Griz announce 2026 roster additions

2/3/2026 1:34:00 PM | Football

By: Montana Sports Information

The Montana Grizzlies unveiled the complete 2026 signing class on Wednesday, adding a total of 44 players to the roster with 20 additions from the high school ranks and 24 transfers inked on National Signing Day.

UM balanced out its classes after losing 27 players to graduation in the fall. Of the 44 total signees, 20 are true freshmen, two redshirt freshman joined the program, nine sophomores, six juniors, four seniors, and three graduate transfers have all been added to the roster.

Montana continued to focus on in-state recruiting with 11 new signees hailing from the Treasure State, followed by eight each from California and Texas, six from Washington, three from Oregon, two from Arizona, and one each from Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Tennessee, and Utah.

The Griz added talent to the roster as well with a total of 14 players in the class that were rated a three-star prospect or better coming out of high school.

2026 Winter Transfers

No.	Name	Yr.	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown
1	Ryder Barinowski	Jr.	K	6-0	210	Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS / Montana Tech
2	Mariano Birdno	R-So.	TE	6-5	260	Flagstaff, Ariz. / Flagstaff HS / St. Thomas
3	Reese Brooks	R-Fr.	TE	6-4	240	Round Rock, Texas / Cedar Ridge HS / Cal Poly
4	Jack D'Ambra	Gr.	OL	6-3	290	Wildomar, Calif. / Vista Murrieta HS / San Diego
5	Dyllan Drummond	R-So.	OL	6-4	305	Tyler, Texas / Chapel Hll HS / UNLV
6	Devin Dunn	R-Sr.	DB	5-10	189	Chandler, Ariz. / Chandler HS / Arizona
7	Jace Eastlick	R-So.	LS	6-3	225	Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / Coeur d'Alene HS / Fort Lewis
8	Justin Eklund	R-Sr.	LB	6-2	235	Rocklin, Calif. / Folsom HS / Bowling Green
9	Adama Fall	Gr.	S	6-3	210	Simi Valley, Calif. / Simi Valley HS / Arizona St.
10	Hunter Haines	R-So.	S	6-2	205	West Linn, Ore. / West Linn HS / San Diego St.
11	Hayden Hanks	R-So.	DL	6-3	285	Thompson Falls, Mont. / Thompson Falls HS / Boise St.
12	Chris Johnson II	R-So.	CB	6-1	200	Fort Worth, Texas / Aledo HS / Arizona St.
13	Tyler King	R-Jr.	DL	6-5	250	Happy Valley, Ore. / Clackamas HS / Central Washington
14	Legend Lyons	R-Fr.	WR	6-2	180	Covina, Calif. / Charter Oak HS / Minnesota
15	Naiteitei Mose	R-Sr.	LB	6-0	230	Euless, Texas / Trinity HS / Georgetown
16	Braeden Orlandi	R-Jr.	S	6-1	205	Valley Springs, Calif. / Calaveras HS / Carroll
17	Ashton Paine	R-Jr.	DB	6-1	195	Olympia, Wash. / Tumwater HS / South Dakota
18	Dylan Paine	Gr.	RB	5-9	202	Olympia, Wash. / Tumwater HS / Washington St.
19	Landon Ransom-Goelz	R-Jr.	WR	6-1	185	Trophy Club, Texas / Byron Nelson HS / Rice
20	Wyatt Redding	R-Sr.	K/P	6-1	196	Sumner, Wash. / Sumner HS / Central Washington
21	Gabe Stroud	R-So.	CB	5-11	186	Whitehouse, Texas / Whitehouse HS / North Texas
22	Nui Tovey	So.	DE	6-3	240	Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lakeridge HS / Utah Tech
23	Campbell Vandiver	R-Jr.	OT	6-8	280	Nashville, Tenn. / Lipscomb Academy / South Carolina
24	Tanner Williams	R-So.	LB	6-1	225	Orange, Calif. / Mater Dei HS / San Diego St.

2026 High School Signees

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown / Previous School
1	Cooper Cyphers	DL	6-2	230	Aledo, Texas / Aledo HS
2	Wesley Ehret	WR	6-2	180	Belgrade, Mont. / Belgrade HS
3	Merek Fisher	TE	6-6	230	Billings, Mont. / Skyview HS
4	Dawson Hammond	ATH	6-0	170	Malta, Mont. / Malta HS
5	Brady Jay	QB	6-1	180	Moses Lake, Wash. / Moses Lake HS
6	Kougar Kappel	S	6-0	180	Red Lodge, Mont. / Red Lodge HS
7	Dane Kellner	S	5-11	170	Honolulu, Hawaii / Punahou HS
8	Owen Liechti	OL	6-7	285	Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny HS
9	Parker Link	ATH	5-10	170	Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS
10	Cooper Neer	LB	6-3	205	Kennewick, Wash. / Kennewick HS
11	Jayden Nicholas	CB	6-0	170	Suisun City, Calif. / De La Salle HS
12	Mac Olsen	DL	6-4	245	Manti, Utah / Manti HS
13	Derek Opitz	DT/LS	6-3	250	Helena, Mont. / Capital HS
14	Evan Pyron	DE	6-3	225	Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS
15	Elijah Rincon	DE	6-3	230	Hacienda Heights, Calif. / Downey HS
16	Courtney Rogers	RB	6-2	200	Blytheville, Ark. / Blytheville HS
17	Lincoln Senter	ATH	6-5	250	Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS
18	William Snell	WR	6-4	195	Billings, Mont. / Central HS
19	Rodney Weatherspoon	CB	6-0	175	Fort Worth, Texas / Byron Nelson HS
20	Josiah West	OL	6-6	260	Prosser, Wash. / Prosser HS

