2026 SVSU Football Recruiting Class Roster

Mid-Year Transfer / Winter Semester
^Early Enrollee / Winter Semester

2026 SVSU FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS - Bios 

COOPER ARNEDT

QB | 5-11 | 180

Dexter, Mich. (Dexter High School) 

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Three-year starter for Coach Phil Jacobs at Dexter (Michigan) High School … two-time first-team all-state and three-time all-region selection … ranked No. 19 on The Detroit News Blue Chip list of the state’s Top 20 recruits … consensus first-team all-state pick by The Associated Press (Divisions 1-2), The Detroit News (D1-2), Detroit Free Press (D2) and Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (D2) … set MHSAA single-season records for completions (268) and passing yards (4,537) as a senior while leading the Dreadnaughts to a 12-2 record, including a trip to the Division 2 Championship Game; it marked Dexter’s first-ever state championship game appearance  … his 53 touchdown passes rank second on the MHSAA single-season chart … completed 77 percent (268-of-348) of his throws in 2024 and finished with a passing rating of 150.7 … hit 24-of-37 passes for 215 yards in the title game vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s … completed 28-of-40 throws for 576 yards and eight TDs vs. Gibraltar Carlson in the regional championship game; his 576 passing yards marked the fifth-best single game performance in MHSAA history while his eight TD tosses tied the second-most in a single game … went 14-of-17 for 365 yards and four TDs vs. Lyon in the district final … connected on 25-of-34 passes for 414 yards and three scores in the 2025 season opener vs. Brighton … threw for 2,200 yards and 24 TDs as a junior in 2024 (only 5 INTs) … finished among the MHSAA’s career leaders in passing yards (third with 8,782) and passing TDs (fifth with 102) … joins his high school teammates, wide receiver Oliver Hutchison , in SVSU’s 2026 recruiting class … also plays shortstop and second base for the Dreads’ baseball team.

CJ BARBARA

DE | 6-3 | 225

Findlay, Ohio | Liberty-Benton High School 

Three-year starter and two-time captain for Coach Scott Garlock at Liberty-Benton High School in Findlay, Ohio … two-time Division V All-Northwest District Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Blanchard Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year … First-Team All-Ohio and All-Blade selection as a senior … recorded 87 tackles, with 25 resulting in losses including 13 sacks, an interception and scored a defensive touchdown in 2025 while helping the Eagles to a 12-1 mark … produced six tackles for loss at Pandora-Gilboa, including four sacks … earned All-Ohio honorable mention and All-Blade special mention as a junior … anchored a defensive unit that allowed just 9.3 points per game in 2024 … delivered 21 tackles for loss, including 15 sacks, and blocked three punts in 2024 … made 10 tackles vs. Pandora-Gilboa, with two going for losses including a sack … registered 57 career tackles for loss, including a school-record 36 sacks.

LIAM BERGEN

OL | 6-7 | 260

Traverse City, Mich. | Traverse City West High School 

Two-year starter at left tackle for Coach James Wagner at Traverse City (Michigan) West High School … Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team honorable mention and All-Saginaw Valley League honorable mention … named TC West Player of the Week three times during his senior season … key figure on an offensive line that helped the Titans average nearly 180 rushing yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry in 2025 … TC West recorded four 200-yard rushing games, including a season-best 310 yards and three touchdowns in a 21-20 win over TC Central … O-line paved the way for three 200-yard rushing efforts in 2024 and Titan backs combined to produce five 100-yard rushing games … TC West ran for 252 yards vs. Mt. Pleasant and scored a season-high four rushing TDs … Titans gained a season-best 307 yards (7.5 yards per carry) on the ground and produced three rushing TDs in a 28-0 victory over Bay City Central.

KYLE BRYANT

OL | 6-3 | 265

Flossmoor, Ill. | Homewood-Flossmoor High School 

Two-year starter at center for Homewood-Flossmoor (Illinois) High School … served as one of the team’s tri-captains … earned All-Southwest Suburban Conference honors as a senior under first-year Coach Troy McAllister … anchored an offensive line that helped the Vikings produce nearly 3,500 yards total offense and 45 combined touchdowns (23 rushing and 22 passing) in securing their first playoff appearance since 2019 … Vikings scored 40-plus points in three games in 2025, including back-to-back 50-point efforts to end the regular season … previously attended Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Ill., and started at center in 2023.

JULIAN CHARITY

DB | 6-0 | 170

Grand Rapids, Mich. | Northview High School 

Two-year starter for Coach Ryan Oshnock at Northview High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan … All-Ottawa-Kent Conference (Black) First-Team selection in 2025 … registered 46 tackles, with five for losses including two sacks, and 11 pass break-ups as a senior … set season highs in tackles (11) and pass break-ups (3) vs. Vicksburg in 2025 … key figure on a Wildcat defensive unit that allowed fewer than 18 points per game en route to an undefeated regular-season (9-0) in 2024 … three-sport athlete also competed in basketball and track and field for the Wildcats.

JAZZ COLEMAN

RB | 5-11 | 200

Speedway, Ind. | Ben Davis High School 

Rushed 94 times for 488 yards (5.2 avg.) and two touchdowns as a senior for Coach Russ Mann at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, Indiana … carried 11 times for a season-high 81 yards vs. Avon, including a 22-yard TD run … totaled 29 tackles at outside linebacker, including seven stops each vs. Avon and Carmel … played his first three seasons at Speedway (Ind.) High School … named All-Marion County honorable mention twice … earned high honorable mention as an all-purpose player on the 2024 All-Central Indiana Super Team … ran for 1,010 yards and 14 TDs as a junior despite being limited to seven games due to injury … accounted for 1,350 all-purpose yards … also produced 60 tackles … rushed 17 times for 164 yards and three TDs and intercepted a pass vs. Covenant Christian … carried 26 times for 266 yards and three scores vs. Beech Grove; also caught four passes for 51 yards and a TD to finish with 317 all-purpose yards … gained 888 yards and scored eight rushing TDs as a sophomore in 2023 … had 29 receptions for 253 yards and two TDs … led the Sparkplugs with 122 tackles, with 12 resulting in losses including three sacks … accounted for 458 yards from scrimmage as a freshman … rushed for 296 yards and two TDs in 2022 … caught 15 passes for 162 yards and two scores.

