Northwest Missouri State University head football coach John McMenamin and his coaching staff have announced the addition of 41 Bearcats for their 2026 signing class.

Following an MIAA championship season, McMenamin is excited about the direction of Bearcat football as the program welcomes its Class of 2026.
 
"This recruiting class brings elite talent, physicality and a winning mentality to Bearcat football," McMenamin said. "The Class of 2026 understands what it takes to compete at a championship level, and we can't wait to see the impact these young men make both on and off the field as they continue to uphold our standard."
 
McMenamin credited the success of the 2026 class to the collective efforts of the Bearcat coaching staff.
 
"Our entire coaching staff deserves tremendous credit for the work that went into this class," McMenamin said. "Their ability to come together as a unified group and invest the time, energy and care required throughout the recruiting process was outstanding. This wasn't just about identifying talented football players—it was about finding individuals who truly embody Bearcat DNA. These recruits are exceptional young men, and we're excited to begin working with them."
 
McMenamin also acknowledged the important role played by the families who support the program behind the scenes.
 
"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our coaches' wives for the sacrifices they make and for their commitment to helping us recruit," McMenamin said. "Their time, support and involvement make a meaningful difference, and their willingness to welcome recruits and their families into the Bearcat community speaks volumes about the culture we're building at Northwest."
 
McMenamin concluded by recognizing the broader support system that continues to elevate the Bearcat football program.
 
"A sincere thank you to Bearcat Nation," McMenamin said. "From our passionate fans and families to University employees, support staff and local businesses, your support is invaluable. I also want to thank our academic department for the time they dedicated to connecting with our recruits, which left a lasting impression. A special thank you to Doug Russell for his leadership and commitment to our student-athletes. The involvement of our faculty reinforced what we already know—Northwest Missouri State University is a special place. When you're recruiting something you truly believe in, that authenticity resonates.
 
Breakdown by State: Nebraska (14), Missouri (9), Kansas (8), Iowa (4), Florida (2), Wisconsin (2), Arkansas (1), Colorado (1).
 
Defensive Line (6)
Ryan Deakins                 DE           6'5"       240         Harrisburg, Mo./Father Tolton Catholic
Ryan is a long, athletic edge defender with an explosive first step and natural pass-rush ability. He wins with speed, counters with power, and uses his length to disrupt blockers at the point of attack. A three-sport athlete and all-district selection, Ryan consistently handles his business both on and off the field.
 
Roch Emanuel               DT           6'5"       265         Kansas City, Kan./Piper
Roch is a first-team all-state and all-conference defensive lineman with position versatility and toughness. A multi-sport athlete who also plays baseball, he was a true two-way player who rarely left the field. Roch projects as an anchor inside who can play multiple positions.
 
Nate Marable                  DT           6'4"       275         Omaha, Neb./Millard North
Nate is a disruptive interior defensive lineman with great pop on contact and strong block-shedding ability. He shows impressive quickness off the ball for his size and consistently causes problems against double teams. Nate plays with toughness, violence, and effort — exactly what we want inside.
 
Evan Middleton            DE           6'4"       220         Manhattan, Kan./Manhattan
Evan is a dynamic, high-impact edge defender who can change the game. A first-team all-state and all-conference selection, he recorded 8.5 sacks and two defensive touchdowns this past season. His speed, explosiveness and effort make him an ideal fit for our defensive front.
 
Frank Stephenson     DE           6'5"       245         Warrensburg, Mo./Warrensburg
Frank is a dominant edge presence and an enforcer in the run game. A first-team all-state, first-team all-Simone, and two-time first-team all-conference player, he is a constant disruptor and a nightmare for offensive linemen. We're excited to develop his physicality and motor at the next level.
 
Elijah Wray                        DE           6'6"       260         Racine, Wis./St. Catherine's/Concordia-St. Paul
Elijah is a transfer from Concordia-St. Paul who has a lot of game experience last season. With his frame, he can lock out opponents and be physical at the point of attack. With his strength and speed, he has a good skill set and natural act to rush the passer. Elijah has played in a similar system and a great addition to the defense. We are very happy to add him to our room with his experience.
 
