SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Black Hills State University football team and head coach Josh Breske welcomed the newest class of Yellow Jackets on Wednesday as 52 high school athletes made their commitments official, and they are joined by three mid-year transfers. A group composed of individuals from nine states will make the Queen City their home for collegiate football next fall as BHSU will look to battle for a fourth consecutive winning season.
 
"We're thrilled to announce another large and talented recruiting class this year," commented Breske. "Our goal was to bring strength in numbers to position groups like the offensive line, wide receivers, and defensive backs. Each season we've been able to access more and more talented student-athletes in our recruiting territories and scooped up a number of players that were at the top of our board. Our staff met the challenge of replacing 12 graduating seniors on defense, four on offense, and two specialists. Arizona, Wyoming, California, Colorado, and South Dakota were good to us this year providing 48 of our 52 signees. With our three mid-year transfers added to the mix – we're all very excited and optimistic about the future. I'm eager to get our new faces on campus this summer and see how this group will impact our trajectory. Huge shoutout to our coaching staff, our player hosts, admissions, and the wonderful people of BHSU for showing these recruits why there's no better time to play in the Hills."
 

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QUARTERBACKS
 
"Sam is a very smart and athletic QB that has a lot of skills to be excited about," exclaimed offensive coordinator Dave Schramm. "I'm looking forward to watching his development as he grows into what should be one of the better QB's in the conference."
 
Sam Knuth // Quarterback // 6' 4" // 207 lbs // Sioux Falls, S.D. // Harrisburg H.S.
One of the elite quarterbacks in The Mount Rushmore State stays in state as Sam Knuth joins the Yellow Jackets after a stellar prep career at Harrisburg High School. A 2024 Honorable Mention All-SDHSAA Class 11AAA selection, closed out his HHS career with a total of 6,216 career yards and 67 touchdowns, including 362-of-549 (66%) passing for 5,159 yards and 50 touchdowns. In just his second career start in 2023, Knuth passed for a record-breaking 436 yards through the air in a victory over Brandon Valley, which was the most passing yards in a single game in Harrisburg history and earning himself MIDCO Player of the Week. The big game early in his junior season set himself up for a big season overall, which included 2,496 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. A 3-star recruit and No. 9 ranked player in the state of South Dakota by 247Sports, led the SDHSAA Class 11AAA preseason No. 1 ranked Tigers to the state semifinals as a senior captain for head coach Brandon White. Other accolades earned include a pair of First Team All-Metro Conference and First Team All-ESD Conference honors. Sam is the son Mike (former Big East kicker at Temple University) and Jenny Knuth. He also has a twin brother Jonah, and his older brother Jacob is currently a scholarship quarterback at Kansas State University.
 

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RUNNING BACKS
 
"We are very excited about both running backs that will be joining us in the fall," stated graduate assistant coach Nick Stazer. "Trent Rosenau is a guy who can do it all. Trent was a player we were able to evaluate last summer at camp and from that point on we were excited to see how he would grow throughout his final season. Austyn Hernandez, a player from Highland High School in Northern California, is someone who brings a new dimension to our backfield. Both are excellent athletes, and we are excited to see how they develop over the next few years."
 
Austyn Hernandez // Running Back // 5' 10" // 180 lbs // Bakersfield, Calif. // Highland H.S.
In three prep seasons at Highland High School and Garces Memorial High School, Hernandez carried the ball 288 times for 1,494 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and 12 touchdowns. In 2023 at GMHS he was named All-South Yosemite River League as one of just five skill players, posting career-highs in carries (133), rushing yards (726), and touchdowns (5) in the year. Then in just five games at HHS due to an injury in 2024, he recorded 98 carries for 501 yards and three touchdowns, while also hauling in 12 receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown, helping him earn First Team Kill Player and All-League honors at the running back position. The 2024 Bulldog team he was a part of went 11-5 and won a CIF Division 4-AA regional championship before falling by two in the state title game to St. Vincent de Paul. Austyn is the son of Anthony Hernandez and Krystal Sanchez. He also has three siblings, Anthony, Axel, and Kali Hernandez.
 
Trenton Rosenau // Running Back // 6' 0" // 200 lbs // Gillette, Wyo. // Campbell County H.S.
A 3-year starter and senior captain for head coach Orah Garst and Campbell County High School, Rosenau was a 3,000-yard running back for the Camels. He went back-to-back in 2023 and 2024 as a 1,000-yard rusher, leading the Division 4A in Wyoming in rushing yards both seasons with 1,271 and 1,344 yards respectively. He accumulated a total of 26 touchdowns in his prep career, with 15 in his junior season and ten in his senior season. Rosenenau was a 2-time Wyoming Coaches Association Division 4A All-State selection (2023 and 2024) and a 2-time Wyoming Division 4A East First Team All-Conference honoree (2023 and 2024). During his final season of high school football, he helped lead Campbell County to a 9-2 record and state semifinal appearance. Trenton is the son of Lindsey and Nate Kintz, and Nik and Brandy Rosenau. He has four siblings, Lilly, Hadley, Dom, and Tyson.
 

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WIDE RECEIVERS
 
"Super excited for this class of wide receivers we are bringing in," said quarterbacks coach Drake Davidson. "A wide diversity of backgrounds and personalities that all exemplify the WE over ME mindset and will be great fits for the team. From work ethic and physicality, to explosiveness and being electric with the ball in their hands; this group has guys that can do it all! Lots of talent coming in locally, as well from many other states! Excited for the future!"
 
Brevon Doss // Wide Receiver // 5' 11" // 180 lbs // Greeley, Colo. // University H.S.
A 2023 CHSAA Class 2A First Team All-State wide receiver, Doss will bring his talents to Spearfish in the fall and add to a talented wide receiver room for the Yellow Jackets. A 4-year letterwinner, 3-year starter, and 1-year team captain for head coach Casey Doss and University High School, he hauled in 58 receptions for 925 yards, averaging 15.9 yards per reception, and nine touchdowns. Additionally, he was a threat in the rushing attack for the Bulldogs, recording 1,855 yards on 145 carries, averaging 12.8 yards per carry and finding the end zone 12 times in his career. During the standout junior season in which he was also named Patriot League East Player of the Year, he rushed for 955 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per carry, and tallying 631 yards receiving for six touchdowns and an average of 16.2 yards per reception. The 2023 season resulted in an 8-3 record for UHS and a quarterfinal CHSAA Class 2A playoff appearance. A multi-sport standout, Doss ran to a state title in the CHSAA State Track & Field Championships in the 200m dash. Brevon is the son of Ashley and Casey Doss, and has one sibling, Henson Doss. His uncle, Aaron Cummings, spent one season as a tight end at the University of Oklahoma before a career ending injury resulted in him becoming a graduate assistant for the Sooners.
 
Zayne Huber // Wide Receiver // 5' 11" // 160 lbs // Buffalo, Wyo. // Buffalo H.S.
The 2024 WHSAA Class 3A-East Special Teams Player of the Year, Zayne Huber, will be a Yellow Jacket in the fall of 2025. He was a 4-year letterwinner, 2-year starter, and 1-year team captain for head coach Ross Walker and Buffalo High School. In his first season as a varsity starter in 2023, he led the state of Wyoming in interceptions with six. He ended his prep career averaging 17.8 yards per catch, eight interceptions, and double digit touchdown receptions. To go along with Special Teams Player of the Year, he was also a 2-time all-conference selection and a 2024 all-state selection. Zayne is the son of David and Deedee Huber and has a brother, Dalton.
 