Class Breakdown

States Represented	Transfer	High School	Total
MT	2	9	11
CA	6	2	8
TX	6	2	8
WA	3	3	6
OR	3	0	3
AZ	2	0	2
AR	0	1	1
HI	0	1	1
IA	0	1	1
ID	1	0	1
TN	1	0	1
UT	0	1	1
Total	24	20	44

Position Groups	Transfer	High School	Total
DL	3	5	8
S/DB	5	2	7
OL	3	2	5
CB	2	2	4
LB	3	1	4
WR	2	2	4
ATH	0	3	3
K/P/LS	3	0	3
TE	2	1	3
QB	0	1	1
RB	1	1	2
	24	20	44

By Class
Fr	20
R-Fr.	2
So	9
Jr.	6
Sr.	4
Gr.	3
	44

2026 Transfer Signees

No.	Name	Yr.	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown
1	Ryder Barinowski	Jr.	K	6-0	210	Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS / Montana Tech
2	Mariano Birdno	R-So.	TE	6-5	260	Flagstaff, Ariz. / Flagstaff HS / St. Thomas
3	Reese Brooks	R-Fr.	TE	6-4	240	Round Rock, Texas / Cedar Ridge HS / Cal Poly
4	Jack D'Ambra	Gr.	OL	6-3	290	Wildomar, Calif. / Vista Murrieta HS / San Diego
5	Dyllan Drummond	R-So.	OL	6-4	305	Tyler, Texas / Chapel Hll HS / UNLV
6	Devin Dunn	R-Sr.	DB	5-10	189	Chandler, Ariz. / Chandler HS / Arizona
7	Jace Eastlick	R-So.	LS	6-3	225	Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / Coeur d'Alene HS / Fort Lewis
8	Justin Eklund	R-Sr.	LB	6-2	235	Rocklin, Calif. / Folsom HS / Bowling Green
9	Adama Fall	Gr.	S	6-3	210	Simi Valley, Calif. / Simi Valley HS / Arizona St.
10	Hunter Haines	R-So.	S	6-2	205	West Linn, Ore. / West Linn HS / San Diego St.
11	Hayden Hanks	R-So.	DL	6-3	285	Thompson Falls, Mont. / Thompson Falls HS / Boise St.
12	Chris Johnson II	R-So.	CB	6-1	200	Fort Worth, Texas / Aledo HS / Arizona St.
13	Tyler King	R-Jr.	DL	6-5	250	Happy Valley, Ore. / Clackamas HS / Central Washington
14	Legend Lyons	R-Fr.	WR	6-2	180	Covina, Calif. / Charter Oak HS / Minnesota
15	Naiteitei Mose	R-Sr.	LB	6-0	230	Euless, Texas / Trinity HS / Georgetown
16	Braeden Orlandi	R-Jr.	S	6-1	205	Valley Springs, Calif. / Calaveras HS / Carroll
17	Ashton Paine	R-Jr.	DB	6-1	195	Olympia, Wash. / Tumwater HS / South Dakota
18	Dylan Paine	Gr.	RB	5-9	202	Olympia, Wash. / Tumwater HS / Washington St.
19	Landon Ransom-Goelz	R-Jr.	WR	6-1	185	Trophy Club, Texas / Byron Nelson HS / Rice
20	Wyatt Redding	R-Sr.	K/P	6-1	196	Sumner, Wash. / Sumner HS / Central Washington
21	Gabe Stroud	R-So.	CB	5-11	186	Whitehouse, Texas / Whitehouse HS / North Texas
22	Nui Tovey	So.	DE	6-3	240	Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lakeridge HS / Utah Tech
23	Campbell Vandiver	R-Jr.	OT	6-8	280	Nashville, Tenn. / Lipscomb Academy / South Carolina
24	Tanner Williams	R-So.	LB	6-1	225	Orange, Calif. / Mater Dei HS / San Diego St.

2026 Transfer Class Player Bios

1) Ryder Barinowski / Jr. / K / 6-0 / 210 / Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS / Montana Tech

2026 (Jr. – Montana): Comes to Montana after two seasons in Butte as the kickoff specialist at Montana Tech where he totaled 10,151 yards on 166 attempts to average 61.2 yards with 95 touchbacks, making him one of the most best at the position in the NAIA.

2025 (So. – Montana Tech): Totaled 4,999 yards on 84 kickoffs with 53 touchbacks for an average of 59.5 yards per attempt in 13 games for the Diggers, one of the top totals in NAIA… Also logged three tackles… Also competed in track & field at Tech in the 100 & 200 sprints

2024 (Fr. – Montana Tech): Earned the starting kickoff job as a freshman for the Orediggers... Led the NAIA with 5,152 kickoff yards and 42 touchbacks, an average of 62.5 yards per kickoff on 82 attempts… Set a Montana Tech school record with 10 touchbacks in a single game… Named Tech's Freshman Player of the Year

High School: Played both wide receiver and strong safety on top of handling kicking duties for the Whitefish Bulldogs under head coach Brett Bollweg, advancing to the playoffs in two seasons… Averaged over 57 yards per kickoff with 15 touchbacks on 31 attempts… Also handed punting duties, averaging 40.7 yards per attempt with a long of 77 yards his senior year… Went 71-83 (.855) on PATs and 10-14 (.714) on field goal attempts with a long of 39 yards in 28 career games according to MaxPreps.

2) Mariano Birdno / R-So. / TE / 6-5 / 260 / Flagstaff, Ariz. / Flagstaff HS / St. Thomas

2026 (R-So. – Montana): Expected to make an impact in the tight end room after joining the program in time for the spring semester… Will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

2025 (So. – St. Thomas): Appeared in four games for the Tommies, catching five passes for 76 yards and one TD… Had a season high three catches for 59 yards and a score at Idaho, with a long of 27 yards… Also rushed the ball one time for four yards

2024 (Fr. – St. Thomas): Appeared in 8 games as a freshman... Tallied two receptions for 28 yards.. Three kick returns for 80 yards... 26.7 yards a return… Named to the Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll

High School: As a senior in 2023, tallied 100 yards and a touchdown in season debut... Also recorded eight tackles, including two for loss... Served as a blocking tight end his junior season... Member of the club rugby team and maintained a 3.9+ GPA.