Linebackers (6)
Tyson Bronson              LB           6'1"       210         O'Fallon, Mo./Orchard Farm
Plays with speed and violence. His ability to run will allow him to do multiple things as an outside Linebacker in our system. He can cover a lot of ground in a hurry. Also, a standout running back for his team. Team captain on a team that made a playoff run at the 4A level in Missouri. Missouri Sports Talk Co-Linebacker of the Year, all-conference, all district, third-team all-state LB. Had 118 Total Tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and 19 TFLs in his senior season. Also had 534 rushing yards, 126 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns on offense.  
 
Noah Hodge                     LB           6'0"       210         Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease
Dynamic linebacker from the state of Florida. Team Captain and three-year starter from perennial powerhouse Nease High School. Explosive and strong athlete that can cover a lot of ground from the Middle LB position. Has all the traits we look for in a Mike LB in our system. All-district and all-county his senior year. Won the Leadership Award for his team. Had 107 total tackles, 13 TFLs, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles his senior year. Also volunteered as a youth flag football coach in his community. 
 
Luke Orrick                       LB           6'3"       215         Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley Southwest
Long, athletic and intelligent player that has the length we look for in a strongside outside linebacker in our system. He grew up around the game, with his dad being the head coach of his high school team. A team captain that played with a ton of passion. First-team East Kansas League, SIK first-team all-state (5A), SIK Kansas Big Class Top 100 Seniors list. Selected to play in the Kansas Bowl game. Finished his senior year with 88 total tackles, 13.5 TFLs and two sacks.  
 
Jackson Redman        LB           6'1"       234         Little Rock, Ark./Joe T. Robinson
Intense player on the field and an outstanding student in the classroom. He is a big, physical linebacker that can play multiple positions. Could play up on the line of scrimmage, can rush the passer and can play off the ball in space. Very active player on film. Was a team captain for his state championship team his senior season. A 4.0 student that was all-state linebacker his junior and senior years, Sports Illustrated Arkansas Defensive Player of the Year, and seventh in Arkansas state history for sacks. Had 111 total tackles, 16 TFLs, 57 QB hurries, six sacks, three passes defended, a safety, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery his senior season. Also registered three rushing touchdowns on offense. 
 
Quinton Warren           LB           6'2"       220         Omaha, Neb./Westside
Possesses a great combination of size, strength and athleticism for the linebacker position. Can play off the ball from an inside backer position, up on the tight end on the line of scrimmage and as a flat defender. Two-time team captain for a championship program. Named to the all -metro team and all-state honorable mention. Had 65 tackles, 16 TFLs, and 5 PBUs to go along with 12 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown from the H Back position. 
 
Maguire Richman       LB           6'1"       219         Leawood, Kan./Blue Valley/Kansas State
Standout linebacker from Blue Valley High School in Kansas. He's a 3-star prospect in the class of 2025. Viewed as the 85^th-best inside linebacker in the Class of 2025 by ESPN, while Rivals ranked him the eighth-best overall prospect in the state of Kansas. Earned all-state honors as both a junior and senior from the Wichita Eagle, Sports in Kansas and KSHSAA Covered. Named a finalist for the 2023 Simone Award as the top player in the Kansas City metro area. Finished his career as Blue Valley's all-time leading tackler with 353 total stops. Had several Division I offers out of high school. Explosive athlete with ideal size for an MIAA linebacker that will be able to play inside or outside in our system.
 
Defensive Backs (8)
Christian Boles            CB          6'1"       180         Gretna, Neb./Millard North
Christian is a long, fast and physical corner who shows toughness disengaging blocks and finishing tackles. His speed is evident in coverage and in the return game. He played a key role in his team's late-season winning streak and playoff push.
 
Damion Bridges           CB          5'10"    175         Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease
Damion is a versatile, athletic corner who excels in press man and multiple zone coverages. His film shows many of the techniques and responsibilities we ask our corners to execute. He brings competitiveness, versatility, and athleticism to the defensive back room.
 