Logan James // Wide Receiver // 6' 0" // 222 lbs // Chandler, Ariz. // Hamilton H.S.
Seeing the field since he was a sophomore for head coach Travis Dixon and Hamilton High School, made his presence known at the wide receiver position. An Honorable Mention 6A Premier All-Region standout in his senior season, he tallied 43 receptions for 601 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 14.0 yards per catch. The breakout season in 2024 helped lead the Huskies to a 10-2 record as they reached the semifinals of the Arizona AIA Open Division State Playoffs. Highlighting his final season at HHS was a regular season finale performance that included nine receptions for 196 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a victory over Chandler, which then propelled the team into the postseason as an upset of No. 1 Marana followed two weeks later. Logan is the son of Amelia and Steve James, and he has two siblings, Keira and Taylor James.
 
LaBradian Keyward // Wide Receiver // 6' 1" // 171 lbs // Sacramento, Calif. // Sacramento H.S.
A 3-year starter and 2024 captain, Keyward closed out his prep career with over 1,000 all-purpose yards for head coach Kimbbie Drayton and Sacramento High School. Following his senior campaign which resulted in an all-league honor and a selection to the Optimus All-Star Game, he recorded 510 receiving yards on 32 receptions and in total had seven touchdowns, four 2-point conversions, and 595 all-purpose yards on offense. Additionally, he posted 29 total tackles, two interceptions, and forced one fumble on the defensive side of the ball in his final prep season as SHS went 9-4 and advanced to the semifinals of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Division 4 State Playoffs. During his three years with the Dragons, he recorded 52 receptions for 797 yards, 1,040 all-purpose yards, 11 touchdowns, four 2-point conversions, 79 total tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. LaBradian is the son of Sandra Key and Brandon Ward, and has six siblings, Unzil Williams, Deon Williams, Latreal Keyward, Donte, Braneyya Williams, and Kendra Jackson.
 
Chase Lofton // Wide Receiver // 6' 0" // 185 lbs // West Camas, Wash. // Union H.S.
The Yellow Jackets will add a standout 2-time first team all-league wide receiver from the Pacific Northwest in Lofton as he was a 4-year letterwinner, 3-year starter, and 2-year team captain for head coach Steve Pyne and Union High School. The wideout amassed 1,900 yards off 70 receptions, averaging 27.1 yards per reception and finding the end zone 19 times. Additionally, he made an impact defensively for the Titans as he totaled 145 tackles, four interceptions, one pick-6, one forced fumble, and one blocked punt in his prep career. Highlighting his UHS career was a junior season in which he caught 41 passes for 892 yards and eight touchdowns, while also making 95 tackles and returned one interception for a touchdown. Chase is the son of Lee, a former football and wrestling athlete at San Francisco State from 1994-97, and Kate Lofton. He also has two brothers, Trey and Parker Lofton.
 
Ryder Michalek // Wide Receiver // 6' 2" // 190 lbs // Chamberlain, S.D. // Wessington Springs H.S.
Black Hills State will keep one of the top wide receivers at home in the state of South Dakota as the Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central standout Ryder Michalek becomes a Yellow Jacket. The South Dakota Football Coaches Association Class 11B All-State receiver hauled in 58 receptions for 721 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, helping lead the Blackhawks to a 7-3 record that ended in the state semifinals. A 4-year prep career that resulted in 158 receptions, 2,311 yards, and 23 touchdowns, he spearheaded the offense for head coach Michael Schmitz as the team posted a record of 25-12 with four Class 11B playoff appearances. In addition to his 2024 all-state selection, he earned the accolade previously in 2023 to go along with being a 3-time honoree on the Southeast South Dakota Conference All-Conference team (2022, 2023, and 2024). He also competed with the Bauer's Elite Training Academy as he helped lead the team to a 31-4 record with two tournament championships and four runner-up finishes, playing among a group of 11 seniors committed to play football at the next level. Ryder is the son of Mandy and Marty Michalek, and he has three siblings, Garrett Wessel, and Colton and Tayzlee Michalek.
 
Quintin Miles // Wide Receiver // 5' 11" // 160 lbs // Queen Creek, Ariz. // Queen Creek H.S.
Under the guidance of head coach Travis Schureman at Queen Creek High School, who was the 2024 recipient of the Earl Putnam Coach of the Year Award by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation, Miles was a 2-year letterwinner, starter, and captain for the Bulldogs. He tallied 43 receptions, 700 receiving yards, 885 all-purpose yards, and eight touchdowns during his prep career. His senior season QCHS saw a seven win improvement from 2023 as the team advanced to the Arizona AIA 6A State Semifinals and finished the season with a 10-3 record. During the state semifinal run, Miles averaged 80.0 receiving yards per game and was recognized as Honorable Mention AIA 6A East Valley All-Region for the second consecutive season (2023 and 2024). Quintin is the son of Kevin and Rachel Miles, and he also has siblings Kevin, Tanner, Kayla, Allison, Sarah, Stephanie, Kristin, and Kristina.
 
Carter Ochoa // Wide Receiver // 5' 11" // 195 lbs // Chandler, Ariz. // Chandler H.S.
Ochoa, one of the top wide receivers in the state of Arizona will be a Yellow Jacket this fall, as the Honorable Mention AIA 6A All-State flex player helped lead head coach Rick Garretson and Chandler High School to Arizona AIA Conference 6A State Playoffs in 2024. As a senior he hauled in 56 receptions for 800 yards and ten touchdowns, which also earned himself First Team 6A Premier All-Region honors. It was his second consecutive season of 500 or more receiving yards as he also collected 40 receptions for 543 yards and four touchdowns for Second Team 6A Premier All-Region accolades. The 3-year letterwinner and starter, and 2-year captain, ended his prep career totals to 117 receptions, 1,739 yards, and 21 touchdowns. Carter is the son of Troy and Maxine Ochoa, and he has two brothers, Chase and Caden, and a sister, Jersey Ochoa. His father was a former student-athlete as well, completing his football career at Benedictine (1996-98), and his brother Caden recently completed his collegiate gridiron career at Texas A&M Kingsville in 2023.
 
Jacob Sullivan // Wide Receiver // 5' 10" // 185 lbs // Honolulu, Hawaii // Radford H.S.
A two-way player for head coach Fred Salanoa and Radford High School, Sullivan has excelled at both the wide receiver position and safety. In his prep career with the Rams, he totaled 91 receptions and 24 carries for 1,452 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns, while defensively he made 47 solo tackles and snagged nine interceptions. He was a Second Team All-OIA Division I selection at safety in 2024, making 20 tackles and collecting four interceptions to help RHS to a 5-4 record on the year, a 4-win improvement from the year prior, while offensively he made 44 receptions for 543 yards and seven touchdowns. Jacob is the son of Mary, a Black Hills State alumna, and James Sullivan. He also has three siblings, Lydia, a twin brother Owen who is also attending BHSU, and Clara.
 