3) Reese Brooks / R-Fr. / TE / 6-4 / 240 / Round Rock, Texas / Cedar Ridge HS / Cal Poly

2026 (R-Fr. – Montana): Transferred to Montana in time for the spring semester with four years to play

2025 (Fr. – Cal Poly): Came on strong at the end of the season and played in three games as a true freshman for the Mustangs… Caught one pass at Northern Arizona for 17 yards… Also put in two tackles on the season

High School: A four-year varsity player, Brooks was named Second Team All-District tight end at Cedar Ridge... As a senior, accumulated 550 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns… Also ranked among the top players in Texas on defense with 7 interceptions and logged four forced fumbles… Also competed in basketball and track and was a regional contender in the high jump. He holds a 4.0 GPA… Also held an offer to NAU.

4) Jack D'Ambra / Gr. / OL / 6-3 / 290 / Wildomar, Calif. / Vista Murrieta HS / San Diego

2026 (Gr. – Montana): Expected to add a veteran presence on the Grizzly O-line after playing in 30 games at the University of San Diego where he was an all-league performer

2025 (Sr. – San Diego): Appeared in five games for the Torreros on the O-Line… Helped open up holes for the USD offense to rack up 1,868 rushing yards and 24 TDs on the season and helped create one of the top overall offenses in the Pioneer League… Was a PFL Academic Honor Roll member.

2024 (Jr. – San Diego): Appeared in seven games as a junior at USD… Logged one tackle at Drake

2023 (So. – San Diego): Appeared in all 11 games on the O-line and was an All-PFL honorable mention as a sophomore starter.

2022 (Fr. – San Diego): Started nine games on the O-Line as a true freshman and helped UND rush for over 1,000 yards and nine rushing TDs.

High School: Was named a school Scholar Athlete four times at Vista Murrieta… A two-time All-League First Team Selection and was named to the All-League Second Team once… Earned Southwestern League MVP honors and helped his team to three league championships… Won the "Dancing with the Broncos" competition, in which athletes from all sports danced against one another… Also was named "Mr. Bronco" after excelling in his school's talent show

Personal: Parents are Mike and Gabby D'Ambra… Father played baseball at Nevada… Brother Drew played baseball at Dixie State and Cal Poly Pomona

5) Dyllan Drummond / R-So. / OL / 6-4 / 305 / Tyler, Texas / Chapel Hill HS / UNLV

2026 (R-So. – Montana): Will add FBS experience to the O-line and expected to compete for playing time in his first season at UM… Joined the program ahead of the spring semester with three years left to play

2025 (R-Fr. – UNLV): Appeared in all 14 games as a backup guard for the Rebels helping them advance to the Mountain West Championship game and the Frisco Bowl… Helped UNLV produced the top scoring offense in the Mountain West averaging over 34 PPG and over 446 yards per game total.

2024 (Fr. – UNLV): Appeared in two games vs. Utah Tech and UNR.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2024 graduate of Chapel Hill HS... Rated a three-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports… Listed as the No. 166 interior offensive lineman in the Lone Star State by On3... A three-year letterwinner under coach Jeff Riordan… Helped guide the Bulldogs to a 13-3 season, a 4-2 league record and a state championship game berth... Also played baseball

PERSONAL: Majoring in business.

6) Devin Dunn / R-Sr. / DB / 5-10 / 189 / Chandler, Ariz. / Chandler HS / Arizona

2026 (R-Sr. – Montana): Will spend his senior season at UM after joining the program in the spring semester… Will add experience to the Grizzly defensive backfield with 15 career appearances at Arizona… Also received an offer to play at Air Force out of Arizona.

2025 (R-Jr. – Arizona): Played in all 13 games for the Wildcats, logging nine tackles and one pass breakup… Helped Arizona to a 9-4 record, a win in the Territorial Cup and an appearance in the Holiday Bowl… A member of the All-Big 12 Academic Team

2024 (R-So. – Arizona): Made one appearance against New Mexico on special teams during the 2024 season... Did not record a stat.

2023 (R-Fr. – Arizona): Made one appearance in the Valero Alamo Bowl during the 2023 season... Did not record a stat… A member of the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll

2022 (Fr. – Arizona): Did not see any action during the 2022 season as a redshirt.

High School: Made 127 total tackles over three seasons with Chandler High School... Recorded 53 solo and 74 assists with 5.5 tackles per game and 8.5 tackles for loss... Posted three sacks during his three seasons in high school... Made one interception and 10 pass deflections with one fumble recovery and four forced fumbles.

Personal: Son of James and Tina Dunn... Has one brother named Shaun... His father, James, played defensive back at Arizona State.

7) Jace Eastlick / R-So. / LS / 6-3 / 225 / Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / Coeur d'Alene HS / Fort Lewis

2026 (R-So. – Montana): Joined the program in time for the spring semester… Expected to compete for the starting long snapper job during spring ball.

2025 (R-Fr. – Ft. Lewis): Played in four games Ft. Lewis in the early part of the season.

2024 (Fr. – Idaho): Eastlick spent one season with the Vandals as a true freshman… Played in one game, making his collegiate debut against Abilene Christian... Did not record any statistics... Utilized a redshirt to retain a season of eligibility

High School: was a three-year varsity letterwinner at Coeur d'Alene High School... helped the Vikings to the State Championship game.

