked James Madison (3/13) … posted two stops and 1.0 tackles for loss against Elon (3/20).
High School: Standout safety, wide receiver and running back at Jordan High School in Durham, N.C. … earned the Falcon Award and DB Award in 2018 … sprinter and jumper on the track team … earned Track Award in 2018 … attended Exploring Data with SAD Coding Camp in 2019.
Personal: Son of William and Belinda Jennette … has two brothers ... his dad played in the NFL with the New York Jets after a standout collegiate career at East Carolina ... earned his bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech in criminology ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester.
LJ JOHNSON JR. • WR • 5-11 • 180 • SO • TR • Madisonville, Texas (Madisonville HS/Texas State)
Previous School: Spent the 2025 season at Texas State ... played in two games ... did not record any stats.
Previous School: Redshirted during the 2024 season at Texas Tech ... did not appear in any games.
High School: Four-star recruit by On3 and three-star prospect by Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports … ranked as high as No. 91 among wide receivers nationally by ESPN and No. 93 by On3 ... prepped at Madisonville High School in East Texas … played on both sides of the ball for the Mustangs as a defensive back and an explosive wide receiver … was the unanimous District 11-4A Offensive MVP his senior season after catching 54 passes for 940 yards and 11 touchdowns … helped push Madisonville to the Class 4A Division II area round … the Mustangs previously advanced to the regional semifinal round his junior season in 2022 … as a junior, he was an All-District 11-4A first-team honoree at three different positions: wide receiver, cornerback and kick returner … credited with 31 tackles that season defensively to go along with 10 pass breakups and four interceptions in the secondary … caught 31 passes for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also returning a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns … made his debut at the varsity level as a sophomore in 2021 and was a District 10-4A first-team selection at defensive back … had 21 tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception as a sophomore to go along with six catches for 101 yards … found the end zone three times, twice on kickoff returns and the other as part of his lone interception … dual-sport athlete as a member of the Madisonville track and field program … competed in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays as well as high jump during prep career, advancing to the regional meet all three seasons on the team.
Personal: Son of Lorenzo Johnson Sr. and Dommnic Robinson … has seven siblings … is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in sports management.
DAVID KABONGO • S • 5-11 • 190 • SO • TR • Fort Worth, Texas (Byron Nelson HS/Oklahoma State)
Previous School: Three-star recruit as a transfer by 247Sports ... appeared in 11 games during his two seasons at Oklahoma State (2024-25) ... posted 28 tackles (20 solo), including 1.0 sacks, to go along with one fumble recovery ... played in four games during the 2025 season to preserve his redshirt ... recorded 12 tackles (6 solo), while adding one fumble recovery ... had a season-high four tackles in back-to-back games against Oregon (9/6) and Tulsa (9/19) ... fumble recovery was against Baylor (9/27) ... played in the final seven games of his true freshman season in 2024 ... finished the year with 20 tackles (17 solo) ... had a career-high seven tackles against Colorado (11/29), which included a career-high 1.0 sacks ... had multiple tackles in six of his seven games played, also tallying four stops against West Virginia (10/5) and three against Arizona State (11/2).
High School: Three-star prospect by 247Sports ... named the No. 65 safety in the national class by Rivals ... prepped at Byron Nelson High School in Fort Worth, Texas … earned three All-District honors in his career during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons … career numbers included 10 interceptions with one pick six, 12 pass breakups, 257 tackles, three rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown and one punt return touchdown … recorded 48 tackles, including 2.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions as a senior … contributed offensively as a senior with 135 receiving yards and one touchdown … notched 64 tackles and two interceptions as a junior in 2022 … reeled in five interceptions as a sophomore in 2021 while also recording 70 total tackles … competed in track and field.
Personal: Son of Melanie Kabongo and Jules Tshilumba … cousin, Wise Cilumba, played football at Utah and older brother, Manace Kabongo, played college football at Maryland and Stony Brook … is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in marketing ... last name is pronounced Kuh-bahn-go.
JESSE KING • DL • 6-4 • 240 • FR • HS • Orem, Utah (Timpanogos HS)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports ... prepped at Timpanogos High School in Orem, Utah ... four-time All-Region recipient ... earned second-team All-State honors following his senior season as he recorded 76 tackles, including 13.5 sacks and 32.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 12 quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and one blocked field goal with the Timberwolves in 2025 ... returned one of his fumble recoveries for a touchdown ... had 77 tackles, including 7.0 sacks and 21.0 tackles for loss as a junior ... posted 84 tackles, including 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore ... recorded 63 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss as a freshman ... three-sport athlete who also competes in track and field and wrestling ... finished fourth at the 4A state wrestling tournament in the 285-pound weight class as a junior ... was a region medalist in track and field as a junior in the shot put, discus and javelin ... finished ninth in the 4A state track and field meet in the javelin ... earned Academic All-Region honors.