Parker Hunt                      S               6'2"       185         Lee's Summit, Mo./Blue Springs South
Parker is a long, physical safety whose explosion and short-area quickness jump off the film. He's always around the football and plays with confidence and urgency. A multi-year starter for a top Missouri program at Blue Springs South, Parker brings consistency and toughness to the backend.
 
Elijah McFadden         S               6'1"       190         Manhattan, Kan./Manhattan/MidAmerica Nazarene
Elijah is an experience safety from a top NAIA program. He has played a lot of college football and at a very high level. He was a first-team all-conference player in the fall and was the National Player of the Week during his Sept. 22 game. Elijah has done a great job so far, and we look for him to continue to grow.
 
Reid McIntyre                 S               6'1"       185         Omaha, Neb./Westside       
Reid is a long, rangy safety with tremendous range and physicality in the run game. A two-year starter for one of Nebraska's top programs at Westside, he understands what it takes to win. He plays fast, physical and with excellent football awareness.
 
Elijah Mitchell               S               5'10"    185         Omaha, Neb./Millard South
Elijah is a high-level cover safety with elite change of direction and strong ball skills. A two-year starter for a program that won state championships in both his junior and senior seasons, he knows how to play winning football. His playmaking ability will elevate our secondary.
 
Isaiah Wapelhorst    CB          6'1"       185         Norfolk, Neb./Norfolk
Isaiah is a rangy, physical corner who uses his length to eliminate receivers. At our team camp, his talent and competitiveness were undeniable. Throughout his high school career, offenses avoided his side of the field due to his playmaking ability.
 
DeKarai Weaver          CB          6'0"       173         St. Louis, Mo./East St. Louis
DeKarai (DK) is a long corner with top-end speed and elite athletic traits that immediately stand out on film. He started at East St. Louis, competing weekly against a national-level schedule and top talent. That experience will help him transition smoothly to the college game.
 
Specialists (3)
Davis Barr                          P               6'2"       190         Olathe, Kan./De Soto/Hutchinson/Central Oklahoma
Davis is an experienced punter who has been a two-year starter in college and produced at a high level. He is athletic, can move and pro-punt and is also an excellent holder. His experience will be a major asset to our specialists group.
 
Nolan Iverson                P               6'0"       185         Omaha, Neb./Gretna East
Nolan is a skilled punter with the ability to both pro-style punt and move the pocket. He excels at directional punting, which is critical for coverage success. Having played in big games for a top Nebraska program at Gretna East, the moment will never be too big for him.
 
Drake Knobloch          LS            6'2"       268         Winterset, Iowa/Winterset/Iowa State/Baylor
Drake is a big, athletic long snapper with Division I game experience. His consistency and skill set are immediately noticeable. As the brother of current Bearcat offensive lineman Beau Knobloch, we're excited to welcome him into the program.
 
Skill Positions (3)
Jaidyn Doss                      WR         5'11"    190         Kansas City, Mo./Raymore-Peculiar/Nebraska/Kansas
Jaidyn is electric with the ball in his hands and keeps fans on the edge of their seats. A first-team all-state performer, he finished his high school career with over 2,000 receiving yards and nearly 1,000 rushing yards. His return ability and explosiveness can change games. He signed with Nebraska out of high school.
 
Gary Hill III                        WR         6'1"       190         Lee's Summit, Mo./Blue Springs South
Gary is an explosive playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. You want the ball in his hands with space to operate. He finished his high school career as the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards at Blue Springs South.
 
Eli Johnson                        WR         6'3"       205         Omaha, Neb./Westside
Eli is an electric football player who consistently made highlight plays on offense, defense, and special teams. A two-time all-state performer and team captain, he scored touchdowns in all three phases and impacted games in multiple ways. His ability to stretch the field vertically and his leadership make him a difference-maker.
 
Offensive Line (8)
Nolan Duffy                      OL           6'6"       305         Janesville, Wis./Janesville Craig
Nolan is a two-time All-Big Eight Conference selection from Wisconsin with a tremendous frame at 6'6", 300 pounds. A standout basketball player who averages a double-double, his athleticism and footwork are elite. He's a physical finisher with a very high ceiling.
 