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TIGHT ENDS
 
"We are super excited to keep two local kids close to home," commented tight ends coach Luke Ferdinand. "Both have different strengths that make them valuable to our room. I am excited to watch them challenge our older guys and compete for spots the day they step foot on campus."
 
Cort Catlin // Tight End // 6' 3" // 200 lbs // Gillette, Wyo. // Thunder Basin H.S.
One of the top dual-sport athletes in the state of Wyoming will make Spearfish his home for college football as Cort Catlin will enter the Yellow Jacket program as a tight end. On the offensive side of the ball, he hauled in 52 receptions for a total of 614 yards and three touchdowns over the past two seasons, earning First Team WHSAA Class 4A All-State honors in both 2023 and 2024. The all-around athlete was also dominant on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker for Trent Pikula and TBHS, totaling 204 tackles during his career to go along with a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery. As a senior in 2024 he went over the century mark in stops, tallying 103 tackles to put himself amongst the top in the state to also earn First Team WHSAA Class 4A All-State honors at his defensive position. After earning all-state honors on both sides of the ball in 2024 he was named to the Casper Star-Tribune's Super 25. During his time at Thunder Basin he also saw success on the wrestling mat as a 2-time WHSAA All-State wrestler in 2023 and 2024. He entered his senior season with a record of 79-26 which included winning a Class 4A state title at 195 pounds as a sophomore, was state runner-up as a junior at 190 pounds, and was third place as a freshman at 170 pounds. Additionally, he received NHSCA All-American honors as a wrestler in 2024 as he helped lead the Bolts to a team state title. Cort is the son of Janelle Catlin and has a pair of brothers, Dylan and lane, who both currently wrestle at the University of Wyoming.
 
Dalyn Dschaak // Tight End // 6' 2" // 205 lbs // Sturgis, S.D. // Sturgis Brown H.S.
A 2-way standout at nearby Sturgis Brown High School for head coach Chris Koletsky, Dschaak will be sliding into the tight end spot once he arrives in Spearfish next fall. He was a 4-year letterwinner, 3-year starter, and a 2-year captain (2023 and 2024) for the Scoopers, totaling 46 receptions, 574 yards, 12.47 yards per catch, and eight touchdowns during his prep career. On the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 34 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, one interception, and one defensive touchdown while staring at SBHS. Highlighting his prep career was recognition as Honorable Mention All-Black Hills Conference in 2023 after recording 25 receptions, 251 yards, three touchdowns, 10.04 yards per catch to go along with 23 tackles, one sack, one tackle-for-loss, one interception, and one defensive touchdown. He will be playing in the 2025 South Dakota Football Coaches Association All-Star Game on June 7 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings. Dalyn is the son of Ethan, a former Black Hills State quarterback (1992-96), and Shanna Dschaak. He also has one sister, Danica Dschaak.
 

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OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
 
"With 11 signees in our offensive line group we feel really good about how the room is shaping up," commented Breske. "We graduated two linemen this past season and have a host of young guys vying for spots. I wouldn't be surprised to see one or more of our new signees crack through the lineup this coming season. We have a good mix of offensive line signees with varying size and strengths, but they all have one thing in common – athleticism. This group moves extremely well and can execute blocks all over the field. Offensive line is the most important position group on the team as a whole and I can confidently say that these young men make us better. Moving the line of scrimmage and protecting the QB will be much easier with this talented group of linemen."
 
Tillman Coplen // Offensive Lineman // 6' 1" // 280 lbs // Mesa, Ariz. // Eastmark H.S.
An Arizona state champion is set to join the fold in the Yellow Jacket offensive line room as Coplen is set to make Spearfish his next home. A 4-year letterwinner, 3-year starter, and 3-year team captain for head coach Jason Lyons and Eastmark High School, he helped lead the Firebirds to the Arizona AIA State Playoffs. Highlighting the postseason appearances was a historic 2022 season that saw EHS post a 13-1 record en route to a Conference 3A State Title as they out-scored their opponents 649-212, an average score of 46.4-19.2 in their 14 contests. Coplen has been recognized in the Grand Canyon State as Second Team AIA 4A All-State in 2023, and First Team AIA 4A East Sky All-Region in 2023 and 2024. Tillman is the son of Heidi and Jerry Livingston, and Randy Coplen. He also has seven siblings, Kennadee, Warner, and Riggins Coplen, and Carter, Addison, Eastyn, and Lane Livingston.
 
Kade Hegedus // Offensive Lineman // 6' 4" // 315 // Long Beach, Calif. // Millikan H.S.
Hegedus was a 3-year starter for head Romeo Pellum and Millikan High School as he helped lead the team to a 20-14 record and three postseason appearances. While he earned First Team All-Moore League and Second Team Dream Team in 2024, the Rams posted an 8-3 mark on the season and went to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Football Championships as the offense averaged 46.4 points, 175.8 passing yards, 265.4 rushing yards, and 441.2 total yards per game. Kade is the son of Kimberly Frans, and he has one sibling, Kyla Hegedus.
 
Jesse Kirkbride // Offensive Lineman // 6' 3" // 275 lbs // Cheyenne, Wyo. // Cheyenne East H.S.
Kirkbride played a key role in a long stretch of success under head coach Chad Goff at Cheyenne East High School as the Thunderbirds made three consecutive Wyoming Class 4A State Championship Game appearances and combined for a 29-7 record during his prep career. Beginning to start as a junior, he surrendered just one sack in each of his final two seasons at CEHS. Kirkbride was recognized as Wyoming Class 4A First Team East All-Conference in 2023, followed by a Wyoming Class 4A First Team West All-Conference in 2024. Additionally, he was named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 in 2024. Jesse is the son of Cara Johnson and Ryan Kirkbride, and he has one sibling, Justin Kirkbride.
 
Kapono Mao // Offensive Lineman // 6' 0" // 315 lbs // Buena Park, Calif. // Millikan H.S.
Ranked as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, Mao was a 4-year letterwinner and starter, and 3-year team captain for head coach Romeo Pellum at Millikan High School. The 2-time Sunset and Moore League Offensive Lineman of the Year anchored the Rams o-line as they went 26-19 over his prep career, qualifying for the CIF Southern Section Playoffs on three occasions. He closed out his MHS career as the team posted an 8-3 mark on the season and went to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Football Championships as the offense averaged 46.4 points, 175.8 passing yards, 265.4 rushing yards, and 441.2 total yards per game. He's also earned recognition a 3-time first team all-league selection and a 2-time all-state honoree. Kapono is the son of Steve and Kelly Mao, and he has three siblings, Skyler, Sonny, and Kensi.
 
Brayden Michael // Offensive Lineman // 6' 2" // 285 lbs // Gilbert, Ariz. // Brophy College Prep
Michael was a 2-year letterwinner and 1-year starter for Brophy College Prep and head coach Jason Jewell. A First Team AIA 6A Central All-Region selection, he was among a dominant offensive line that saw all five starters commit to play at the next level. The Broncos entered the Arizona AIA 6A State Playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed and advanced to the semifinals before being upset by Mountain View by a single point (28-27). As the team posted a 10-3 record, their second consecutive 10-win season, Michael helped provide protection up front for one of the state's top offenses as they averaged 36.3 points, 398.6 total yards, 206.8 passing yards, and 191.8 rushing yards per game. Brayden is the son of Nancy and Rob Michael, and he has three brothers, Ryan, Bryce, and John.
 