Personal: Son of Jeremy and Amy King ... has four brothers and four sisters ... his mom competed in basketball and track and field at BYU ... sister, Alana, plays rugby at BYU ... sister, Georgia, plays soccer at Snow College ... will serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at Utah State.
CHAPMAN LEWIS • S • 6-1 • 185 • JR • TR • Fort Worth, Texas (Burleson Centennial HS/Texas Tech)
Previous School: Appeared in 23 games with 11 starts during his three seasons at Texas Tech (2023-25) ... recorded 57 tackles (36 solo), including 1.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three interceptions, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery ... redshirted the 2025 campaign due to injury ... started all 11 games he played in as a sophomore in 2024 ... was fifth on the team with 43 tackles (27 solo), which included 1.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three interceptions, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery ... played the fifth-most snaps on the team with 606 ... had a career-high seven tackles against Arizona State (9/21) and matched that total with seven stops against TCU (10/26) and No. 11 Iowa State (11/2) ... added a fumble recovery and pass breakup against the Cyclones ... interceptions were against Washington State (9/7), North Texas (9/14) and TCU ... had 0.5 tackles for loss against TCU and West Virginia (11/30) ... appeared in 12 games as a true freshman in 2023 ... posted 14 tackles (9 solo) ... had a season-high five tackles against UCF (11/18).
High School: Consensus three-star prospect ... ranked as high as No. 71 among safeties nationally by 247Sports and No. 75 by ESPN ... prepped at Burleson Centennial High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex ... helped Centennial to the Class 5A Division I regional finals his senior year following a 12-2 record … marked the most wins for Centennial in school history … helped Centennial to the area round as a junior in 2021 ... named the Defensive MVP of District 3-5A and was a third-team All-State honoree as a senior by the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) … garnered first-team All-District 4-5A accolades and second-team All-State defensive honors as a junior ... key member of the track and field program, competing in the 400 meters, the 1,600-meter and 800-meter relays, as well as the triple jump.
Personal: Son of Tequila Lockridge ... has one brother ... mother competed in track and field and was a member of the women's basketball program at Alabama A&M … stepdad played football at TCU ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in management.
KASEN LONG • DL • 6-6 • 270 • SO • TR • Lubbock, Texas (Shallowater HS/Texas Tech)
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Texas Tech (2024-24) ... appeared in two games during his redshirt freshman season in 2025 ... recorded his only tackle of the year against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8/30) ... redshirted during the 2024 season ... named the defensive scout team player of the week three times during his two years with the Red Raiders.
High School: Consensus three-star prospect ... ranked No. 54 nationally by On3 among interior linemen and No. 74 by ESPN ... prepped at Shallowater High School in Lubbock, Texas ... unanimous first-team All-State honoree on both offensive and defensive as a senior ... three-time first-team All-District honoree on offense and defense ... helped the Mustangs to the area round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs in each of his final two seasons after an appearance in the regional semifinals in 2021 ... an All-State second-team honoree as a junior in 2022 by the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) and Padilla Poll … member of the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) 3A Super Elite Team that same season … entered his senior season as one of the state's top 10 offensive tackles by Dave Campbell's Texas Football ... member of the basketball and track and field programs … competed in both the discus and shot put.
Personal: Son of Kellie Long ... has two sisters and one brother ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in business.
KADIN LYNCH • OL • 6-4 • 300 • SR • TR • Asheville, N.C. (Asheville HS/William & Mary)
Previous School: Three-star recruit as a transfer by 247Sports ... appeared in 38 games with 29 starts during his four years at William & Mary (2022-25) ... started all 12 games at left guard as both a sophomore and junior ... concluded his sophomore season in 2024 as the third-highest graded guard in the FCS, including the highest-graded returning guard, by ProFootballFocus (PFF) ... made five starts and played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 2023 ... as a redshirt freshman, he rated as the No. 1 guard and fifth in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) among all offensive linemen with a minimum of 350 snaps according to PFF … rated as the CAA's best offensive lineman in run blocking … did not allow any sacks on 206 pass blocking snaps … graded better than 90 percent in five games as he played 455 snaps ... redshirted the 2022 campaign as he appeared in three games ... earned CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll three times.