JORDAN DALTON

DB | 6-0 | 165

Fayetteville, Ga. | Christ School [N.C.] 

Early high school graduate enrolled at SVSU for the winter semester and will participate in spring practice ... HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Named to the All-Western Football Conference Second Team in 2025 … recorded 30 tackles (13 solos, 17 assists), including four for losses, one interception and 15 pass break-ups as a senior for Coach Clint Alexander at Christ School in Arden, North Carolina … posted season highs in tackles (5 including one for a loss) and pass break-ups (3) at Asheville School … picked off a pass vs. Cardinal Newman … also competed in track and field for the Greenies … member of the 4x100 relay that placed fourth in the 2025 North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association Championships; also finished sixth in the 110 hurdles … saw action in six football games during the Hurricane Helene-shortened 2024 season … started his prep career at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia; played varsity football as a sophomore in 2023.

JALEN EDWARDS

LB | 6-1 | 230

Davison, Mich. | Siena Heights University 

Transfer from Siena Heights has two seasons of eligibility remaining … enrolled at SVSU for the winter semester and will participate in spring practice … AT SIENA HEIGHTS | 2025 SEASON (AS A SOPHOMORE): Named All-Mid-States Football Association Mideast League First Team … ranked second on the team in tackles with 78 (36 solos, 42 assists), with eight tackles for loss (24 yards) including five sacks (17 yards) … also credited with three forced fumbles and two pass break-ups … posted double-figure tackles in three games … recorded 10 stops (2 solos, 8 assists) at Taylor, including 1.5 sacks (5 yards) … made nine tackles (3 solos, 6 assists) at Defiance, including a career-high two for losses (6 yards) … his 30-yard fumble return set up a touchdown at Olivet Nazarene … opened the 2025 season with back-to-back double-digit efforts: a career-best 13 tackles (7 solos, 6 assists), including a half sack for 7 yards, at St. Francis (Ind.); and 12 stops (4 solos, 8 assists) vs. St. Francis (Ill.) with two PBUs and a forced fumble … 2024 SEASON (AS A FRESHMAN): Appeared in five games as a true freshman in 2024 and finished with 10 tackles (4 solos, 6 assists) … tallied a season-high six stops (3 solos, 3 assists) at Defiance … HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Named All-Saginaw Valley League First Team as a senior for Coach Jake Weingartz at Davison (Michigan) High School in 2023, helping the Cardinals to a 12-1 record and a trip to the Division 1 semifinals … two-way starter at linebacker and running back … ranked among the state leaders in tackles, finishing the season with 121 … recorded 13.5 tackles for loss, including 6 sacks, and 12 PBUs … also credited with 23 quarterback pressures and three forced fumbles … caught 10 passes for 160 yards (16.0 avg.) and four touchdowns as a senior … amassed a career-best 15 tackles in a 28-14 victory at Rockford in the Division I Regional Final … produced nine tackles and scored a TD vs. Lapeer in the playoffs … selected Flint-area Player of the Week vs. South Lyon after registering 14 stops, with two coming behind the line of scrimmage including a sack, and four quarterback pressures vs. South Lyon … made an impact on both sides of the football vs. Grandville, posting 10 tackles and three QB pressures while adding two TD receptions for 34 yards … tallied 24 tackles (8 solos, 16 assists) as a junior for the 9-2 Cardinals … contributed five stops (2 solos, 3 assists) vs. Heritage … collected a season-high six tackles (2 solos, 4 assists) vs. Traverse City Central.

DREW EISENBEIS

TE | 6-4 | 230

Canton, Mich. | Salem High School 

Two-year starter at tight end for Coach Landon Garrett at Salem High School in Canton, Michigan … named Hometown Life All-Area Second Team in 2025 … had 38 receptions for 507 yards (13.3 avg.) and  five touchdowns as a senior while helping the Rocks earn their first playoff appearance since 2017 … also credited with 15 pancake blocks … recorded two 100-yard receiving gams in 2025 … had seven catches for 85 yards and a score vs. Brighton … caught a career-best nine passes for 125 yards and one TD vs. Howell; also had a grab for a 2-point conversion and delivered three pancakes … had five receptions for a career-high 136 yards and two TDs vs. Canton; scored on pass plays of 14 and 40 yards …hauled in five passes for 87 yards and a TD vs. Howell … caught six passes for 173 yards (28.8 avg.) and a score as a junior in 2024 … scored on a 50-yard reception vs. Plymouth as a sophomore in 2023 … finished his three-year varsity career with 46 receptions for 747 yards (16.2 avg.) and seven TDs … made the transition from wide receiver to tight end prior to his junior season … played center field and pitcher for the Rocks’ baseball team.

MOUSTAFA ELZHENNI

DE | 6-2 | 245

Sterling Heights, Mich. | Stevenson High School 

Two-year starter for Coach Justin Newcomb at Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights, Michigan … selected Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 1 All-State and All-Region as a senior … received second-team all-state honors from High School SI … named to the All-Macomb County Dream Team … All-Macomb Area Conference (Red Division) First-Team selection … set career highs for tackles (45), tackles for loss (17) and sacks (8) in 2025; also forced two fumbles … recorded 27 tackles as a junior in 2024, with six resulting in losses including three sacks.