Carver Miller // Offensive Lineman // 6' 1" // 255 lbs // Remsen, Iowa // MMCRU H.S.
Miller was among the top offensive linemen in northwest Iowa during his prep career, not surrendering a sack during his three varsity seasons for MMCRU and head coach Kyle Oswald. On the defensive side of the ball he recorded 30.5 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and three sacks. During his time with the Royals, he helped lead the program to their first-ever state playoff appearances as a school district with back-to-back second round appearances in 2023 and 2024. He was recognized as a Second Team Class A All-District One selection in 2024 and was nominated to play in the 2025 Iowa Shrine Bowl. Carver is the son of Jim and Traci Miller and has one brother, Cameron Miller, and one sister Courtney Wright.
 
Auryn Philipps // Offensive Lineman // 6' 3" // 277 lbs // Cave Creek, Ariz. // Cactus Shadows H.S.
Philipps helped anchor the Cactus Shadows High School offensive line and held punting duties for head coach Chris Dixon. A 3-year letterwinner and 1-year starter for the Falcons, he was a part of a 2024 team that went 7-5 overall and earned a spot in the Arizona AIA Conference 5A State Playoffs, the school's first postseason appearance since 2021 and their most wins since 2017. The CSHS offense averaged 43.1 points while tallying 227.3 passing yards, 257.0 rushing yards, and 484.3 total yards per game. Auryn is the son of David and Christina Philipps, and he has four siblings, Declan, Christian, Juda, and Jordan.
 
Adrian Rabun // Offensive Lineman // 6' 3" // 250 lbs // Longmont, Colo. // Skyline H.S. // Northern Colorado
Rabun joins the Black Hills State offensive line room as a transfer from NCAA Division I Northern Colorado, where he played in four games for the Bears in 2024. Prior to his lone season at UNC, he spent two seasons at the College of the Desert where he was second team all-conference in both 2022 and 2023, which included helping lead the team to a 7-3 record and a berth in the Southern California Bowl in 2023. In high school he was a 3-time first team all-conference honoree and garnered all-state recognition for Skyline High School. He was a 4-year starter for the Falcons and head coach Mike Silva, which saw his prep career highlighted by a CHSAA Class 4A State Championship his freshman year in 2018. Adrian is the son of Joshua Rabun and Laura Moreno, and he has four siblings, Josue Rabun, Keyshia Rabun, Michael Futrell, and Sebastian Futrell.
 
Gabriel Romero // Offensive Lineman // 6' 3" // 310 lbs // Mesa, Ariz. // Red Mountain H.S.
A 4-year letterwinner and 2-year starter at offensive tackle for head coach Kyle Enders and Red Mountain High School, Romero continues to add to the Arizona pipeline in the offensive line room. During his time as a Mountain Lion the program went a combined 34-19 on the gridiron with four appearances in the Arizona AIA Conference 6A State Playoffs. Highlighting the teams string of success was a Cinderella run through the playoffs in 2023 as Romero anchored the o-line for the No. 12 seed that went on to upset the No. 5 seed Mountain View, the No. 4 seed Pinnacle, and the No. 1 seed Brophy College Prep before falling in the state title game to No. 3 Saguaro. This past season Red Mountain went 7-4 while the offense averaged 32.5 points, 203.5 passing yards, 148.8 rushing yards, and 352.3 total yards per game. The versatile multi-sport athlete was not only a standout on the football field, but he was a state qualifier in wrestling and ranked eighth in the state in shot put for the sport of track & field. Gabriel is the son of Johannah and John Romero and has two siblings Mark and John Romero Jr.
 
Noah Schaefers // Offensive Lineman // 6' 9" // 294 lbs // Whitewood, S.D. // Sturgis Brown H.S.
Schaefers helped anchor the Sturgis Brown High School offensive line for head coach Chris Koletzky as a 3-year letterwinner and a 1-year starter. While the Scoopers only posted a 3-6 record during his senior season, among those three wins was a massive 15-10 upset of SDHSAA Class 11AA No. 4 Spearfish in the final week of the regular season, shaking up the state playoff seeding. As a starter during the 2024 campaign the SBHS offense averaged 18.1 points per game while totaling 375 passing yards and 781 rushing yards. Highlighting his prep career was a trip to the SDHSAA Class 11AA State Quarterfinals for Sturgis Brown in 2023 as the team posted a 6-4 record, the programs most wins since 2018. Noah is the son of Kelli and Sam Schaefers and has a sister, Olivia Schaefers.
 
Jax Waddell // Offensive Lineman // 6' 4" // 270 lbs // Chandler, Ariz. // Perry H.S.
Waddell was a 1-year starter and captain for Perry High School and head coach Joseph Ortiz. During the 2024 campaign the Pumas advanced to the Arizona AIA 6A State Quarterfinals for the second consecutive season as they recorded a 6-6 mark on the year. Helping pave the way for an offense that averaged 22.9 points per games to go along with 182.3 passing and 101.5 rushing yards per game as he was recognized as First Team AIA 6A Premier All-Region, First Team All-CUSD, and Honorable Mention AIA 6A All-State. He is the son of former collegiate student-athletes as his father, Michael, played football at Arizona State University and his mother, Natalie, played volleyball at Grand Canyon University. He has two siblings, Trace and Presley Waddell.
 
Jessie Wishon // Offensive Lineman // 6' 3" // 280 lbs // Long Beach, California // Millikan Senior H.S.
Ranked as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, Wishon was a 4-year starter and 1-year team captain for head coach Romeo Pellum at Millikan High School, helping anchor the Rams o-line as they went 26-19 over his prep career, qualifying for the CIF Southern Section Playoffs on three occasions. A 2-time First Team All-Moore League selection and a league offensive lineman of the year recipient, he closed out his MHS career as the team posted an 8-3 mark on the season and went to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Football Championships as the offense averaged 46.4 points, 175.8 passing yards, 265.4 rushing yards, and 441.2 total yards per game. Jessie is the son of Isaiah and Mariah Wishon.
 

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DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
 
"I am very excited about the defensive lineman we have signed," exclaimed defensive line coach Brendan Hopkins. "We made sure that all of these guys love football, and they bring a lot of physicality and athleticism up front. Most importantly, they are all very high quality young men and conduct themselves in the correct manner on and off the field. They are perfect fits within our team and #411 culture, and I can't wait to get these guys back on campus" 
 
Herschel Craig III // Defensive Lineman // 6' 4" // 230 lbs // Castle Rock, Colo. // Castle View H.S. // CSU Pueblo
One of two mid-year transfers for Black Hills State from RMAC foes, Craig joins the Yellow Jackets after spending two seasons at CSU Pueblo. While he did not see playing time for the ThunderWolves during his time with the program, he was a part of CSUP's conference title in 2024 in which they went 9-0 in league play and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs. While in Pueblo he earned recognition as a recipient of the 2023-24 D2ADA Academic Achievement Award and earned a spot on the 2023 RMAC Football All-Academic Honor Roll. Prior to attending CSU Pueblo, he played his prep career at Castle View High School under the guidance of head coach Todd Casebier. For the Sabercats he was a 3-year letterwinner, 2-year starter, and a 2-year team captain as a junior and senior. In 2020 and 2021 he led the team in sacks while posting 40+ tackles each year. His junior season he was recognized as second team all-state while as a senior he was an all-conference outside linebacker. Herschel is the son of Herchel Craig Jr., who played football at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Laura Campos. He also has three siblings, David, Rocco, and Malachi Craig.
 