High School: Prepped at Asheville High School in Weaverville, N.C. ... two-time All-State selection and three-time All-Conference honoree … named the Lineman of the Year three times … averaged 10 pancake blocks per game during his career … chosen to the 2022 All-State Academic Team.
Personal: Son of Tom and Jennifer Lynch ... has one brother and one sister ... will graduate from William & Mary this spring with his bachelor's degree in kinesiology, with an emphasis in human nutrition ... plans on pursuing his master's in nutrition and food sciences at Utah State.
RONNIE MAGEO • DL • 6-5 • 295 • SR • TR • Daphne, Ala. (Fairhope HS/Baylor)
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Baylor (2024-25) and appeared in eight games ... registered four tackles (2 solo) ... appeared in four games during the 2025 season and had two tackles (1 solo) ... tackles were against Auburn (8/29) and Arizona State (9/20) ... played in four games as a sophomore in 2024 ... totaled two tackles, including stops versus Tarleton (8/31) and at Utah (9/7) … saw action against Air Force and in the Texas Bowl versus LSU.
Junior College: Appeared in nine games during the 2023 season at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College … recorded 11 total tackles (7 solo), including 2.0 sacks for a loss of 24 yards ... redshirted during the 2022 season.
High School: Prepped at Fairhope High School in Daphne, Ala. ... named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A All-State Honorable Mention List and AL.com Coastal Alabama All-Region Honorable Mention List as a senior ... had 34 total tackles, including 0.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one forced fumble ... selected to play in AHSAA North-South All-Star Game.
Personal: Son of Elvis and Feliuai Baylock ... has two sisters ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in integrated studies ... last name is pronounced Muh-gow.
TYLER MASDEA • FB • 6-0 • 290 • SR • TR • Carnegie, Pa. (Carlynton HS/Shippensburg)
Previous School: Spent four years at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania (2022-25) ... appeared in 30 career games with 18 starts and recorded 55 tackles (28 solo), including 4.0 sacks and 15.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery ... team captain that started all nine games during his junior season in 2025 ... finished the year with 17 tackles (7 solo), including 1.5 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss, while adding one fumble recovery ... tied his career-high with four tackles against Bowie State (9/6) ... had a career-high-tying 1.0 sacks against Millersville (10/11) ... posted a career-high three quarterback hurries against Bloomsburg (9/27) ... had three tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one forced fumble against East Stroudsburg ... started nine of the 10 games he played in as a sophomore in 2024 ... recorded 16 tackles (8 solo), including 0.5 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one fumble recovery ... posted a career-high-tying four tackles in the season opener at American International (9/7) ... recovered a fumble against Clarion (9/14) ... had a career-high 2.0 tackles for loss against Bloomsburg (10/26) ... tied his career-high with 1.0 sacks at Millersville (10/12) ... played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 2023 ... finished the season with 22 tackles (13 solo), which included 2.0 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one forced fumble ... had a career-high four tackles against Bloomsburg (9/23) and matched that with four tackles against Lock Haven (11/4) ... had a career-high 1.0 sacks and a forced fumble against East Stroudsburg (10/28) … posted seven tackles for loss in the season's final five games ... redshirted during the 2022 campaign.
High School: Prepped at Carlynton High School in Carnegie, Pa. ... earned four varsity letters ... garnered first-team All-Conference honors on offense and defense as a senior.
Personal: Son of Don and Michele Masdea ... has one brother and one sister ... will graduate from Shippensburg this spring with his bachelor's degree in communication studies ... plans on pursuing his master's in communication studies at Utah State ... last name is pronounced Maz-day.
MARCUS McKENZIE • CB • 5-11 • 185 • JR • TR • St. George, Utah (Pine View HS/BYU)
Previous School: Spent three years at BYU (2023-25) and appeared in 20 career games ... recorded nine tackles (9 solo), one fumble recovery and one pass breakup ... played in nine games as a redshirt sophomore in 2025 and finished the year with one tackle ... redshirted the 2024 season as he played in five games and posted one tackle and one pass breakup ... pass breakup was against Southern Illinois (8/31) ... appeared in six games as a true freshman in 2023 and recorded seven tackles ... had a career-high two stops against Sam Houston (9/2) and matched that with two tackles and one forced fumble against Southern Utah (9/9).
High School: Three-star recruit that was ranked the No. 11 prospect in the state of Utah by 247Sports ... prepped at Pine View High School in St. George, Utah ... had 14 receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns as a senior wide receiver to go along with 16 tackles and one interception as a defensive back in 2021 ... posted 62 tackles as a junior defensive back in 2020.