Personal: Son of Stacie and James Eastlick... Has one sibling, Jordyn... Enjoys fishing, listening to country music, and steak

8) Justin Eklund / Sr. / LB / 6-2 / 235 / Rocklin, Calif. / Folsom HS / Bowling Green

2026 (R-Sr. – Montana): Joined the program in time for the spring semester… Brings FBS experience to the linebacker room in his final season of eligibility

2025 (R-Jr. – Bowling Green): Appeared in seven games and made one start for the Falcons under head coach Eddie George… Totaled seven tackles (2 solo), .5 TFLs, and a fumble recovery on the year… Made two tackles against Lafayette… Made first career start against Cincinnati, logging two tackles on the day and recovering a fumble… Had a tackle at Louisville… Named to the All-MAC Academic Team

2024 (R-So. – Bowling Green): Appeared in 12 of BGSU's games… Totaled 15 tackles on the season… Posted a tackle in the season opener against Fordham… Made two stops at No. 25 Texas A&M… Tallied three tackles against NIU... Registered two tackles in the win vs. Kent State… Contributed three stops in the victory at Central Michigan… Recorded two tackles in the win vs. Western Michigan… Posted a stop in the victory at Ball State… Notched a tackle against Miami (OH)

2023 (R-Fr. – San Jose St.): Appeared in three games against Oregon State, Utah State, and Fresno State, but did not register any stats

2022 (Fr. – San Jose St.): Appeared in last three games of his freshman season at SJSU, retaining his redshirt… Made collegiate debut against Utah State and made his first career tackle… Also appeared against Hawaii and Eastern Michigan in the Potato Bowl

High School: Played linebacker his junior season and defensive end and outside linebacker as a senior at Folsom High for head coach Paul Doherty… In his two seasons, he was credited with 82 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery… He led the 2021 team in quarterback sacks with 5.5 as the Bulldogs advanced to the CIF Division I-AA state championship game… Was a two-time second-team All-Sierra Foothill League football honoree as a sophomore and junior… 2020-21 Sacramento Bee All-Metro selection

Personal: Son of Michelle and Eric Eklund… At Folsom High School where his dad Eric Eklund is an assistant principal, Justin was the public relations contact for the Associated Students Board (ASB)… Michelle Eklund, Justin's mom, is the chief communications officer for the Placer County Board of Education… Career goals are a college football coaching career or working in commercial real estate

9) Adama Fall / GS / S / 6-3 / 210 / Simi Valley, Calif. / Simi Valley HS / Arizona St.

2026 (Gr. – Montana): Joined the program at the start of the spring semester… Expected to add a veteran presence in the defensive backfield.

2025 (R-Sr. – Arizona St.): Appeared in three games for Arizona St., including wins over TCU, Texas Tech, and West Virginia…

2024 (R-Jr. – Arizona St.): Appeared in all 14 games for the Sun Devils, with all of his snaps being registered on special teams, totaling 110 snaps… Logged his first tackle against Iowa St.

2023 (R-So. – Arizona St.): Appeared in nine games for the Sun Devils, primarily on special teams

2022 (R-Fr. – Arizona): Was a squad member but did not see action

2021 (Fr. – Arizona): Utilized his redshirt

2020 (Fr. – Arizona): Did not see action in UA's condensed schedule

High School: Graduated from Simi Valley High School in California…Lettered three years in football, four years in track and field, and one year in basketball… As a senior compiled 40 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and one interception… Holds school record with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown… Two-time All-Conference and All-City selection…Earned All-District Coastal Canyon recognition three times… Competed in the long jump and triple jump in track and field

Personal: Son of Fatou Diouf…Half-brother Muhamad, three sisters, Arame, Fatou, and Seynabou

10) Hunter Haines / R-So. / S / 6-2 / 205 / West Linn, Ore. / West Linn HS / San Diego St.

2026 (R-So. – Montana): Joined the program in time for the spring semester with three years to play… Will add depth to the linebacker room and compete for reps on the field.

2025 (R-Fr. – San Diego St.): Played in all 12 games for the Aztecs, primarily on special teams… Did not register any stats.

2024 (Fr. – Washington St.): Appeared in four games, including the Holiday Bowl… Made his college debut against Utah State recording a tackle on kickoff… Primarily played on special teams… Utilized his redshirt season.

High School: Attended West Linn High School in West Linn, Oregon… As a senior helped lead his team to the Oregon State 6A semifinals… Was named the Oregon 6A and Three Rivers League Defensive Player of the Year… Was selected to the All-State Team and First-Team Three Rivers League… Recorded eight interceptions and three kickoff return touchdowns as well as 10 pass breakups and over 60 tackles… As a junior helped lead West Linn to a 6A State Championship… Was selected First-Team Three Rivers League… Was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

11) Hayden Hanks / R-So. / DL / 6-3 / 285 / Thompson Falls, Mont. / Thompson Falls HS / Boise St.

2026 (R-So – Montana): Joined the program in time for the spring semester after returning to football out of injury retirement… Will add size and strength to the D-Line

2025 (R-Fr. – Boise St.): Spent the season recovering from injury and did not see action.

2024 (Fr. – Boise St.): Was a redshirt and did not see action.

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247sports, on3 and ESPN… Rated as the No. 2 recruit in the state of Montana per 247Sports… Recorded 62 tackles in 10 games as a senior, including 13.0 TFLs and 9.0 sacks… Registered 19 total tackles and blocked a field goal in his final game… As a sophomore, made 19 tackles with seven sacks… Spent time on offense, totaling 56 pancake blocks in 26 games… Also ran the ball 35 times for 147 yards and three touchdowns… Three-time all-state honoree… Led Thompson Falls to the 2021 state title in 8-Man football… Holds the school record in bench press, squat and clean.

12) Chris Johnson II / R-So. / CB / 6-1 / 200 / Fort Worth, Texas / Aledo HS / Arizona St.