Brayden Hime // Defensive Lineman // 6' 3" // 225 lbs // Torrington, Wyo. // Torrington H.S.
As a 3-year letterwinner, 2-year starter, and a 1-year team captain for head coach Russell Stienmetz and Torrington High School, Hime played a pivotal role on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Trailblazers. Beginning as just a starting offensive lineman in 2023 as a junior, he helped anchor the line that paved a way to a Wyoming Class 2A State Championship as THS defeated Big Horn 28-26. On the offensive line he went on to be recognized as a First Team Class 3A East All-Conference selection. He began to make his mark on the defensive side of the ball as a senior in 2024, making 38 total tackles for a 4.2 tackles per game average, while also recording two sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pass break-up as Torrington made their first postseason appearance at the Wyoming Class 3A level. Brayden is the son of Keri and Shane Hime, a former Black Hills State men's basketball player (1990-92), and he has a half-brother, Dylan Hime.
 
Cody Moore // Defensive Lineman// 6' 2" // 225 lbs // Loveland, Colo. // Loveland H.S.
Moore, a 2024 CHSAA Class 4A Honorable Mention All-State selection, will bring in another one of the top defensive linemen in Colorado. A 3-year letterwinner, 2-year starter, and a 2-year captain for head coach Allan Jeffries and Loveland High School, he tallied 196 total tackles, 48 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles. Along with receiving honorable mention all-state honors, the First Team All-North League 1 and Class 4A All-Playmaker's Corner Defensive End recorded 105 total tackles, 28 tackles-for-loss, 26 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble to help lead the Red Wolves to second round state playoff appearance. Also, among his prep highlights, he was a member of the LHS program that went 12-2 in 2022 and play for a CHSAA Class 4A title. Cody is the son of Amber and Christopher Moore.
 
Tatum O'Donnell // Defensive Lineman // 6' 2" // 220 lbs // Parker, Colo. // Legend H.S.
O'Donnell, a 2024 CHSAA Class 5A Second Team All-State selection, will give the Yellow Jackets one of the top defensive linemen in the state of Colorado. A 3-year letterwinner and 1-year starter at Legend High School for Monte Thelen, he played a major role in helping lead the team to a 12-2 record and a CHSAA Class 5A state title game appearance where the Titans fell in a tight 13-10 decision to No. Cherry Creek, a game in which he had seven tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a pair of quarterback hurries. After totaling just 22 total tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks in 25 games across his sophomore and junior seasons, his production saw a major spike as he tallied 105 total tackles, 21.0 tackles-for-loss, and 10.5 sacks in his senior campaign as he was also named 2024 First Team All-Continental League. He ended his LHS career with 127 total tackles, 22.0 tackles-for-loss, and 11 sacks. Tatum is the son of Chris and Shannon O'Donnell, and he has one sister, Avery O'Donnell. His mother is a former University of Wyoming cross country/track & field student-athlete (2002-04).
 
Tristan Pugal // Defensive Lineman // 6' 2" // 250 lbs // Temecula, Calif. // Great Oak H.S.
Set to join the defensive line room at Black Hills State next fall, Pugal was a two-way player for head coach Herschel Ramirez and Great Oak High School as he played both defensive end and tight end. While on the offensive side of the ball he accumulated 410 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his career, earning second team all-league honors as a tight end once during his three seasons on the gridiron. In his senior campaign he notched a total of 23 tackles on the year, including a pair of quarterback hurries as he helped the Wolfpack win at-least six games for the third consecutive season. In 2024 GOHS also advanced to the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 9 State Playoffs as they defeated Coachella Valley and St. Genevieve to reach that point. Tristan is the son of Cynthia and Mark, a former collegiate football and baseball player at UC Davis from 1998-2002), Pugal. He has four siblings, Jason, who is currently a football player at RMAC foe Chadron State, Kyle, Preston, and Quinten.
 
Caden Wasden // Defensive Lineman // 6' 5" // 240 lbs // Surprise, Ariz. // Paradise Honors H.S.
Wasden is another key piece to a new Yellow Jacket pipeline in Arizona as a versatile 4-year letterwinner and starter, and 1-year captain for head coach Josh Goodloe at Paradise Honors High School. He received AIA 3A Metro West All-Region honors all four seasons of his prep career, including a first team selection in 2021 as a defensive lineman, and three times was a second team pick as he played defensive line in 2022, linebacker in 2023, and defensive back in 2024. Wasden played a pivotal role in the success of the Panthers over the four year stretch, helping the team post a record of 31-16, highlighted by three Arizona AIA Conference 3A State Playoff runs and a title game appearance in 2023 when the team went 11-3. Caden is the son of Travis Wasden and Jaime Wasden-Ryum, and he has seven siblings, Chris, Zack, Colt, Cody, Ethan, Hailey, and Taylor.
 
Isaac Yore // Defensive Lineman // 6' 3" // 230 lbs // Castle Rock, Colo. // Castle View H.S.
Yore recorded a breakout senior season for head coach Frank Martin and Castle View High School in 2024, helping lead the team to a 7-4 record and a CHSAA Class 5A State Playoffs appearance. During his final season on the gridiron for CRHS, he tallied a total of 35 tackles with one sack and 12 quarterback hurries. While in his two seasons starting on the defensive line, the Sabercats posted a 15-8 record overall with back-to-back postseason appearances as he amassed 42 tackles, 12 quarterback hurries, and two sacks in his prep career. Isaac is the son of Benjamin and Marion Yore, and he has three siblings, Vivian, Emerson, and Adalyn.
 

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LINEBACKERS
 
"I'm very excited about the group of linebackers that will be joining us next year as part of the 2025 signing class," stated defensive coordinator and linebackers coach JB Brown. "These young men are not only extremely good football players but are high achievers in the classroom as well. This group includes guys from all over (California, Arizona, Wyoming) but they all share some very important traits in common. They are student-athletes whose high school coaches described them as leaders, hardworking, physical, and great teammates. Those are the kind of characteristics we look for in our linebacker room and I feel like this group of guys have a very bright future ahead of them here at Black Hills.
 
Carter Archuleta // Linebacker // 5' 11" // 220 lbs // Douglas, Wyo. // Douglas H.S.
Another one of the top defensive players in the state of Wyoming, and the school record holder in tackles at Douglas High School with 438 in his career, will make Spearfish his home for college football in the fall. Archuleta garnered Wyoming Coaches Association Class 3A First Team All-State honors in 2023 and 2024. In 2022 he spearheaded the Bearcats defense as the team reached the state semifinals while he led all classes in the state with 129 total tackles. The sophomore season was his first of three consecutive 100+ tackle seasons as he added 117 as a junior and 113 as a senior. Offensively in his prep career he also carried the ball for 1,118 yards and 19 touchdowns. In 2024 he was also named to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25. Carter is the son of Janae and Allen Archuleta, and he has two siblings, Rhett Wiliams and Jayden Archuleta.
 