Personal: Son of Brian and Salote McKenzie ... wife's name is Kandi ... has a twin brother, Dominique, who plays football at BYU ... his dad was a running back at BYU (1996-97) and his mom was a heptathlete at BYU (1996-2000)... served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Little Rock, Ark ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester.
JORDAN PENDLETON • OLB • 6-3 • 240 • SR • TR • Memphis, Tenn. (Lausanne Collegiate School/St. Thomas)
Previous School: Spent four years at St. Thomas (2022-25) as he appeared in 24 games with 13 starts ... recorded 65 tackles (28 solo), including 10.0 sacks and 16.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked field goal ... started all 12 games as junior in 2025 and earned honorable mention All-Pioneer Football League honors at linebacker ... finished the season with 47 tackles (20 solo), including 7.5 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three forced fumbles, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery ... his 7.5 sacks were a single-season school record for the DI era ... had a career-high seven tackles at San Diego (9/27), including 1.5 sacks and a career-best 2.5 tackles for loss, to go along with a fumble recovery ... had six tackles, including a career-high-tying 2.0 sacks, to go along with a forced fumble against Presbyterian (11/15) ... forced fumbles against Davidson (10/11) and Marist (11/1) ... played in 10 games and made one start as a sophomore in 2024 ... posted 16 tackles (7 solo), including 2.5 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one pass break up and one blocked kick ... had a career-high 2.0 sacks as part of his three tackles against Dayton (11/23) ... blocked a field goal attempt against Butler (11/16) ... played in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2023 and had two tackles (1 solo) ... redshirted the 2022 campaign.
High School: Prepped at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, Tenn. ... first-team All-Metro selection for track & field … member of the National Chinese Honors Society.
Personal: Son of Chad and LaTonya Pendleton ... has one brother ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in marketing.
IFO PILI JR. • DL • 6-5 • 225 • FR • HS • West Valley City, Utah (Granger HS)
High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports ... prepped at Granger High School in Salt Lake City, Utah ... recorded 63 tackles, including 9.0 sacks and 24.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 30 quarterback hurries, six pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked kick during his senior season for the Lancers ... added five receptions for 94 yards on offense ... posted 47 tackles, including 9.0 sacks and 16.0 tackles for loss, to go along with six pass breakups and one forced fumble as a junior ... had three receptions for 38 yards.
Personal: Son of Ifo and Jenny Pili ... has six sisters and one brother ... his father played football for BYU and spent two years in the NFL with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots ... his mom competed in track and field at BYU ... will serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at Utah State ... plans on majoring in political science and business marketing ... name is pronounced Ee-foe Pee-lee.
JOHN RANDLE JR. • OL • 6-4 • 290 • SO • TR • Horn Lake, Miss. (Horn Lake HS/Purdue)
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Purdue (2024-25) and appeared in four games ... appeared in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2025 and redshirted the 2024 campaign as he played in two games.
High School: Consensus three-star recruit and No. 33 prospect in the state of Mississippi by ESPN ... prepped at Horn Lake High School ... four-year starter on the varsity football team ... named to the North Team for the 75th-annual Bernard Blackwell All-Star Football Classic ... earned first team All-Region honors for both football and basketball ... started for a Horn Lake basketball squad that went 30-2 and made the Mississippi 6A Final Four during his junior season ... member of the baseball and track and field programs ... member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Son of Eddie and Catina Williams ... has three brothers and four sisters ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in business marketing.
COLLIN REMENOWSKY • FB • 6-1 • 255 • SR • TR • Pleasant Plain, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller HS/Ashland)
Previous School: Spent three years at Ashland University in Ohio ... appeared in 37 games with 29 starts ... rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown and caught four passes for 53 yards and one touchdown ... started all 13 games he played in during his junior season in 2025 ... finished the year with 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and one touchdown and caught one pass for 19 yards and one touchdown ... scored a career-high two touchdowns at Ulndy (9/13) on a 19-yard reception and a 1-yard run ... had a season-long 13-yard rush at Kentucky Wesleyan (10/4) ... carried the ball three times for nine yards at Ferris State (11/29) ... started all 13 games he played in during his sophomore season in 2024 ... carried the ball eight times for 52 yards and had three receptions for 34 yards ... rushed for a career-high 31 yards on a career-best three carries and had a career-long 21-yard reception at Lake Erie (11/2) ... played in 11 games with three starts as a true freshman in 2023 ... returned one punt for 12 yards and blocked a punt against Thomas More (10/28) ... member of the Dean's List during the spring 2025 and fall 2025 semesters.