2026 (R-So – Montana): Joined the program at the start of the spring semester… Will add depth to the defensive backfield.

2025 (R-Fr. – Arizona St.): Was a squad member but did not see action

2024 (Fr. – Arizona St.): Did not see game action while redshirting at Arizona State

High School: A consensus three-star prospect by all major recruiting outlets… Ranked a Top-50 corner in the nation by On3 (No. 41), 247Sports (No. 45) and Rivals (No. 50)... All three outlets also rank Johnson as a Top-90 player in the talent-rich state of Texas, ranked as high as No. 69 in the state by On3… 247Sports' composite rankings have Johnson as a Top-500 prospect in the country
Has led Aledo to back-to-back UIL Texas 5A Division I state titles, capped by a perfect 16-0 record as a senior to close out his career… Recorded 54 tackles this season with 16 passes defended and two interceptions with a fumble forced… Johnson was named Second Team All-District as a junior after he recorded two interceptions, 29.5 tackles, two for loss and had two fumble recoveries for the year

Personal: Son of 11-year NFL veteran cornerback and Super Bowl Champion Chris Johnson

13) Tyler King / R-Jr. / DL / 6-5 / 250 / Happy Valley, Ore. / Clackamas HS / Central Washington

2026 (R-Jr. – Montana): Joined the program at the start of the spring semester and will compete for a starting position on the D-line… Comes to UM as a D-II All-American having played in 24 career games at CWU, making 69 tackles, 21 TFLs, 15.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

2025 (R-So. – CWU): Had a breakout season for CWU… Led the Lone Star Conference and was No. 8 in all of D-II in sacks with 13… Was second in the LSC & top 25 in D-II in TFLs as well with 17… Also logged 47 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 10 QB hurries, and 1 blocked kick in the playoffs… Named second team All-American by the AFCA and the Conference Commissioners Association… Named All-Super Region 4… Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-LSC.

2024 (R-Fr. – CWU): Appeared in all 12 games... Logged 22 tackles: 12 solo, 10 assisted... Had 4 tackles for loss for 15 yards lost... Earned 2.5 sacks for 13 yards lost... Had 2 quarterback hurries... Season-high 4 tackles came twice, first at West Texas A&M and then against Western Oregon... Season-high 1.5 tackles for loss including a 1.5 sack came at Angelo State.

2023 (Fr. – CWU): Was a redshirt and did not see action

High School: Earned Second Team All-State... First Team All-League... Was a two-star prospect according to 247Sports… Was the No. 25 rated player in Oregon for 247Sports… Also held an offer from Idaho…

14) Legend Lyons / R-Fr. / WR / 6-2 / 180 / Covina, Calif. / Charter Oak HS / Minnesota

2026 (R-Fr. – Montana): Joined the program in time for the spring semester and will look to break into the receiver rotation during spring ball.

2025 (Fr. – Minnesota): Was a redshirt and did not see action.

High School: Attended Charter Oak High School in Covina, California… Wore No. 6 for the Chargers and was coached by Dominic Farrar… As a senior, caught 55 passes for 879 yards and 12 touchdowns… As a junior, made 74 catches for 950 yards and seven touchdowns… A consensus three-star prospect… The No. 96 wide receiver in the class according to Rivals… Tabbed as the No. 51 player in the state of California by On3.

Personal: Son of Eboni Lawrence… Has three brothers (Kobe, King and Cash) and one sister (Aamira)… Cousin, Russell Westbook, is an NBA star who has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets… Westbrook was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2017 and is a former NBA All-Star who also led the NBA in scoring three times, led the league in assists three times and holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles.

15) Naiteitei Mose / R-Sr. / LB / 6-0 / 230 / Euless, Texas / Trinity HS / Georgetown

2026 (R-Sr. – Montana): Joined the team in the spring semester… Brings a veteran presence with 35 career appearances at Georgetown totaling 94 careers stops, 9 TFLs, and 1 sack with 1 INT, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

2025 (R-Jr. – Georgetown): Was an All-Patriot League second team linebacker and was a Phil Steele All-Patriot League pick as well… Played in all 12 games for the Hoyas…. Recorded a career high of 63 tackles (40 solo, 23 assists) on the season and a high of 13 tackles against Colgate… Returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown to secure a victory for the Hoyas at Bucknell…. Recorded one sack for a loss of seven yards, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five quarterback hurries.

2024 (R-So. – Georgetown): Appeared in four games for GU… Recorded three total tackles (one solo, two assists)… Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

2023: (R-Fr. – Georgetown): Saw action in 10 games for the Hoyas… Recorded 15 solo tackles and seven assists, including two tackles for a loss of 21 yards… Made one kick return for 46 yards and a touchdown… Tallied two blocked passes… Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week following 50-47 victory over Bucknell on the road 11/11… Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

2022: (Fr. – Georgetown): Played in all 11 games as a freshman…. In those games he totaled six tackles with one going for a loss.

High School: Three-time 6A All-District First Team and Academic All-District selection (2019-2021) to go along with Co-Defensive MVP (2021) and Defensive Newcomer of the Year (2019)… Competed in the shot put and discus for track & field at Trinity.

16) Braeden Orlandi / R-Jr. / S / 6-1 / 205 / Valley Springs, Calif. / Calaveras HS / Carroll

2026 (R-Jr. – Montana): Transferred to Montana in time for the spring semester… Chose UM over offers from Wyoming, Central Michigan, South Dakota State, Tennessee Tech, South Dakota, Stony Brook, Idaho State, EKU, and Bryant coming out of the transfer portal.