CHRISTIAN ENSLEY

DT | 6-1 | 275

Cleveland, Ohio | North Ridgeville High School 

Three-year letterman and two-year starter for Coach Bryan Morgan at North Ridgeville (Ohio) High School … named All-Lorain County First Team and All-Southwestern Conference Second Team as a senior … also earned Northeast Lakes All-District Honorable Mention … made the transition from defensive end inside to defensive tackle for the 2025 season … produced 42 total tackles, with 17 resulting in losses including three sacks, while helping the Rangers to a 10-2 record … his top single-game performance in 2025 came against Avon, finishing with a season-high 10 tackles including six resulting in losses, including a sack … tallied 25 tackles as a junior, with 15 coming behind the line of scrimmage … posted a career-best 11 tackles vs. Brea-Midpark, with five for losses including a sack … credited with three quarterback hurries vs. Elyria.

CARLTON FREEMAN

DE | 6-4 | 235

Kalamazoo, Mich. | Olivet 

Transfer from Olivet has two seasons of eligibility remaining … enrolled at SVSU for the winter semester and will participate in spring practice … AT OLIVET | 2025 SEASON (AS A SOPHOMORE): Named to the All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association First Team as a junior in 2025 … selected as the team’s Defensive Player of the Year … started all 10 games at outside linebacker and led the Comets in tackles for loss (9.5 for 53 yards) and sacks (7 for 48 yards) … recorded 31 total tackles (22 solos, 9 assists) and forced two fumbles … his MIAA seven-game totals included 20 tackles, with eight stops (47 yards) coming behind the line of scrimmage including six sacks … produced at least one negative play in eight games … matched his career high with five tackles (4 solos, 1 assist) at Kalamazoo, including a career-best two sacks for 11 yards … posted two tackles for loss for 14 yards, including an 11-yard sack, and returned his first career interception for 30 yards and a touchdown vs. Adrian … credited with four stops each in back-to-back games vs. Madonna (2 solos, 2 assists) and Bluffton [Ohio] (2 solos, 2 assists) … 2024 SEASON (AS A RED-SHIRT FRESHMAN): Started all 10 games as a sophomore in 2024 … registered 20 total tackles (13 solos, 7 assists) … contributed four tackles (3 solos, 1 assist) at Albion … made two solo stops vs. Calvin, including his first career sack for a 1-yard loss … posted two stops (1 solo, 1 assist) at Trine, including his first career tackle for a loss of 8 yards … recorded a career-best five tackles (2 solos, 3 assists) and forced a fumble vs. Kalamazoo … tallied four solo stops at Hanover (Ind.) … 2023 SEASON: Redshirted … saw action in the first three games of the season at Franklin (Ind.), at Wooster (Ohio) and vs. Hanover (Ind.) … credited with two total tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) … assisted on a tackle in the home opener vs. Hanover … made a solo stop in the 2024 season opener at Franklin … HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Three-year starter at linebacker for Coach Lorenzo Robertson at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan … saw action at linebacker and H-back as a senior … named to the Division I All-Region First Team by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association … earned MLive Kalamazoo Football Dream Team honorable mention (defense) … recorded four sacks and three interceptions in 2022 … made seven tackles vs. Eastern and credited with six stops vs. Dowagiac … his top individual performance came in Week 5 vs. Buchanan: recorded a career-high 11 tackles, including two for losses, and two interceptions, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown … contributed six tackles, with two resulting in losses including a sack, and an acrobatic, one-handed interception in the Knights’ 8-7 win over Kalamazoo Central, which snapped a 17-game losing streak … posted a team-high eight stops in the 2022 season opener vs. Delton Kellogg … also competed in track and field (100 and 200 meters as well as 4x100 and 4x200 relays).

ZANDER HALLIWILL

OL | 6-3 | 280

Midland, Mich. (H.H. Dow High School) 

Three-year starter for Coach Matt Peterson at H.H. Dow High School in Midland, Michigan … received Associated Press (Divisions 1-2) All-State Honorable Mention as a senior … named to the Midland Daily News 2025 Dream Team … selected All-Region First Team by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association … also earned All-Saginaw Valley League First-Team honors … presented the team’s Outstanding Lineman Award … anchored an offensive line that helped the Chargers rewrite the single-season record book en route to a 10-2 season … allowed only one sack in more than 300 pass attempts … Dow set single-season records for completions, attempts, passing yards and passing touchdowns while averaging nearly 38 points per game … the Chargers scored more than 40 points in five games … three-time selection to the  Saginaw Valley League All-Academic Team.

JOSEPH HERNANDEZ

LS | 6-2 | 220

Byron Center, Mich. | Wisconsin-Stout 

Transfer from Wisconsin-Stout has four seasons of eligibility remaining … enrolled at SVSU for the winter semester and will participate in spring practice … AT UW-STOUT | 2025 SEASON: Redshirted ... HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Earned second-team all-state honors as a long snapper in his final season at Byron Center High School … rated a 4.5-star long snapper and ranked No. 58 in the country by Kohls Snapping.