High School: Prepped at Archbishop Moeller High School in Pleasant Plain, Ohio ... earned four varsity letters ... named All-Greater Catholic League ... part of two Ohio Division I Final Four teams.
Personal: Son of Paul and Jeri Remenowsky ... has four brothers and two sisters ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in business ... last name is pronounced Rem-in-ow-ski.
JAVON ROBINSON • WR • 5-8 • 155 • SR • TR • Florida City, Fla. (Homestead HS/Georgia State)
Previous School: Spent the 2025 season at Georgia State ... played in all 12 games with six starts and caught 58 passes for 595 yards and four touchdowns ... had a career-high nine receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown against Appalachian State (10/11) ... had a season-high 142 receiving yards on seven catches with one touchdown at Troy (11/22) ... had a season-long 46-yard reception against the Trojans ... returned eight punts for 10 yards on the season and rushed for 18 yards on four carries ... was on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll.
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Grambling State (2023-24) as he started all 22 games he played in ... had 73 receptions for 875 yards and three touchdowns ... rushed nine times for 69 yards, returned 23 kickoffs for 487 yards, had 15 punt returns for 167 yards and one touchdown, and completed one pass for six yards ... started all 12 games during the 2024 season and caught 43 passes for 507 yards and one touchdown ... had a career-high 151 receiving yards on four receptions, including a career-long 53-yard catch, with one touchdown against Tuskegee (9/7) ... had 13 kickoff returns for 297 yards ... returned eight punts for 114 yards and one touchdown ... rushed for 26 yards on five carries ... scored on a 72-yard punt return at Bethune-Cookman (11/2) ... started all 10 games he played in during the 2023 campaign and was named the HBCU Freshman of the Year ... had 30 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns ... rushed for 43 yards on four carries ... returned 10 kickoffs for 190 yards and had seven punt returns for 53 yards.
High School: Prepped at Homestead High School in Florida City, Fla. ... earned All-District 1-4A honors as a senior ... led Homestead to their first-ever state championship game appearance and had six receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns in that championship game against St. Thomas Aquinas HS ... competed in track and field and ran 10.5 in the 100-meters and 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.
Personal: Son of Diana Robinson and Michael Pinacle ... has five brothers and one sister ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in business.
STEVEN SANNIENIOLA • S • 6-2 • 205 • GR • TR • Bowie, Md. (Quince Orchard HS/Vanderbilt)
Previous School: Three-star recruit as a transfer by 247Sports ... spent three years at Vanderbilt (2022-24) and appeared in nine games ... played in four games as a redshirt sophomore in 2024 and finished the year with three tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss ... had a season-high two tackles, including a career-high 1.0 tackles for loss, against Alcorn State (9/7) ... redshirted during the 2023 season ... played in five games as a true freshman in 2022 and had seven tackles ... had a career-high three stops at Alabama (9/24) ... had two tackles against both Elon (9/3) and Wake Forest (9/10).
High School: Three-star prospect and ranked by ESPN as the No. 45 safety in the country and the No. 20 player in the state of Maryland coming out of Quince Orchard High School … played both safety and running back in 2021, helping the Cougars to a 14-0 record and state title … made 41 tackles with three interceptions, six pass breakups, one forced fumble and three blocked punts a senior ... scored one defensive touchdown … on the offensive side, had 24 carries for 320 yards and seven touchdowns while adding four receiving touchdowns … played just two games in spring of 2020 during junior year due to the Covid-19 pandemic … competed in track and field.
Personal: Son of Fola Abolarin and Sanni Eniola ... has two brothers ... will earn his bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt in communication studies this spring ... plans on pursuing his master's in business administration at Utah State ... last name is pronounced Sun-nee-en-nee-ola.
KYE STOKES • S • 6-1 • 190 • SR • TR • Tampa, Fla. (Armwood HS/Cincinnati)
Previous School: Three-star recruit as a transfer by 247Sports ... spent two seasons at Cincinnati (2024-25) as he appeared in 24 games and had nine tackles (4 solo) ... played in 12 games as a junior during the 2025 campaign and had two tackles with one stop against Northwestern State (9/13) and another against UCF (10/11) ... appeared in 12 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2024 and finished the season with seven tackles (2 solo) ... had a season-high three tackles against Towson (8/31).