2025 (R-So. – Carroll): Earned second team AFCA NAIA All-American for the first time in his career as a key component to the Fighting Saints' Top-20 defense… Named Frontier Conference West Defensive Player of the Year… Led the NAIA in tackles, and was second in the nation in tackles per game (11.3)… Became the first Saint since 2013 to record 100 or more tackles in a season with 136 total stops… The 136 tackles was just 10 shy of matching the program record of 146… Also posted 6.5 tackles-for-loss for 33 yards, including a half sack, five pass break ups, a pair of interceptions for 49 yards, and one forced fumble… Named CSC Academic All-District

2024 (R-Fr. – Carroll): Named as a First Team Frontier Conference selection… Appeared in ten games… Made 77 total tackles with 3 tackles for loss… Had one interception and a fumble recovery… Also had 8 pass break ups.

2023 (Fr. – Carroll): Was a redshirt and did not see action.

High School: Orlandi was the Mother Lode League Offensive Player of the year at running back and a first-team all-conference safety at Calaveras HS. He was the league MVP for basketball and was a member of the league championship team in 2022. Off the field, Orlandi was named to the All-Academic team.

Personal: He is the son of Les and Nicole Orlandi and has two brothers (Kaven, Zaiden).

17) Ashton Paine / R-Jr. / DB / 6-1 / 195 / Olympia, Wash. / Tumwater HS / South Dakota

2026 (R-Jr. – Montana): Transferred to Montana in time for the spring semester, reuniting with his brother Dylan, also an addition to the Grizzly roster out of Washington State.

2025 (R-So. – South Dakota): Appeared in all 15 games for South Dakota after transferring to Vermillion from Pullman in the offseason… Put in 18 total tackles (14 solo) and added a pass breakup as a backup safety

2024 (R-Fr. – Washington St.): Appeared in the first four games on special teams for the Cougars... Missed remainder of the season with injury… Made collegiate debut and made one tackle in the season-opening win over Portland State… Appeared on special teams in wins over Texas Tech, Apple Cup over Washington, and San Jose State.

2023 (Fr. – Washington St.): Was a redshirt and did not see action

18) Dylan Paine / Gr. / RB / 5-9 / 202 / Olympia, Wash. / Tumwater HS / Washington St.

2026 (Gr. – Montana): Joined the program in time for spring as a grad transfer from WSU… Adds an immediate veteran presence in the RB room… Played in 25 games as a Coug, rushing for 254 yards on 49 attempts with 3 TDs, averaging 5.2 yards per attempts in his career… Reunited with his brother Ashton, also an addition to the Grizzly roster out of South Daktoa.

2025 (R-Sr. – Washington St.): Did not appear in a game while recovering from injury.

2024 (R-Jr. – Washington St.): Appeared in first five games… Rushed nine times for 40 yards with two touchdowns and long of 15… Had three carries in season-opening win over Portland State… Made a tackle in win over Texas Tech… Had six carries for 38 yards including pair of touchdown runs in double-overtime win over San Jose State… Made a tackle at No. 25 Boise State… Missed remainder of season with injury... Earned degree in marketing.

2023 (R-So. – Washington St.): Saw action in nine games, all in a reserve role… Missed three games due to injury… Rushed 25 times for 150 yards and a touchdown… Added 1 catch for five yards… Had season-bests of seven rushes for 71 yards and a touchdown in win over Northern Colorado… Had four rushes for 14 yards in season-opening win at Colorado State… Ran for 29 yards on five carries in win over Colorado… Had lone reception on year for five yards against Buffs… Added three carries for 23 yards against Arizona.

2022 (R-Fr. – Washington St.): Appeared in 11 games… Had 15 carries for 64 yards, averaged 4.3 yards-per-carry with a long of 13… Caught four passes for 33 yards with a long of 22… Named WSU Scout Team Player of the Week following win over Idaho… Made collegiate debut in win at No. 19 Wisconsin… Had three carries and caught one pass at Oregon State… Had two carries for 10 yards and caught three passes for 29 yards including 22-yard grab against No. 14 Utah… Had four carries for 20 yards in win at Stanford… Had six-yard carry in win over Arizona State… Had career-long 13-yard carry late in win at Arizona… Had two carries for 16 yards against Fresno State in LA Bowl.

2021 (Fr. – Washington St.): Did not appear in a game... Redshirt season.

2020 (Fr. – Washington St.): Preferred walk on in the fall... Did not appear in a game in shortened season

19) Landon Ransom-Goelz / R-Jr. / WR / 6-1 / 185 / Trophy Club, Texas / Byron Nelson HS / Rice

2026 (R-Jr. – Montana): Transferred to Montana in time for the spring semester… Will add immediate experience to a deep WR room as the former Rice Freshman of the Year… Caught 32 career passes for 443 yards and 4 TDs for the Owls in two seasons of action, averaging 10.5 YPC.

2025 (R-So. – Rice): Returned to action for the first time since 2023 and saw action in six games (3 starts) before missing the rest of the season with an injury… Caught six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown and ran the ball for 17 yards on five carries… Returned to the starting lineup vs. Prairie View and caught a season-high three passes for 36 yards, 34 of them coming on a touchdown pass from Chase Jenkins to extend the Owls' lead to 31-7… Also had starts against Charlotte and UConn… Academic All-American Conference… Rice Honor Athlete

2024 (R-Fr. – Rice): Did not see any action while sitting out the season… Academic All-American Conference

2023 (Fr. – Rice): True freshman who earned an immediate starting assignment and went on to be named the winner of the Joe F. Lipscomb Award as the team's top freshman... Averaged a team-leading 14.6 yards on 26 receptions for 380 yards and three touchdowns… Average per catch was second among freshmen in the AAC… Three TD receptions tied for second on the team and are the most by a true freshman since James Mayden had three in 2014… Became the first true freshman to start and opener for the Owls since 2006 when he made his debut at Texas… Shut out in the first two games and then amassed his 24 receptions over the last 10 games… First career reception was good for 44 yards vs. Texas Southern… Matched his career-long reception with a 44-yard touchdown vs. East Carolina to break a 17-17 tie with 6:24 left after the Pirates had just tied the game… Posted career-best totals with five receptions and 58 yards at Tulsa, including a 17-yard touchdown… Third TD was a 22-yard connection from AJ Padgett vs. UTSA.