CREED HILL

DE | 6-2 | 245

Thornville, Ohio | Sheridan High School 

Three-year starter for Coach Paul Culver III at Sheridan High School in Thornville, Ohio … emerged as arguably the top two-way player (offensive line and defensive end) in the Muskingum Valley League … named Division III All-Ohio First Team as a senior … selected All-Southeast District Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 … earned All-Gridiron Glory First-Team recognition … also named to the Times Recorder Prime-Time Player Squad … All-Muskingum Valley League First-Team selection; shared MVL Defensive Lineman of the Year honors … recorded 41 tackles as a senior, with eight resulting in losses including four sacks … received All-Southeast District Special Mention and All-MLV Second-Team honors as a junior … produced 21 tackles in 2024, including for losses … tallied a season-high six tackles vs. New Lexington, including an 11-yard sack … as a junior, his fumble recovery inside the Sheridan 10-yard line with 2:52 left in the fourth quarter helped preserve a 34-27 win over Columbus Hartley in the region semifinal.

MAX HORNBACHER

LB | 6-1 | 210

Canton, Mich. | Plymouth High School 

Two-year starter for Greg Souldourian at Plymouth High School in Canton, Michigan … named to the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Region Team (Division 1 – Region 2) as a senior … selected to the Hometown Life All-Area First Team and All-Kensington Lakes Activities Association First Team in 2025 … recorded career highs in total tackles (84: 54 solos, 30 assists), tackles for loss (18), sacks (6), forced fumbles (3), fumble recoveries (4) and pass break-ups (3) as a senior … produced double-figure tackles in five games and at least one tackle for loss in seven of nine games in 2025 … tallied 10 stops, including a sack, in the season finale vs. Churchill … posted a career-best 14 tackles, matching his career-high with four for losses, and returned a strip sack 97 yards for a touchdown vs. Canton; also added a pass break-up … delivered two sacks vs. Novi … totaled 11 stops, with two for losses including a sack, vs. Howell … made 12 tackles, with a career-high four tackles including a sack, and recovered a fumble vs. Northville … credited with 10 tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage, and forced a fumble in a 7-0 win over Monroe in the 2025 season opener … earned all-area special mention as a junior … collected 56 tackles (46 solos, 10 assists), with six for losses including a sack, in 2024 … registered season highs in total tackles (12) and tackles for loss (4) at Brighton … three-year varsity player finished his career with 150 tackles (106 solos, 44 assists), with 20 tackles for losses including seven sacks … multi-sport athlete also competed in basketball and track and field for the Wildcats.

COLTON HUMMEL

OL | 6-4 | 275

Belding, Mich. | Belding Area High School 

Two-year starter at offensive tackle for Coach Monty Price at Belding (Michigan) Area High School … helped the Black Knights to a combined two-year record of 18-5 (.783), including a perfect 12-0 in conference games … two-time Ottawa-Kent Conference (Silver Division) selection … Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State and All-Region (2) selection as a senior … anchored an offensive line that helped the Black Knights average 35.2 points per game in 2025; scored more than 40 points in five games … also earned all-area honors as a junior … helped pave the way for three backs who combined to rush for more than 3,000 yards in 2024 as the Black Knights averaged 39.5 points per game, including a scoring average of 55 points in league games … Belding recorded 40-plus points in eight games in 2024, including five straight during one stretch … also competes in basketball for the Black Knights.

OLIVER HUTCHISON

WR | 6-3 | 175

Dexter, Mich. | Dexter High School  

Earned All-Southeastern Conference (Red) honorable mention as a senior for Coach Phil Jacobs at Dexter (Michigan) High School … had 45 receptions for 704 yards (15.6 avg.) and seven touchdowns in 2025 as the Dreadnaughts finished 12-2 and advanced to the Division 2 Championship Game … caught three passes for 68 yards vs. Birmingham Groves in the state semifinals … set career highs with 10 catches for 152 yards and 2 TDs in the regional title game vs. Gibraltar Carlson; scored on TD grabs of 25 and 5 yards … hauled in three passes for 62 yards and one TD vs. Lyon in the district championship game … had five receptions for 69 yards and a score vs. Brighton in the 2025 season opener … joins his high school teammates, quarterback Cooper Arnedt, in SVSU’s 2026 recruiting class … also competes in basketball for the Dreads.

SAM JONES

DE | 6-3 | 205

Clinton Township, Mich. | Chippewa Valley High School 

Played for both Scott Merchant and Terry Wilson at Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township, Michigan … named to the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Region Team (Division 1 / Region 4) as a senior … earned All-East honors from both The Detroit News (second team) and Detroit Free Press (honorable mention) … selected All-Macomb County Second Team … served as one of the team captains and was presented the Big Reds’ Defensive Line MVP award … recorded a season-high three sacks at Anchor Bay … named Chippewa Valley Defensive Rookie of the Year as a junior … produced 33 total tackles in 2024, with 13 resulting in losses including four sacks … also credited with seven quarterback hurries and forced a fumble … also competed in track and field.

GAVIN MAY

LB | 6-2 | 230

Pennfield, Mich. | Pennfield High School 

Early high school graduate enrolled at SVSU for the winter semester and will participate in spring practice ... HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Three-year starter and two-way player for Coach Robbie Hattan at Pennfield (Michigan) High School … three-year captain started at both linebacker and offensive guard … The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press all-state honorable mention as a senior … three-time all-city and three-time all-league selection … three-time Pennfield Defensive Player of the Year … led the Panthers in tackles as both a junior and senior … produced 92 tackles as a senior in 2025, including a career-high 16 tackles for losses ... intercepted a pass near the goal line to help preserved a 23-20 win over Buchanan … made 12 stops vs. Jackson Northwest … Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Region selection in2024 … recorded a career-best 94 tackles as a junior, with 15 coming behind the line of scrimmage … collected 10 tackles vs. Wyoming Kelloggsville, including two for losses … finished his three-year career with 240 total tackles, 40 for losses including 10 sacks.