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Ohio State (2022-23) as he appeared in 11 games and had 12 tackles (8 solo), including 1.0 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble ... redshirted during the 2023 season as he played in three games ... did not record any stats ... appeared in eight games as a true freshman in 2022 and had 12 tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble ... had a career-high four tackles and forced a fumble against Iowa (10/22) ... had 1.0 tackles for loss against Rutgers (10/1).
High School: Four-star recruit by 247Sports ... two-way player who was a wide receiver and safety at Armwood High School in Tampa, Fla. ... had 25 tackles (17 solo) in seven games as a senior in 2021 ... intercepted two passes and had six total passes defended ... had five interceptions as a junior, while adding 34 tackles, which included 2.0 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery during an eight-game season ... ran a 10.8 in the 100-meter-dash during track season.
Personal: Son of Kerwin and Saraque Stokes ... has two brothers ... brother, Kason, plays football at Middle Tennessee ... brother, Kory, committed to play football at Washburn ... earned his bachelor's degree from Cincinnati in interdisciplinary studies ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... pursuing his master's in sports administration.
HARRISON TAGGART • ILB • 6-1 • 235 • SR • TR • Draper, Utah (Corner Canyon HS/California)
Previous School: Spent the 2025 season at California as he played in 13 games with one start ... finished the year with 38 tackles (14 solo), including 2.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one pass breakup ... had a season-high seven tackles against Virginia Tech (10/24) ... recorded five tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, at Louisville (11/8) ... had 1.0 tackles for loss as part of three stops against Duke (10/4) ... posted four tackles and one pass breakup against Virginia (11/1) ... had multiple tackles in 10 of the games and four or more tackles five times.
Previous School: Spent two seasons at BYU (2023-24) as he played in 24 games with 16 starts ... had 97 tackles (48 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery ... started all 12 games during his sophomore season in 2024 ... finished second on the team with 69 tackles (34 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, to go along with three pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery ... had two double-digit tackle outings ... recorded a career-high 11 stops against Oklahoma State (10/18) and had 10 tackles and one interception against Kansas State (9/21) ... had eight tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss, to go along with a career-high two pass breakups and one forced fumble at SMU (9/6) ... had nine tackles and a fumble recovery against Arizona (10/12) ... had 1.0 sacks as part of his four tackles against Colorado (12/28) in the Alamo Bowl ... played in 12 games with four starts as a redshirt freshman in 2023 ... finished the season with 28 tackles (14 solo), including 0.5 tackles for loss ... had a season-high 10 tackles against Cincinnati (9/29).
Previous School: Spent his freshman season at Oregon in 2022 ... appeared in three games to preserve his redshirt ... did not record any stats.
High School: Consensus top-40 linebacker as a four-star prep recruit out of Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah ... rated the No. 25 outside linebacker by ESPN, No. 33 at the position by Rivals, the No. 35 linebacker by 247Sports and No. 39 by the 247 composite ... rated by ESPN as the top-ranked outside linebacker from Utah, while 247Sports ranked him second ... consensus overall top-10 player from Utah by ESPN (No. 5), 247Sports (No. 5), the 247 composite (No. 5) and Rivals (No. 7) ... three-year letterman, helping lead Corner Canyon to a 40-2 record and two state championships and a state runner-up finish ... finished his career with 237 tackles (151 solo), including 7.5 sacks and 22.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions and two forced fumbles, while averaging 7.2 tackles per game ... as a senior, named a MaxPreps Preseason Second Team All-American and Deseret News 6A First Team All-State after leading team to a 12-2 record (5-1 6A-Region 4), a conference championship and a runner-up finish in the 2021 UHSAA 6A State Playoffs ... finished senior campaign with 97 tackles (71 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two pass breakups and one quarterback hurry ... in eight career playoff games, he totaled 64 tackles (40 solo) with 2.0 sacks, 7.0 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and one interception ... totaled nine double-figure tackle games in high school, including five games with 15-plus tackles ... earned MaxPreps First Team All-America, MaxPreps Utah First Team All-State and Deseret News 6A First Team All-State honors as a junior.
Personal: Son of Ryan and Holly Taggart ... has three siblings ... sister, Maddy, is a hurdler at BYU ... cousin, Hailey Marrow, plays softball at BYU ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in integrated studies.
TA'AVILI TUITAMA • DL • 6-2 • 305 • SR • TR • Mapusaga, American Samoa (Hillcrest (UT) HS/New Mexico State)
Previous School: Spent two seasons at New Mexico State (2024-25) ... started seven of the 12 games in played during the 2025 campaign and finished the year with 20 tackles (6 solo), including 3.5 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss, to go along with four quarterback hurries ... had a career-high four tackles against UTEP (11/22), which included 1.0 sacks and a career-best 2.0 tackles for loss ... had three tackles and a career-high two quarterback hurries against Louisiana Tech (9/13) ... had three tackles, including 1.0 sacks, against Missouri State (10/22) ... played in four games during the 2024 season and had two tackles.