Owen James                    OL           6'3"       265         Omaha, Neb./Westside
Owen is a dominant offensive lineman from Omaha Westside and a first-team all-state selection. A natural leader and fierce competitor, he is also a Northwest legacy. His athleticism and toughness make him an ideal fit inside.
 
Colton McClish            OL           6'5"       300         Urbandale, Iowa/Johnston
Colton is a physical offensive lineman who can move defenders off the line of scrimmage. A second-team all-state selection in Iowa's largest class, his toughness and ability to control the trenches stood out throughout the evaluation process.
 
Konnor Perks                  OL           6'4"       250         Kansas City, Mo./Liberty North
Konnor has a great frame, good feet and plays with length and physicality. An all-conference selection, he stood out at camp with his competitiveness and effort. We're excited to continue his development.
 
Jack Robinette              OL           6'2"       265         Omaha, Neb./Skutt Catholic
Jack is a two-time all-state offensive lineman from Omaha Skutt and a state champion. He's an absolute mauler who plays tough, physical football. Coming from a Nebraska powerhouse, he understands how to compete at a high level.
 
Owen Sutter                    OL           6'2"       260         Yutan, Neb./Yutan
Owen is an all-state defensive lineman transitioning to the offensive line with toughness and high football IQ. He plays relentlessly and has the athleticism to thrive on the interior. He fits exactly what we want up front.
 
Matt Thulin                        OL           6'5"       275         Weston, Neb./Bishop Neumann Central
Matt is a state champion and a first-team all-state offensive lineman from Nebraska. At 6'5", 275 pounds, he has great length, strong feet and plays physical football. When the game was on the line, he was the player they ran behind.
 
Cohen Vannausdle   OL           6'4"       270         Granger, Iowa/Johnston
Cohen is an athletic lineman with great feet and a physical finishing mentality. A second-team all-state selection in Iowa's largest class, he consistently stood out at summer camps with his competitiveness and motor.
 
Running Backs (3)
Jaron Cannon Jr.         RB           5'11"    175         Omaha, Neb./Omaha North
Jaron rushed for 1,625 yards and 21 touchdowns and earned all-state honors. He's a powerful, downhill runner with breakaway ability and versatility. His 312-yard, four-touchdown performance earned Athlete of the Week recognition.
 
Adam Gisler                     RB           5'9"       185         Platte City, Mo./Platte County
Adam is lightning in a bottle and a two-time state champion. He rushed for more than 3,000 yards in his high school career and scored a 98-yard touchdown in his final game. His ability to line up in the backfield or out wide creates matchup problems.
 
Reggie Reece                  RB           6'0"       210         Shawnee, Kan./Mill Valley
Reggie is a big, physical running back who rushed for 1,948 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior. An all-state selection, he combines downhill power with breakaway speed. We're excited to get him fully healthy and rolling.
 
Quarterbacks (3)
Drake DeGroote          QB          6'1"       185         West Des Moines, Iowa/WDM Valley
Drake was a three-year starter who threw for nearly 2,000 yards and rushed for over 500 while totaling 29 touchdowns his senior year. A first-team all-district and all-state selection, he's a true dual-threat quarterback.
 
Michael Knudsen       QB          6'4"       205         Gretna, Neb./Gretna
Michael was named Class B Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for a state-record 3,690 yards. He possesses an elite arm, toughness, and mobility, along with strong leadership traits that will elevate the quarterback room.
 
Drew Raymond             QB          6'3"       195         Timnath, Colo./Timnath
Drew set school records for passing yards and passing touchdowns and earned first-team all-conference honors. He was impressive at our summer camp with his arm strength and ability to make difficult throws. Drew brings confidence, poise and a downfield presence.
 