NEVEN NEUMAN

DE | 6-3 | 248

Tiffin, Ohio | Columbian High School 

Two-year starter for Judd Lutz at Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio … two-year captain and two-time recipient of the Golden Jersey Award as the team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player (2024-25) … earned Division III All-Ohio Third Team and All-Northwest District First-Team honors as a senior … named All-Sandusky Bay Conference (Lake Division) First Team on both sides of the football in 2025 (offensive lineman and defensive end) … recorded 60 tackles in 2025, including five sacks … received All-Northwest District honorable mention and All-SBC (Lake) honorable mention as a junior … produced 75 tackles in 2024, with 14 resulting in losses including three sacks … three-time letterwinner in track and field for the Tornadoes.

LUCAS NGUYEN

K/P | 5-7 | 155

Fort Wayne, Ind. | Bishop Dwenger High School 

Three-year starter as placekicker for Coach Jason Garrett at Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana … two-time Khol’s All-American (third team) … two-time all-state selection … converted 29-of-36 field-goal attempts (.806), including four from 50 or more yards, and 53-of-56 extra-point attempts (.946) over the last two seasons … led the Saints in scoring each of the last two seasons, including a career-best 79 points as a senior … hit 18-of-24 field-goal attempts (.750), including a career-long 54-yarder vs. Lebanon, and 36-of-38 PATs (.947) in 2025 … his 18 made field goals set an Indiana single-game record and ranked as the third-highest season total in the nation … made at least one field goal in 13 of 14 games … named MVP of the Class 4A Championship Game, accounting for 12 points (3-of-4 PATs and 1-of-2 FGs, hitting a 25-yarder) in Bishop Dwenger’s 36-29 win over Roncalli, including a game-winning 37-yard TD pass off a fake field-goal attempt early in the fourth quarter … matched his career-high with nine points vs. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (3-of-3 PATs and 2-of-2 FGs, with long of 45) … scored a career-best nine points in a 9-6 win over Carroll, going a perfect 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts, including a 52-yarder … named Indiana Mr. Football for the punter position by the Indiana Football Coaches Association in 2025 – his first season handling those duties … averaged 37.9 yards on 49 punts (1,855 yards) as a senior, placing 18 kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line (37 percent) … averaged 42.7 yards on three punts vs. East Noble, including two inside the 20 … set career highs with six punts for 240 yards (40.0 avg.) vs. St. Francis de Sales, pinning the Knights inside their own 20 twice … averaged a single-game best 45.0 yards on three punts vs. Roncalli in the 2025 season opener, including a career-long 58 yarder … averaged 57.8 yards on 75 kickoffs (4,332 yards) as a senior, with 54 resulting in touchbacks (72 percent) … six of his seven kickoffs vs. Roncalli produced touchbacks in the 2025 state title game (7 for 424 yards and 60.6-yard avg.) … averaged 58.5 yards on eight kickoffs vs. Wayne, including a career-best seven touchbacks … scored 50 points as a junior, connecting on 17-of-18 (.944) extra-point tries and 11-of-12 (.917) on field-goal attempts … accounted for a season-high eight points vs. Wayne (2-of-2 PATs and 1-of-1 FGs, 41-yarder) … made two field goals each vs. Fort Wayne Snider (including season-long 46-yarder), Fort Wayne Bishop Luers and Brownsburg … averaged 53.8 yards on 45 kickoffs (2,423 yards) in 2024, including 27 touchbacks … scored 166 career points for the Saints, hitting 84-of-88 extra-point (.955) and 31-of-42 field-goal (.738) attempts.

KINNUS PAUL II

OL | 6-4 | 280

Detroit, Mich. | Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 

Three-year starter for Coach Jermaine Gonzales at Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary’s Preparatory, helping the Eaglets claim back-to-back Division 2 state championships in 2024 (12-3) and 2025 (11-2) … versatile enough to play guard or tackle … recorded a career-best 103 pancake blocks as a senior and was presented the team’s Outstanding Offensive Lineman award … helped anchor an offensive line that helped the Eaglets roll up 474 yards total offense, including 314 passing yards, in a 51-14 victory over Dexter in the 2025 state title game … the ground game produced 279 yards in a 42-7 win over Midland Dow, as OLSM scored on its first six possession to take control in the regional final … tallied 37 pancake blocks and didn’t allow a sack as a junior in 2024 … permitted only two sacks over the last three seasons.

JAMISON PELT

WR | 6-0 | 165

Saginaw, Mich. | Swan Valley High School 

Two-year starter for Coach Kevin Gavenda at Swan Valley High School in Saginaw, Michigan … played multiple positions as a senior while leading the Vikings to a 10-2 record … completed 22-of-40 passes (.550) for 506 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in 2025 … hit 3-of-4 throws for 110 yards and two TDs vs. Alma … connected on 11-of-17 passes for 225 yards, one TD and one interception vs. Freeland … ran 13 times for 106 yards (8.2 avg.) and two scores … had 34 receptions for 734 yards (21.6 avg.) and 10 TDs … produced two 100-yard receiving games and had at least one TD catch in seven games … caught six passes for 95 yards and a score vs. Alma … had four catches for 115 yards and two TDs vs. Powers Catholic … hauled in four passes for 153 yards and two TDs vs. Garber … had three receptions for 79 yards and two scores vs. Croswell-Lexington in the season opener … accounted for 1,028 all-purpose yards as a senior (106 rushing, 734 receiving and 188 in kickoff returns) … produced more than 200 all-purpose yards in two games in 2025: 201 vs. Garber (153 receiving and 48 in kickoff returns), and 200 vs. Croswell-Lexington (4 rushing, 79 receiving and 117 in kickoff returns, including a 95-yard runback for a TD) … recorded 24 tackles (21 solos, 3 assists), three interceptions and 10 passes defended in 2025 … made five stops vs. Frankenmuth, including one behind the line of scrimmage … registered a career-high 10 tackles and two interceptions vs. Croswell-Lexington … set career highs in receptions (62), receiving yards (1,381) and TD catches (22) as a junior … his 1,381 receiving yards led the state and his 23 total TDs ranked No. 10 … recorded six 100-yard receiving games in 2024 … caught at least one TD pass in nine games, including the last seven in a row … had nine catches for 159 yards and two scores vs. Belding … set career highs for receptions (13), receiving yards (403) and TD catches (6) vs. Bullock Creek; averaged 31.0 yards per catch, including an 85-yard grab … caught six passes for 116 yards and three scores vs. Alma … had seven grabs for 144 yards and a TD vs. Garber … hauled in five passes for 203 yards and three TDs, including an 85-yard grab … had seven receptions for 128 yards and two scores vs. Croswell-Lexington in the 2024 season opener … made 10 tackles (9 solos, 1 assist) and defended three passes from his safety position … recorded an interception and pass break-up vs. Glenn … had a season-high five stops (4 solos, 1 assist) vs. Freeland … recovered a fumble for a TD vs. Powers Catholic … also competes in basketball (guard) and baseball (pitcher, second base and shortstop) for the Vikings.