High School: Team MVP, All-District 4-6A, and third-team TSWA All-State selection as a senior for coach Travis Pride as the Bobcats advanced to the Region 1 final for the second consecutive year (best finish in school history)… Led the district with 73 receptions for 1,339 yards (18.1 per catch) and tied for the team lead with 16 touchdown receptions… Caught four passes for 125 yards and two TDs vs. Keller Central and fellow signee Joseph Mutombo… Totaled 3,170 yards in receptions and 34 touchdowns in his career… 4-6A Utility Player of the Year as a junior… German Club, Art Club.

Personal: Full name: Landon Julius Ransom-Goelz… Parents: Chris Goelz and Leslie Ransom… Two sisters... A business major.

20) Wyatt Redding / R-Sr. / K/P / 6-1 / 196 / Sumner, Wash. / Sumner HS / Central Washington

2026 (R-Sr. – Montana): Will add immediate experience to UM's kicking game as a spring transfer and all-conference punter/kicker from CWU.

2025 (R-Jr. – CWU): Earned second-team All-Lone Star Conference honors as a standout punter and kickoff specialist for the Wildcats… Averaged just under 42 yards per punt (third in the LSC) in 12 games with 1,752 yards on 42 attempts… Placed 1 of those attempts in the 20, had seven punts of 50+ yards, and totaled 3 touchbacks and 11 fair catches… Also totaled an LSC-best 5,652 yards on kickoffs on 91 attempts, averaging 62.1 per kick with 45 touchbacks, the best net in the league… Put in six punts for 255 yards at 42.5 YPP with a long of 69 yards in CWU's loss at Montana.

2024 (R-So. – CWU): Played in 10 games for the Wildcats as the primary kickoff specialist… Led the best kickoff unit in the Lone Star Conference with 3,227 yards on 56 attempts to average just under 58 YPK with 14 touchbacks.

2023 (R-Fr. – Boise St.): Was a squad member but did not see action.

2022 (Fr. – Boise St.): Was a redshirt in his first season at Boise St. and did not see action.

High School: Three-time second-team all-state honoree…as a senior, had a 90 percent touchback rate and averaged 42 yards per punt…made career-long 54-yard field goal…went 4-for-5 on field goal attempts as a junior…had an 85 percent touchback rate and averaged 40.8 yards per punt…was a perfect 47-for-47 on PATs and made season-long 51-yard field goal his sophomore year.

21) Gabe Stroud / R-So. / CB / 5-11 / 186 / Whitehouse, Texas / Whitehouse HS / North Texas

2026 (R-So. – Montana): Transferred to Montana in time for the spring semester and will look to earn a place in the cornerback room.

2025 (R-Fr. – North Texas): Saw action in five games… Had a season-high two tackles in the win over Temple.

2024 (Fr. – North Texas): Appeared in four games as a true freshman… Preserved a redshirt season… Recorded five tackles on the season… Made his career debut and recorded his first career tackle against Wyoming... Had a career-high four tackles vs. Tulsa.

High School: Named an 8-5A First Team All-District selection at Whitehouse HS… Finished 2023 with 36 tackles, three interceptions, three PBUs, two TFLs and a forced fumble… Was also a dynamic kick returner with 264 return yards and a touchdown on just 12 total returns… Rated as a three-star prospect by On3… No. 192 player in Texas… No. 150 CB… Rated as a three-star prospect by 247… No. 189 player in Texas and No. 137 CB… Also competed on the track and field team.

22) Nui Tovey / So. / DE / 6-3 / 240 / Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lakeridge HS / Utah Tech

2026 (So. – Montana): Joined the program in the spring semester… Will add a mature presence in the D-Line room after spending three years on a mission.

2025 (Fr. – Utah Tech): Played in all 12 games for the Blazers as a backup outside linebacker… Logged 35 tackles (11 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QBH… Originally signed at Utah Tech in 2021 and just returned from an LDS Church mission

High School: Played three seasons at Lakeridge High School, where he was a two-time first team all-state selection and Defensive Player of the Year honoree in 2021… Racked up 112 total tackles with 23 solo stops and 7.0 sacks as a senior in 2021… Finished with 210 career tackles (62 solo) and nine sacks over his prep career... Also lettered in basketball… Was highly recruited out of high school with interest from BYU, UNLV, Colorado State, Oregon State, Northern Colorado, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth and Valparaiso

Personal: Born in Laie, Hawai'i… Parents are Peter and Bonita Tovey… Favorite pro team is the Kansas City Chiefs… Favorite NFL player is Myles Garrett… Favorite band is Fallout Boy… Favorite food is sushi… Plans to major in pre-med.

23) Campbell Vandiver / R-Jr. / OT / 6-8 / 280 / Nashville, Tenn. / Lipscomb Academy / South Carolina

2026 (R-Jr. – Montana): Comes to Montana from the SEC's South Carolina… Did not see action with the Gamecocks after three years in the program… Joined the program in time for the spring semester.

2025 (R-So. – South Carolina): Suffered an injury in the spring and missed the entire season while rehabbing

2024 (R-Fr. – South Carolina): Worked with the scout team all season… Did not see any game action.

2023 (Fr. – South Carolina): True freshman offensive lineman who joined the squad in the summer as a walk-on… Worked with the scout team… Did not see any game action as a redshirt.

High School: Graduated from Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tenn. in 2023… Played offensive tackle… Coached by Trent Dilfer… The Mustangs posted a perfect 13-0 record and a Division II Class AA state title in 2022… Also played baseball for the Mustangs.