Tight Ends (1)
Austin Zeller                    TE            6'4"       215         Mayetta, Kan./Jackson Heights
Austin was named a Kansas first-team all-state tight end this year, but he is a not only a great player, but an even better human being. Austin is going to do great things for us on the field because of his versatility and competitive drive. Coming from a smaller school, he was asked to line up in different spots and do a lot of different things, and he excelled at everything he was asked to do. Super fired up to get him on campus!
 
2026 Bearcat Football Recruiting Class
Davis Barr                       P               6'2"       190         Olathe, Kan./De Soto/Hutchinson CC/Central Oklahoma
Christian Boles               CB             6'1"       180         Gretna, Neb./Millard North
Damion Bridges              CB            5'10"    175         Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease
Tyson Bronson                LB            6'1"       210         O'Fallon, Mo./Orchard Farm
Jaron Cannon Jr.            RB            5'11"    175         Omaha, Neb./Omaha North
Ryan Deakins                 DE            6'5"       240         Harrisburg, Mo./Father Tolton Catholic
Drake DeGroote             QB            6'1"       185         West Des Moines, Iowa/WDM Valley
Jaidyn Doss                   WR            5'11"    190         Kansas City, Mo./Raymore-Peculiar/Nebraska/Kansas
Nolan Duffy                    OL             6'6"       305         Janesville, Wis./Janesville Craig
Roch Emanuel               DT             6'5"       265         Kansas City, Kan./Piper
Adam Gisler                  RB              5'9"       185         Platte City, Mo./Platte County
Gary Hill III                    WR            6'1"       190         Lee's Summit, Mo./Blue Springs South
Noah Hodge                  LB             6'0"       210         Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease
Parker Hunt                    S              6'2"       185         Lee's Summit, Mo./Blue Springs South
Nolan Iverson                 P              6'0"       185         Omaha, Neb./Gretna East
Owen James                 OL             6'3"       265         Omaha, Neb./Westside
Eli Johnson                   WR            6'3"       205         Omaha, Neb./Westside
Drake Knobloch             LS            6'2"       268         Winterset, Iowa/Winterset/Iowa State/Baylor
Michael Knudsen          QB            6'4"       205         Gretna, Neb./Gretna
Nate Marable                DT             6'4"       275         Omaha, Neb./Millard North
Colton McClish              OL            6'5"       300         Urbandale, Iowa/Johnston
Elijah McFadden            S              6'1"       190         Manhattan, Kan./Manhattan/MidAmerica Nazarene
Reid McIntyre                S               6'1"       185         Omaha, Neb./Westside          
Evan Middleton              DE           6'4"       220         Manhattan, Kan./Manhattan
Elijah Mitchell                  S            5'10"     185         Omaha, Neb./Millard South
Luke Orrick                    LB            6'3"       215         Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley Southwest
Konnor Perks                OL            6'4"       250         Kansas City, Mo./Liberty North
Drew Raymond             QB           6'3"       195         Timnath, Colo./Timnath
Jackson Redman          LB            6'1"       234         Little Rock, Ark./Joe T. Robinson
Reggie Reece              RB            6'0"       210         Shawnee, Kan./Mill Valley
Maguire Richman         LB            6'1"       219         Leawood, Kan./Blue Valley/Kansas State
Jack Robinette             OL            6'2"       265         Omaha, Neb./Skutt Catholic
Frank Stephenson       DE            6'5"       245         Warrensburg, Mo./Warrensburg
Owen Sutter                 OL            6'2"       260         Yutan, Neb./Yutan
Matt Thulin                   OL            6'5"       275         Weston, Neb./Bishop Neumann Central
Cohen Vannausdle      OL            6'4"       270         Granger, Iowa/Johnston
Isaiah Wapelhorst        CB           6'1"       185         Norfolk, Neb./Norfolk
Quinton Warren           LB            6'2"       220         Omaha, Neb./Westside
DeKarai Weaver         CB            6'0"       173         St. Louis, Mo./East St. Louis
Elijah Wray                 DE            6'6"       260         Racine, Wis./St. Catherine's/Concordia-St. Paul
Austin Zeller               TE            6'4"       215         Mayetta, Kan./Jackson Heights