Jose Cardenas // Linebacker // 6' 2" // 210 lbs // Phoenix, Ariz. // Central H.S.
Another Arizona prep standout joins the Yellow Jackets at the linebacker position as Cardenas was a 4-year letterwinner, 4-year starter, and 2-year captain at Central High School for head coach Chris Barrett. He averaged 8.5 tackles per game and a tallied a school-record 15 tackles-for-loss his senior season, helping land his second consecutive First Team AIA 5A Metro All-Region (2023 and 2024) selection. A year prior in just five games during his junior season, Cardenas tallied 40 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, and two sacks. He helped lead the Bobcats to back-to-back titles in the AIA Class 5A Metro Region in 2022 and 2023, as the team combined for a 17-4, including a trip to the Arizona AIA Class 5A State Playoffs in 2022 when they went 9-2 for their best record since 2006. Jose is the son of Debby Tavizon Stanton, Tomas Stanton, and Jose Cardenas. He also has three siblings, Alexis, Santiago, and Abigail.
 
Brody Krupp // Linebacker // 6' 1" // 222 lbs // Roseville, Calif. // Woodcreek H.S.
Krupp made an impact immediately once he stepped on the field as a freshman for head coach Bradley Hunkins and Woodcreek High School, setting the tone for a prep career that would include 1,756 rushing yards on 209 carries and 22 touchdowns on the ground, 523 receiving yards on 51 receptions and 11 touchdowns through the air, and then on defense, 315 tackles, 33.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks and eight pass break-ups. The 4-time first team all-league selection and 2024 Capital Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year closed out his Timberwolves career with a big senior campaign that saw him make 116 total tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss, and 3.0 sacks on the defensive side of the ball. He also received recognition as an all-state nominee this past season and was named Sac-Hi California All-State as a sophomore. During his four seasons on the gridiron, he helped Woodcreek to 33 wins, the most by a single player in school history as they posted back-to-back double digit win seasons with a 10-4 record in 2022 that ended in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Division 3 Section Playoff Semifinals, and then in 2023 the team went 11-2 and fell in the title game of the playoffs. Brody is the son of Raimi and John Krupp. He has three siblings, Tanner, Garrett, and Carter, who played football at BYU in 2021 and 2022.
 
Jayshon Liles // Linebacker // 6' 0" // 220 lbs // Queen Creek, Ariz. // Queen Creek H.S.
Under the guidance of head coach Travis Schureman at Queen Creek High School, who was the 2024 recipient of the Earl Putnam Coach of the Year Award by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation, Liles posted an impressive 151 total tackles in a breakout senior season for the Bulldogs. Garnering AIA Class 6A East Valley First Team All-Region during the 2024 campaign, of his 151 total tackles 16 resulted in a tackle-for loss to go along with 5.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries, two interceptions, eight pass break-ups, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. With the big senior season, he was a part of a massive turnaround at QCHS, which saw a seven win improvement from 2023 as the team advanced to the Arizona AIA 6A State Semifinals and finished the season with a 10-3 record. He ended his prep career with a total of 218 tackles, 233.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, three interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
 
Aaron Rivera // Linebacker // 6' 0" // 205 lbs // West Covina, Calif. // Charter Oak H.S.
A 2-time all-league linebacker and running back for head coach Dom Farrar and Charter Oak High School he helped lead the Chargers to three consecutive postseason appearances, including a 10-win 2022 season and an 8-win 2024 season. He posted back-to-back 70+ tackle seasons as a junior and a senior, recording 70 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble in 2023 before notching 75 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries in 2024. During his prep career for COHS he amassed a total of 165 tackles, 12.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six pass deflections, while on the offensive side of the ball he ran for 705 yards, six touchdowns, and hauled in eight receptions for 153 yards. Aaron is the son of Victor and Heidi Rivera, and he has one brother, Brian, and two sisters, Brooke and Aubrey.
 
Grant Thomson // Linebacker // 6' 0" // 215 lbs // Fairview, Wyo. // Star Valley H.S.
A 3-time state champion (2022, 2023, and 2024) and the 2024 Wyoming 3A Defensive Player of the Year will look to make a major impact in the Yellow Jacket linebacker room. Thomson was a starter on each title winning team at Star Valley High School and head coach McKay Young, also serving as a team captain in 2024. During his senior season he posted 58 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and one sack, while on the offensive side of the ball he rushed for 688 yards, averaging 9.1 yards per carry on 76 attempts and finding the end zone 12 times. In his prep career he totaled 237 tackles, ten tackles-for-loss, three sacks, and three interceptions. He was recognized as part of the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 on two occasions in 2023 and 2024, while also being named Wyoming Coaches Association Class 3A All-State both seasons as well. The multi-sport athlete secured a fifth place finish in the 190 pound weight class of the Wyoming Class 4A State Wrestling Tournament. Grant is the son of Kyle, a former University of Kansas football player (1994-96) and New York Giants and New York Jets minicamp invitee, and Ehryn Thomson. He also has three siblings, Cloe, Emma, and Travis.
 
Cash Tillard // Linebacker // 5' 9" // 185 lbs // Douglas, Wyo. // Douglas H.S.
A 4-year letterwinner, 2-year starter, and 1-year captain for head coach Drew Hodgs at Douglas High School, Tillard posted a strong junior and senior season for the Bearcats. The 2023 and 2024 all-conference selection after posting 45 tackles and 65 tackles respectively each season. Along with the all-conference selection in 2024, he also earned all-state recognition as he added four tackles-for-loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. In his first season of seeing action in 2022, he added 23 tackles as he helped lead DHS to a state semifinal appearance in the WHSAA Class 3A Playoffs as the team posted an 8-2 record on the season. Cash is the son of TK, a former Black Hills State football player, and Ashlee Tillard, and he has one sibling, Cecee Tillard.
 
Keona Wisniewski // Linebacker // 5' 10" // 197 lbs // Powell, Wyo. // Powell H.S.
A 2-time Wyoming Coaches Association Class 3A First Team All-State linebacker (2023 and 2024) and a 2-time Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 selection (2023 and 2024), looks to add to a talented group of incoming linebackers for the Yellow Jackets. Under the guidance of head coach Chase Kistler, he helped lead Powell High School to back-to-back winning seasons his junior (7-3) and senior (6-4) seasons as he recorded 90+ tackles each year. During his three prep season he totaled 253.5 total tackles, 27 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries, four interceptions, four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns, and one safety. On the offensive side of the ball, he also starred as the quarterback, throwing the ball for 1,203 yards and 14 touchdowns, and running the ball for 442 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. Keona is the son of Deena and Waleryan Wisniewski, and he has four siblings, Kaili, Kamea, Kalia, and Akea. His mother, Deena, played basketball collegiate at Colorado Northwestern (1998-99), Western Wyoming (1999-2000), and the University of Providence (2000-02).
 

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DEFENSIVE BACKS
 
"We are extremely excited about the caliber of our defensive back signing class," said defensive backs coach Joe Sturdivant. "This group brings a combination of length, speed, and exceptional playmaking ability to our defensive back room. They are not only talented athletes, but also outstanding students who will thrive both academically and athletically here at Black Hills State. These young men understand the high standards we've set for them, and we are confident they will become key contributors to the success of our program."
 