KAMARI PITTMAN

DL | 6-0 | 295

Detroit, Mich. | West Bloomfield High School 

Three-year starter and two-time captain for Coach Zach Hilbers at West Bloomfield High School … Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All-Region and All-Oakland Activities Association First Team selection as a senior … named to The Detroit News All-North Second Team in 2025 … presented the Laker of the Year award (player who best embodies dedication, resilience and leadership both on the field and in the community) as a senior … recorded 44 tackles, with 23 resulting in losses including 3.5 sacks, in 2025 … also credited with 13 quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles … anchored a Laker defensive unit that surrendered 13.3 points per game in 2025; allowed seven or fewer points in six games, including three shutouts … earned All-OAA Second-Team honors as a junior in 2024 … posted 43 tackles as a sophomore in 2023, with 8.5 stops coming behind the line of scrimmage including three sacks … nicknamed “Tank.”

LANDON PORTER

DB | 6-0 | 170

Sterling Heights, Mich. | Stevenson High School 

Two-year, two-way starter for Coach Justin Newcomb at Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights, Mich. … selected to the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association 2025 (Division 1 / Region 4) All-Region Team as an athlete … named to the All-Macomb County Dream Team as a senior … also received All-Macomb Area Conference honorable mention … accounted for 533 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in 2025 … recorded 36 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass break-ups as a senior … scored on TD runs of 73 and 13 yards vs. Brother Rice … scored on a 21-yard reception, made three tackles and intercepted a pass near the goal line vs. L’Anse Creuse North … posted three tackles, an interception, four pass break-ups and scored two offensive TDs vs. Anchor Bay … ranked third on the team in tackles with 48 from his safety position as a junior in 2024 … earned all-state honors in track for the Titans as a member of the fourth-place 4x100 relay in 2025 … started his prep football career at New Haven (Mich.) High School where he earned all-conference honors as a freshman.

JA’DEON SMITH

DT | 6-0 | 275

Westfield, Ind. | Westfield High School 

Two-year starter at defensive tackle for Coach Josh Miracle at Westfield (Indiana) High School … helped the Shamrocks to a combined record of 23-5 (.821), including back-to-back Class 6A Championship Game appearances in 2024-25 … named Indiana Football Coaches Association All-State First Team as a senior … recorded a career-best 91 tackles (34 solos, 57 assists), with 3.5 for losses including three sacks (19 yards), and recovered three fumbles in 2025 … posted a career-high 10 tackles vs. Brownsburg in the state championship game … made nine stops each vs. Fishers, vs. Carmel (including a 5-yard sack) and Fishers (fumble recovery) in the season’s first meeting … contributed four tackles vs. Noblesville, including a 13-yard sack (forced and recovered fumble) … produced 55 tackles as a junior, with 2.5 coming behind the line of scrimmage including a 2-yard sack … also credited with a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries … tallied six tackles vs. Brownsburg in the 2024 state final … registered a season-high nine stops vs. Noblesville … finished his prep career with 152 tackles, with 6.5 losses including four sacks (21 yards) … two-sport athlete also competes in track and field; has a personal-best toss of 43-5 in the shot put.

CALEB SMITHSON

LB | 6-2 | 200

Ypsilanti, Mich. | Ypsilanti High School 

Two-year starter at linebacker for Coach Dan Brown at Ypsilanti (Michigan) High School … named to MLive/The Ann Arbor News Dream Team (second team) as a senior … earned All-Southeastern Conference White First-Team honors after leading the Grizzlies in tackles (93) and sacks (3) in 2025 … recorded 13 tackles vs. Chelsea, including a sack … produced 45 tackles, including five sacks, as a junior in 2024 … made six tackles, including two sacks, and scored on a 16-yard touchdown reception vs. Hamady … collected seven stops each vs. Tecumseh (2 sacks) and Adrian (sack) … tallied eight tackles vs. Jackson.