Junior College: Spent the 2023 season at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah ... played in 11 games and recorded 40 tackles (14 solo), including 3.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss ... had a season-high five tackles, including 0.5 sacks, against Trinity Valley CC (8/24) ... had five tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, against St. George Junior College (9/9) ... had four tackles, including a season-high 1.5 sacks and a season-best 3.0 tackles for loss against Lackawanna College (10/28) ... named the Badgers Bulldozer of the Year.
High School: Prepped at Hillcrest High School in Midvale, Utah ... had 48 tackles, including 2.0 sacks, as a senior ... rushed for 184 yards on 42 carries and four touchdowns.
Personal: Son of Kilepoa and Agnes Tuitama ... has two brothers and two sisters ... wife's name is Kalani ... dad's cousin, Willie Tuitama, played football at Arizona ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in integrated studies ... name is pronounced Tah-ah-vee-lee Too-ee-tah-mah.
SESI VAILAHI • RB • 5-9 • 205 • JR • TR • Salt Lake City, Utah (West HS/Oklahoma State)
Previous School: Three-star transfer by 247Sports ... spent three seasons at Oklahoma State (2023-25) ... appeared in 26 games with three starts ... rushed for 278 yards on 90 carries (3.1 ypr) and four touchdowns and caught 18 passes for 112 yards (6.2 ypr) ... played in 12 games with one start during his sophomore season in 2025 ... rushed for 152 yards on 42 carries and two touchdowns during the year and caught eight passes for 54 yards ... rushed for a career-high 38 yards on seven carries and caught two passes for 14 yards against Cincinnati (10/18) ... had a career-high nine carries for 32 yards and one touchdown on a 9-yard run against UT Martin (8/28) ... scored on a 2-yard run at Kansas (11/1) ... played in 12 games with two starts as a redshirt freshman in 2024 ... rushed for 99 yards on 42 carries and two touchdowns, while catching eight passes for 46 yards ... gained 32 yards on eight carries at Kansas State (9/28) ... scored on a 1-yard run at Tulsa (9/14) and on an 11-yard run against Arizona State (11/2) ... had two receptions for 14 yards against South Dakota State (8/31) ... appeared in two games during the 2023 season to preserve his redshirt ... had six carries for 27 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards.
High School: Three-star recruit and 37th-best prospect in the state of Utah by 247Sports ... earned All-District and All-City honors following his senior season at West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah … had 1,292 rushing and 1,673 receiving yards and scored 34 total touchdowns in his career ... posted four 100-yard rushing games and six 100-yard receiving games in his career ... tallied 32 carries for 240 yards and five touchdowns his senior year to go along with 24 receptions for 607 yards and seven touchdowns … defensively, had 48 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two fumble recoveries … helped lead West to a 9-3 overall record and the state quarterfinals his final season … earned several honors his junior year, including 6A Second-Team All-State and 6A Region II Co-Offensive MVP.
Personal: Son of Sione and Sela Vailahi ... his brother, Lava, is a redshirt freshman safety at USU ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... name is pronounced Sess-e Vy-lah-he.
CHEWY WADE • OL • 6-5 • 305 • SO • TR • Edmond, Okla. (Deer Creek HS/Oklahoma State)
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Oklahoma State (2022, 2025) ... was the backup left tackle and played in two games during his redshirt freshman season in 2025 ... redshirted the 2022 campaign as he did not appear in any games ... member of the President's Honor Roll.
High School: Prepped at Class 6A Deer Creek High School in Edmond, Okla. ... named first-team All-District, first-team All-Region and first-team All-Big City as a senior after helping his team to a 10-2 record and a runner-up finish in the state championship in 2021 ... didn't allow a single sack in two years as the starting left tackle.
Personal: Son of Barry and Tracy Wade ... has four older brothers ... majoring in marketing ... served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Peru Huancayo Mission ... his grandfather and father both played college basketball ... other grandfather threw the javelin, discus and shot put at BYU ... has a cousin that played football at Oregon ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester.