Isaiah Ayers // Safety // 5' 9" // 195 lbs // Murrieta, Calif. // Murrieta Valley H.S.
Ayers was a 3-year letterwinner and starter, and 1-year team captain for head coach George Wilson at Murrieta Valley High School as he helped lead the Nighthawks to an 11-3 record and a CIF Southern Section Division 2 State Title Game appearance in 2024. Following his senior year which saw him record 91 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, three interceptions, three pass break-ups, and two forced fumbles, he was named All-Big West-Upper League for the second consecutive season, earned First Team All-Inland Empire Region and First Team All-CIF, and was selected to play in the Riverside County vs. San Bernardino County All-Star Game. He closed out his prep career with a total of 194 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, six interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Isaiah is the son of Patrick and Sara Ayers, and he has a sister Kaylin, and a brother, Josiah.
 
Dominic Girard // Cornerback // 5' 11" // 175 lbs // Mesa, Ariz. // Home Schooled
One of the top cornerbacks in the largest class in the state of Arizona, Dominic Girard, will make Spearfish his home for college football as the Mesa Mountain View star chooses the Yellow Jackets. The 3-year letterwinner and starter, and 2-year captain his junior and senior seasons, he completed his prep career with 155 total tackles, 110 solo tackles, 32 pass break-ups, 13 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and three touchdowns. Along with the impressive stat line, Girard was recognized as a 3-time Class 6A All-Region selection in 2022, 2023, and 2024. During his senior campaign he recorded 61 total tackles, 37 solo tackles, 15 pass break-ups, and six tackles-for-loss as the Toros went 12-2 on the year and advanced to the AIA Conference 6A State Title Game as the No. 4 seed. To advance out of the semifinals MMVHS knocked off No. 1 seed Brophy College Prep in a 28-27 thriller as he locked down a 3-star wide receiver and held him to just a single six yard reception on nine targets and made eight tackles in the contest. Dominic is the son of Jeff, a former Arizona State track & field athlete, and Megan Girard. He has six siblings, Mary Jane, John, Sarah, Maggie, Joseph, and James.
 
Desmin Joshway-Fairley // Cornerback // 5' 9" // 160 lbs // Los Angeles, Calif. // Downey High School
A two-way player that saw success at receiver and cornerback for head coach Jack Williams at Downey High School, Joshway-Fairley will enter the Yellow Jacket defensive backs room as a talented pass defender. He closed out his prep career with 96 tackles, 26 pass break-ups and 12 interceptions, while on the offensive side of the ball he recorded 62 carries for 402 yards and four touchdowns, as well as 94 receptions for 1,557 yards and 22 touchdowns. This past season he capped his time as a Viking by going 9-2 and going to the CIF Southern Section Division 2 Football Playoffs, posting 22 receptions, 408 yards, six touchdowns, 25 tackles, three interceptions, nine pass break-ups, and two fumble recoveries that went for touchdowns. Throughout his high school career was a 2-time First Team All-League selection, league offensive player of the year, a 2-time all-state nominee, and an all-purpose player of the year recipient. Additionally, this past January he was a two-way player in the AIGA Foundation Polynesian Bowl Game. Desmin is the son of Shanay Joshway and has two siblings, Kevin Hardy III and Kylie Wright.
 
Darien Kattner // Safety // 5' 11" // 160 lbs // Queen Creek, Ariz. // Queen Creek H.S.
Under the guidance of head coach Travis Schureman at Queen Creek High School, who was the 2024 recipient of the Earl Putnam Coach of the Year Award by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation, Kattner was a 3-year letterwinner, 2-year starter, and a 1-year captain for the Bulldogs. He tallied 140 total tackles (87 solo tackles), 30 pass break-ups, and nine interceptions during his prep career. His senior season QCHS saw a seven win improvement from 2023 as the team advanced to the Arizona AIA 6A State Semifinals and finished the season with a 10-3 record. During the state semifinal run, Kattner posted 86 total tackles, four tackles-for-loss, one sack, 21 pass break-ups, four interceptions, and 206 kick-off return yards en route to being recognized as First Team AIA 6A East Valley All-Region.  Darien is the son of Krista and Rick Reiling, and Richard Kattner. He also has siblings Westyn Claypool, Ainsley Reiling, and Trinity Enterkin.
 
Melvin Lipsey // Defensive Back // 5' 11" // Hayward, Calif. // Hayward H.S. // Chadron State
One of two mid-year transfers for Black Hills State from RMAC foes, Lipsey joins the Yellow Jackets after spending one season at Chadron State. He saw the field in nine games for the Eagles in 2024, totaling seven tackles and two pass break-ups during the year. Prior to his time at CSC, he played two seasons at Laney College where as a freshman in 2022 he totaled eight tackles in eight games and then in 2023 he totaled 18 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one forced fumble, and one interception in five games. He played his prep career at Hayward High School. Melvin is the son of Melvin and Shelia Lipsey.
 
Patrick Lynch // Safety // 5' 11" // 192 lbs // Gillette, Wyo. // Campbell County H.S.
Lynch ended his prep football career as a Wyoming Coaches Association Class 4A First Team All-State selection as he spearheaded the defense and helped led head coach Orah Garst and Campbell County High School to a state semifinal appearance in 2024. His senior season the team captain posted numbers such as 60 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, one fumble recovery, one interception, two pass break-ups, and one blocked kick. Overall, he closed out his career with the Camels with 115 total tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, five pass break-ups, one defensive touchdown, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. As a high-level multi-sport athlete was a part of the Team Wyoming Hockey Program that won the 2024 national title, leading the team in points, and also led his high school to back-to-back state championships in 2023 and 2024. The 3-time first team all-state selection (2022, 2024, and 2025) finished his time on the ice as the all-time leading scorer in Wyoming state history with 489 points. Additionally, he saw success on the soccer pitch, leading the state in saves in three consecutive seasons (2022, 2023, and 2024), and earning first team all-conference goalkeeper in each of those respective seasons. Patrick is the son of Danielle Record.
 
Zachariah Stowe // Safety // 6' 2" // 175 lbs // Chandler, Ariz. // Hamilton H.S.
A 2024 Honorable Mention AIA 6A Premier All-Region selection for Hamilton High School and head coach Travis Dixon, Stowe was a Safety for the Huskies AIA Open Division State Playoff run. During HHS's 10-2 season that resulted in a state semifinal appearance, he recorded 63 total tackles, 26 of which were solo stops. Additionally, in the year prior as a junior, he notched 12 total tackles with six solo stops and an interception as Hamilton went 7-4 and qualified for the postseason. Zachariah is the son of Elise and Tyronne Stowe, who played football at Rutgers and spent ten years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, and Seattle Seahawks. He has three siblings, Brittany, Tyrah, and Samuel.
 