JAYELIN VAWTER

DE | 6-6 | 235

Coloma, Mich. | Niles High School 

Earned All-Wolverine Conference First-Team honors as a senior for Coach Scot Shaw at Niles (Michigan) High School … helped anchor a Viking defensive unit that allowed only 12.8 points per game en route to a 9-1 record in 2025 … recorded 62 tackles, including 11 for losses, and three pass break-ups as a senior … also credited with a blocked kick, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery … made seven tackles vs. Otsego … sat out the 2024 season after transferring to Niles High School from Coloma (Mich.) High School  … produced 66 tacks (28 solos, 38 assists), with 10 resulting in losses including four sacks as a sophomore for the Comets … also had 11 receptions for 123 yards (11.2 avg.) and one touchdown in 2023 … posted double-figure tackles in two games as a sophomore … played a solid all-around game vs. Brandywine, finished with a season-high 12 tackles (3 solos, 9 assists), including two for losses, and caught three passes for 62 yards and a score … contributed nine stops (5 solos, 4 assists) vs. Loy Norrix, with four tackles for losses including a sack … made 10 tackles (4 solos, 6 assists) vs. Watervliet, with two coming behind the line of scrimmage including a sack … registered eight stops (5 solos, 3 assists) vs. Parchment in the 2023 season opener, including two tackles for losses.

AELIJAH WELLS                                                                         

DB | 6-0 | 185

FLINT, MICH. | GRAND BLANC HIGH SCHOOL 

Three-year starter for Coach Kaleb Forr at Grand Blanc (Michigan) High School … selected All-Region First Team by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association as a senior … named to the MLive Flint-Area Dream Team (second team) … earned All-Saginaw Valley League South First-Team honors … recorded 73 tackles (53 solos, 20 assists) and nine pass break-ups in 2025 … also credited with seven tackles for loss and four forced fumbles … posted 35 tackles (26 solos, 9 assists) during an injury-shortened junior season in 2024 (played in only four games) … tallied a season-high nine tackles vs. Adams … made seven stops vs. Lapeer … registered six solo tackles and an interception vs. Romeo.

ZANDER WHEATLEY

DB | 6-3 | 175

FREELAND, MICH. | FREELAND HIGH SCHOOL 

Named to the Midland News Dream Team as an athlete … selected one of three finalists for the Harry Hawkins Award, presented to the top senior in Saginaw County who excels in athletics, academics and community service … two-way player for Coach Kevin Townsend at Freeland (Michigan) High School … first-team all-conference and first-team all-region selection as a senior … also earned academic all-conference and academic all-state honors … recorded 30 tackles and five interceptions, returning three for scores, in 2025 … had 21 receptions for 347 yards (16.5 avg.) and four touchdowns as a senior.

JAYDEN WHITAKER

QB | 6-2 | 200

Brownsburg, Ind. | Wofford College 

Transfer from Wofford College has two seasons of eligibility remaining … enrolled at SVSU for the winter semester and will participate in spring practice … AT WOFFORD | 2025 SEASON (AS A SOPHOMORE): Saw action in five games in 2025, including three starts at quarterback (at South Carolina State, at Virginia Tech and vs. Western Carolina) … completed 36-of-73 passes for 479 yards, two touchdowns and one interception … hit 10-of-18 throws for a season-high 209 yards vs. Western Carolina, including scoring tosses of 49 yards to Ihson Jackson-Anderson and 83 yards to Ivory Aikens … set season highs for completions (16) and pass attempts (27) for 142 yards and an interception at Virginia Tech … AT GANNON | 2024 SEASON (AS A RED-SHIRT FRESHMAN): Selected Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2024 … named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team … started all 10 games for the Golden Knights and completed 159-of-262 throws (.607) for 2,113 yards, nine TDs and nine interceptions … also led the team in rushing yards (254) and rushing TDs (9) … scored at least one rushing TD in six games … accounted for 18 of Gannon’s 21 offensive TDs … finished among Gannon’s single-season leaders in rushing TDs (fifth with 9), passing yards (ninth with 2,113) and total offense (10th at 2,367 yards) … recorded four 200-yard passing games, including back-to-back 300-yard efforts to close out the 2024 season … went 19-for-31 for 308 yards vs. Lock Haven … named PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the Week after accounting for a career-best 408 yards total offense and four TDs in a 34-28 victory at Clarion; set career highs for completions (27), pass attempts (36), passing yards (366) and TD passes (2); carried 14 times for 42 yards and two scores … rushed 14 times for 68 yards and a career-best three rushing TDs in a 25-21 win at Edinboro; scored on runs of 9, 6 and 1 yard … connected on 17-of-27 passes for 206 yards at East Stroudsburg … hit 18-of-32 throws for 289 yards, two TDs and one interception in the 2024 season opener vs. Northwood … 2023 SEASON: Redshirted … named PSAC Scholar-Athlete … appeared in three games in 2023, including two starts in back-to-back road games at Indiana (Pa.) and California (Pa.) …  completed 32-of-61 passes (.525) for 419 yards, 3 TDs and 3 INTs … rushed 28 times for 56 yards and two scores … hit 12-of-19 throws for 159 yards vs. California (Pa.), including a 36-yard TD strike to Sam East, before suffering a season-ending injury … earned his first career start at Indiana (Pa.) and led two fourth-quarter scoring drives as the Golden Knights rallied from a 15-6 deficit to a 16-15 win; capped off a 12-played, 75-yard drive with a 4-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter and managed a nine-play, 37-yard drive that resulted in a game-winning 51-yard field goal as time expired; connected on 12-of-22 passes for 129 yards … accounted for 190 yards total offense and three scores in his collegiate debut, a 31-28 victory at Mercyhurst; threw for 131 yards and two scores; carried 10 times for 59 yards, including a 5-yard TD run; directed an eight-play, 47-yard fourth-quarter drive that produced a 32-yard game-winning field goal with :06 on the clock … HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Compiled a combined record of 19-5 as a two-year starter at quarterback for Coach John Hart at Brownsburg (Indiana) High School … accounted for 2,984 yards total offense and 26 touchdowns as a senior in 2022 while earning Class 6A all-state honors from the Indiana Football Coaches Association … completed 181-of-262 passes (.691) for 2,546 yards, 18 TDs and six interceptions as a senior … rushed 52 times for 438 yards (8.4 avg.) and eight TDs in 2022 … recorded seven consecutive 200-yard passing games as a senior, including a prep-best 356 yards vs. Avon (27-of-30 passing and 2 TDs) … produced 345 yards total offense and four total TDs vs. Fishers; hit 22-of-29 throws for 241 yards, three TDs and one INT; carried nine times for 104 yards and one rushing TD … two-time all-conference selection … connected on 116-of-177 passes (.655) for 1,523 yards, 10 TDs and 5 INTs as a junior … gained 497 yards on 74 attempts and scored seven rushing TDs in 2021 … threw for a season-high 201 yards vs. Hamilton Southeastern (14-of-21 passing) … accounted for 224 yards total offense and three scores in the 2021 season opener vs. Ben Davis; ran eight times for a prep-high 127 yards, including TD runs of 52 and 11 yards … multi-sport athlete also competed in basketball and track and field for the Bulldogs.