KAINA WATSON • WR • 6-1 • 175 • FR • HS • Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS)
High School: Three-star recruit and No. 12 prospect in the state of Nevada by 247Sports ... prepped at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas ... helped the Gaels win state championships his sophomore, junior and senior seasons, along with a national championship in 2023 during his sophomore campaign ... earned the Mr. Gael Award as both a junior and senior ... earned first-team All-State and Bishop Gorman Offensive MVP honors following his senior season as he caught 52 passes for 951 yards and 10 touchdowns ... was a team captain ... caught 25 passes for 467 yards and three touchdowns as a junior ... had six receptions and 203 all-purpose yards as a sophomore ... played at Kamehameha High School in Honolulu as a freshman and caught 20 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns ... played in 32 games during his prep career and caught 104 passes for 1,668 yards and 15 touchdowns ... earned honorable mention All-Conference honors as a freshman in basketball as he averaged 10.1 points per game.
Personal: Son of Roger and Lehua Watson ... has two sisters ... sister, Kaleinani, plays volleyball at Utah Tech ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in business communications ... first name is pronounced Kie-nuh.
SETH WILFRED • OL • 6-5 • 315 • JR • TR • Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS/Auburn)
Previous School: Spent two season at Auburn (2024-25) ... did not play during the 2025 campaign ... played in one game during the 2024 season to preserve his redshirt.
Junior College: Three-star recruit by 247Sports ... spent the 2023 season at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah ... an NJCAA All-American ... rated among the top five junior college offensive lineman recruits by ESPN, 247Sports and On3.
High School: Prepped at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nev., during his junior and senior seasons … placed second in discus and third in shot put as a senior at the state track and field meet … originally from Mitchell, Neb., where he played at Mitchell High School … lettered in wrestling.
Personal: Son of Susie Hessler and Cyprian Wilfred ... has one sister who played basketball at UNLV ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in business marketing.
ELI WOOD • WR • 6-1 • 210 • GR • TR • Lynchburg, Va. (E.C. Glass HS/Virginia)
Previous School: Spent four seasons at Virginia (2022-25) and appeared in 35 games with two starts ... for his career, he caught 19 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns and carried the ball once for three yards and one touchdown ... appeared in 14 games with two starts as a junior during the 2025 campaign and caught 16 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns ... notched a career-high four receptions for 71 yards against Missouri (12/27) in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl ... had three receptions for 30 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown with 22 seconds left in regulation of the ACC Championship game against Duke (12/6) to force overtime ... had two receptions for 46 yards, including a career-long 38-yarder, and scored on a 3-yard run at California (11/1) ... hauled in his first career touchdown on a 4-yard reception against Stanford (9/20) ... played in 11 games as a sophomore in 2024 and caught three passes for 15 yards ... recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff at Coastal Carolina (9/21) … recorded first career reception against Richmond (8/31) in the season opener ... played in nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2023 and made his career debut against Tennessee (9/2) ... did not record any stats during the season ... redshirted the 2022 campaign as he did not appear in any games ... an ACC Academic Honor Roll member in 2022 and 2023.
High School: Prepped at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Va. ... recorded 50 catches for 1,020 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior season … named Seminole District Player of the Year and was a Virginia High School League Class 4 First Team All-State performer.
Personal: Son of Sackett and Alex Wood ... has two brothers ... brother Sackett was a tight end at Virginia ... graduated from Virginia with a bachelor's degree in media studies ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... pursuing his master's in sports management.
QUINCY WRIGHT • DL • 6-2 • 315 • SR • TR • Dallas, Texas (Duncanville HS/Arkansas State)
Previous School: Spent the 2025 season at Arkansas State ... appeared in one game ... did not record any stats during the year.
Previous School: Spent the 2024 season at Sam Houston State ... played in all 13 games with four starts ... finished the season with 14 tackles (11 solo) and added two pass breakups ... had a career-high three tackles at UTEP (10/3).
Previous School: Spent two seasons at Oregon State (2022-23) ... played in six games as a redshirt freshman during the 2023 campaign and finished the season with one tackle ... redshirted the 2022 campaign as he did not appear in any games.
High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals ... prepped at Duncanville High School in Dallas, Texas ... earned All-District twice during his prep career ... team captain ... recorded 60 tackles and six sacks as a senior ... totaled 45 tackles and four sacks as a junior ... finished with 20 tackles as a sophomore ... moved up to varsity during his freshman year and totaled 25 tackles with two sacks ... lettered in track and field … placed fourth in district in shot put ... member of the honor roll.
Personal: Son of Quincy and La'misha Wright ... has one brother and one sister ... cousin, AJ Green, plays for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL ... is enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2026 semester ... majoring in architectural engineering.