Caleb Wahlman // Defensive Back // 5' 11" // 190 lbs // Anchorage, Alaska // Robert Service H.S.
Wahlman will reunite with former high school teammate and fellow Alaskan, Sebastian O'Farrell next fall when he joins the Yellow Jackets after a high school career that included being a 4-year letterwinner and starter, and a 2-year captain for head coach Kahlil Bolling at Robert Service High School. Highlighting his prep career was recognition in 2023 as not only a first team all-conference defensive back and wide receiver but earning recognition at both positions as an all-state selection. His junior campaign saw him haul in 720 receiving yards, average 21.8 yards per catch, and record ten touchdowns, while on the defensive side of the ball he notched 98 total tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Throughout his four seasons with the Cougars, he amassed a total of 183 tackles, seven interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 14.5 tackles-for-loss as he helped the program to four consecutive appearances in the ASAA First National Bowl State Championships, including a state semifinal appearance in 2023. Caleb is the son of Greg Wahlman, and Jane and Joel Wagner. He has two siblings, Cai and Jacob Wahlman.
 
Tyson Watson // Cornerback // 6' 0" // 170 lbs // Littleton, Colo. // Arapahoe H.S.
A 3-year letterwinner, 2-year starter, and a senior captain for head coach Tyler Brayton at Arapahoe High School, Watson emerged onto the scene with a breakout senior season for the Warriors. After posting 30 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, four interceptions, and seven pass break-ups on the defensive side of the ball, and then on the offense he tallied 37 receptions for 516 yards and four touchdowns to earn himself a spot on the all-conference team as an athlete and recognition as a Playmaker's Corner Top Defensive Back in CHSAA Class 5A. His final year at AHS the team went 8-4 and advanced to the second round of the CHSAA Class 5A Playoffs, marking their second consecutive 8-win season. He ended his prep career with a total of 57 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, four interceptions, and 14 pass break-ups as a defensive back. Tyson is the son of Chris and Julie Watson and has two siblings, Jalen and Quentin Watson.
 

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SPECIAL TEAMS
 
"This year there wasn't a huge need to go out and find multiple kickers and punters," said Breske. "However, we're very fortunate to say that the top kicker/punter athlete on our board committed and signed with us. Mason Crosby out of Chaparral High in Parker, Colorado was our top specialist recruit this year. As a strong punter and a reliable kicker, he provides a lot of versatility to our specialist group. Additionally, we signed long snapper Cim Long out of Loveland HS in Colorado. I'm excited to see how these two guys will compete with our veterans and add value to the team."
 
Mason Crosby // Kicker/Punter // 5' 11" // 172 lbs // Parker, Colo. // Chaparral H.S.
A 4-year letterwinner and starter for head coach Matt Littleton at Chaparral High School, Crosby has emerged not only as one of the top specialists in the state of Colorado but in the nation. Ranked as the No. 1 punter in the state and No. 2 in the country via MaxPreps stat leaders, he earned Sports Illustrated All-American honors as he averaged 50.4 yards per punt on 40 attempts, including a long of 82 yards and seven pinned inside of the opponent's 20-yard line. He ended his prep career with 118 punt attempts and an average of 42.6 yards per punt. Additionally, he recorded 92 kickoff attempts with an average of 45.2 yards per kick, went 61-of-65 on extra point attempts, and was 5-of-10 on field goal attempts with a long of 49 yards during his prep career. Crosby was a Second Team All-CHSAA Class 5A selection in 2024 and was an Honorable Mention All-CHSAA Class 5A selection in 2023. Mason is the son of Heather and Les Crosby. He has three siblings, Madelyn, Everly, and Emma Crosby, who is currently a pitcher for the Wagner College softball program.
 
Cim Long // Long Snapper // 6' 0" // 205 lbs // Loveland, Colo. // Loveland H.S.
A 3-year starter and a 2-year team captain during his junior and senior seasons for head coach Alan Jeffries, Long brings in experience as both a long snapper and a linebacker. As a linebacker he was a 2-time First Team All-Northern Conference selection in 2023 and 2024, he helped lead the Red Wolves to the CHSAA Class 4A State Playoffs in three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024). He amassed 174 total tackles and two interceptions during his prep career, and was highlighted by a junior campaign that saw him tally 96 total tackles, an interception, and a sack. Assuming the role as starting long snapper as just a sophomore on a team that went 12-2 and made a postseason run to the state title game, he has emerged as one of the top recruits in the class at the position.  He received an invite to play in the Gametime Senior Bowl in in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 11, as well as the U.S. Army Bowl National Combine Series in Denver, Colorado, on May 11.
Cim is the son of Hannah, a former CSU Pueblo track & field athlete (1998-2003) and Paul Gattanella, and he has two siblings, Bailee and Carson.
 

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2025 SIGNING CLASS BY THE NUMBERS
 
Signees by Position:
Offensive Linemen (12): Tillman Coplen, Kade Hegedus, Jesse Kirkbride, Kapono Mao, Brayden Michael, Carver Miller, Auryn Philipps, Adrian Rabun, Gabriel Romero, Noah Schaefers, Jax Waddell, Jessie Wishon
 
Defensive Backs (9): Isaiah Ayers, Dominic Girard, Desmin Joshway-Fairley, Darien Kattner, Melvin Lipsey, Patrick Lynch, Zachariah Stowe, Caleb Wahlman, Tyson Watson
 
Wide Receivers (9): Brevon Doss, Zayne Huber, Logan James, LaBradian Keyward, Chase Lofton, Ryder Michalek, Quintin Miles, Carter Ochoa, Jacob Sullivan
 
Linebackers (8): Carter Archuleta, Jose Cardenas, Brody Krupp, Jayshon Liles, Aaron Rivera, Grant Thomson, Cash Tillard, Keona Wisniewski
 
Defensive Linemen (7): Herschel Craig III, Brayden Hime, Cody Moore, Tatum O'Donnell, Tristan Pugal, Caden Wasden, Isaac Yore
 
Running Backs (2): Austyn Hernandez, Trenton Rosenau
 
Special Teams (2): Mason Crosby, Cim Long
 
Tight Ends (2): Cort Catlin, Dalyn Dschaak
 
Quarterbacks (1): Sam Knuth
 
Signees by State:
 
Arizona (14): Jose Cardenas, Tillman Coplen, Dominic Girard, Logan James, Darien Kattner, Jayshon Liles, Brayden Michael, Quintin Miles, Carter Ochoa, Auryn Philipps, Gabriel Romero, Zachariah Stowe, Jax Waddell, Caden Wasden
 
California (11): Isaiah Ayres, Kade Hegedus, Austyn Hernandez, Desmin Joshway-Fairley, LaBradian Keyward, Brody Krupp, Melvin Lipsey, Kapono Mao, Tristan Pugal, Aaron Rivera, Jessie Wishon
 
Wyoming (10): Carter Archuleta, Cort Catlin, Brayden Hime, Zayne Huber, Jesse Kirkbride, Patrick Lynch, Trenton Rosenau, Grant Thomson, Cash Tillard, Keona Wisniewski
 
Colorado (9): Herschel Craig III, Mason Crosby, Brevon Doss, Cim Long, Cody Moore, Tatum O'Donnell, Adrian Rabun, Tyson Watson, Isaac Yore
 
South Dakota (4): Dalyn Dschaak, Sam Knuth, Ryder Michalek, Noah Schaefers
 
Alaska (1): Caleb Wahlman
 
Hawaii (1): Jacob Sullivan
 
Iowa (1): Carver Miller
 
Washington (1): Chase Lofton