CURTIS WHITFIELD

DB | 6-0 | 178

Kalamazoo, Mich. | Kalamazoo Central High School 

Three-year, two-way starter for Coach Mike Stanger at Kalamazoo (Michigan) Central High School … helped lead the Maroon Giants to consecutive Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference East Championships as well as back-to-back playoff appearances in program history in 2024-25 … two-time All-SMAC East First-Team selection (2024 – cornerback; 2025 – athlete) … named to the MLive Kalamazoo Dream Team (second-team offense) as an athlete in 2025 … accounted for 850 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns (4 rushing, 3 receiving, punt return and kickoff return) as a senior … recorded 41 tackles, one interception and two pass break-ups in 2025 … scored TDs in three different ways vs. Loy Norrix in a play-off clinching 52-10 win (60-yard punt return, 17-yard TD reception and 16-yard TD run) … also produced three scores vs. Battle Creek Lakeview: rushed 10 times for 93 yards and two TDs and caught two passes for 42 yards and a TD … received honorable mention (offense) on the 2024 MLive Kalamazoo Dream Team … carried 54 times for 495 yards (9.2 avg.) and five TDs as a junior … posted 34 tackles, two interceptions and six pass break-ups in 2024 … plays guard on the Maroon Giants’ basketball team … earned Division I all-state honors in track in 2025, finishing fourth in the 800-meter relay (1:27.10).

EDEN WILLIAMS

RB | 5-10 | 190

Dublin, Ohio | Scioto High School 

Three-year starter for Coach Alex Place at Scioto High School in Dublin, Ohio … second-team All-Central District and second-team All-Ohio Capital Conference selection as a senior … rushed for 1,040 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, including four 100-yard rushing games … accounted for 1,420 all-purpose yards … carried 20 times for 186 yards and three TDs vs. Hayes; finished with 256 all-purpose yards … ran 14 times for 242 yards and three scores vs. St. Charles, including a career-long 90-yard TD burst … other 100-yard rushing efforts came vs. Worthington Kilbourne (21 attempts for 112 yards and 1 TD) and Thomas Worthington (25 for 171 and 2 TDs) … gained a season-high 208 yards on 17 rushing attempts and scored two twice vs. Hayes as a junior in 2024 … his top single-game rushing effort as a sophomore also came vs. Hayes, picking up 129 yards on just seven carries … amassed 3,316 career all-purpose yards and produced 19 total TDs … had 347 career carries for 1,954 yards (5.6 avg.) and 17 rushing TDs … recorded six career 100-yard rushing games … had 44 career receptions for 369 yards and two TDs … averaged 22.1 yards on 45 career kickoff returns (993 yards).

CONNOR WOLF

QB | 6-3 | 200

Ada, Mich. | Eastern Illinois 

Transfer from Eastern Illinois has three seasons of eligibility remaining … enrolled at SVSU for the winter semester and will participate in spring practice … AT EASTERN ILLINOIS | 2025 SEASON (AS A RED-SHIRT FRESHMAN): Appeared in 11 of 12 games in 2025 (DNP at Charleston Southern), including five consecutive starts at quarterback (vs. Illinois State, at Western Illinois, vs. Tennessee State, vs. Gardner-Webb and at Southeast Missouri) … completed 87-of-146 passes (.596) for 1,074 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions … hit 13-of-20 throws for 134 yards and two scores in a 31-7 win over Tennessee State … scored his first career rushing TD on a 1-yard run at Western Illinois, finishing off a 10-play, 59-yard drive in a 31-23 victory … connected on 28-of-43 passes for an EIU freshman-record 411 yards and four TDs vs. No. 4 Illinois State; completed scoring tosses of 75 and 51 yards to CJ Nelson, 18 yards to Cooper Willman and 9 yards to DeAirious Smith; named Ohio Valley/Big South Freshman of the Week for his performance against the Cardinals … came off the bench to complete 9-of-13 throws for 112 yards at Indiana State … 2024 SEASON: Redshirted … HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS: Compiled a combined record of 24-3 (.889) as a two-year starter for Coach Todd Kolster at Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids, Mich. … two-time OK (Ottawa-Kent) Gold All-Conference selection (2023 first team; 2022 honorable mention) … accounted for 2,802 yards total offense and 35 total TDs as a senior while leading the Cougars to a 13-1 record, including the 2023 Division 5 Championship … threw for 2,363 yards and 25 TDs and added 439 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground as a senior … produced 147 total yards and three rushing TDs in Catholic Central’s 21-7 victory vs. Corunna in the 2023 state title game; scored on a pair of 1-yard runs in the second quarter and a 10-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.