24) Tanner Williams / R-So. / LB / 6-1 / 225 / Orange, Calif. / Mater Dei HS / San Diego St.

2026 (R-So. – Montana): Transferred to Montana from San Diego St. in time for the spring semester… Will add depth to the linebacker room with FBS experience and will compete for a starting job.

2025 (R-Fr. – San Diego St.): Appeared in four games for the Aztecs, putting in 6 tackles (3 solo)… Made his debut against Nevada and played against San Jose St. and in the New Mexico Bowl against North Texas where he put in 3 tackles.

2024 (Fr. – Utah St.): Appeared in four games with one tackle on the season… Utilized his redshirt season.

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports... Prepped at Mater Dei High School in Orange, California, helping the Monarchs to a 13-1 record during his senior season and the 2023 California Open Division Championship... Earned first-team All-Trinity League honors following his senior season as he recorded 51 tackles, which included 4.5 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss, while adding three pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery... Missed his junior season due to injury... Helped Mater Dei HS to a national championship in 2021 as he was named a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American.

2026 High School Signees

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown / Previous School
1	Cooper Cyphers	DL	6-2	230	Aledo, Texas / Aledo HS
2	Wesley Ehret	WR	6-2	180	Belgrade, Mont. / Belgrade HS
3	Merek Fisher	TE	6-6	230	Billings, Mont. / Skyview HS
4	Dawson Hammond	ATH	6-0	170	Malta, Mont. / Malta HS
5	Brady Jay	QB	6-1	180	Moses Lake, Wash. / Moses Lake HS
6	Kougar Kappel	S	6-0	180	Red Lodge, Mont. / Red Lodge HS
7	Dane Kellner	S	5-11	170	Honolulu, Hawaii / Punahou HS
8	Owen Liechti	OL	6-7	285	Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny HS
9	Parker Link	ATH	5-10	170	Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS
10	Cooper Neer	LB	6-3	205	Kennewick, Wash. / Kennewick HS
11	Jayden Nicholas	CB	6-0	170	Suisun City, Calif. / De La Salle HS
12	Mac Olsen	DL	6-4	245	Manti, Utah / Manti HS
13	Derek Opitz	DT/LS	6-3	250	Helena, Mont. / Capital HS
14	Evan Pyron	DE	6-3	225	Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS
15	Elijah Rincon	DE	6-3	230	Hacienda Heights, Calif. / Downey HS
16	Courtney Rogers	RB	6-2	200	Blytheville, Ark. / Blytheville HS
17	Lincoln Senter	ATH	6-5	250	Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS
18	William Snell	WR	6-4	195	Billings, Mont. / Central HS
19	Rodney Weatherspoon	CB	6-0	175	Fort Worth, Texas / Byron Nelson HS
20	Josiah West	OL	6-6	260	Prosser, Wash. / Prosser HS

2026 High School Signee Bios

1) Cooper Cyphers, DL, 6-2, 230, Aledo, Texas / Aledo HS

High School: A standout D-lineman for Aledo High School (TX), competing on one of the nation's premier 5A programs… Multi-sport athlete who lettered in football, wrestling, and track throughout his high school career… Helped Aledo to a 16–0 undefeated season and 5A state championship as a sophomore, a 12–2 season with an undefeated district title as a junior, and a 14–1 season with another undefeated district championship as a senior… Part of a historic program run featuring 133 consecutive district wins dating back to 2007… Named Aledo Defensive Player of the Year and was First Team All-State as a senior… Other accolades include FBU Freshman All-American, TXHS Defensive Lineman of the Year (junior year), First Team All-State (junior), multiple First Team All-District and All-Area selections, and Defensive Lineman of the Year honors from the Weatherford Democrat… Senior season totals included 92 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 36 quarterback hurries, two safeties, and one forced fumble across 15 games… Career stats totaled 200 tackles, 30 sacks, 60 tackles for loss, and 70 quarterback hurries over 46 games.

Personal: Comes from an athletic family, including uncle Jaison Carriger, a former University of Montana defensive lineman and two-time Big Sky Conference champion who played in the 2004 national championship game, and uncle Cody Carriger, a former Oregon linebacker/defensive end who competed in a national title game… Grandfather Rick Carriger played linebacker at Montana State… Son of Mike Cyphers and Shelby Carriger… Mike was a standout hockey player, earning tryouts for Team Canada A&B in B.C., Shelby was a volleyball player at Southwestern State in Oregon… Enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time… Plans to major in Marketing and Finance with long-term goals of playing professionally and later pursuing real estate and property management.

2) Wesley Ehret, WR, 6-2, 180, Belgrade, Mont. / Belgrade HS

High School: Four-year letterwinner in football, three-time letterwinner in track, and two-time letterwinner in basketball (on track to earn a fourth track letter)… Football captain as a junior and senior, track captain as a junior and senior… Recipient of the Coaches Award for leadership… All-Conference and All-State receiver in 2024, and Returner of the Year in 2025… Senior season totals included 1,000 all-purpose yards, 505 total yards, 495 receiving yards on 39 receptions, 345 kick return yards (#1 in state), 165 punt return yards (#2 in state), 2 interceptions, and 4 touchdowns… Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and the No. 4 prospect in the state.

Personal: Son of Judith Ehret and Junior Adams, a former Montana State All-American receiver… Plans to major in Sports Medicine… Career goals include playing in the NFL, building strong relationships in college, and excelling academically to maintain options beyond football… Known for athleticism and versatility, including the ability to perform a backflip.

3) Merek Fisher, TE, 6-6, 230, Billings, Mont. / Skyview HS

High School: A three-sports standout at Skyview in football, basketball and track… Played all over the field for the Falcons at tight end, tackle, D-end, and linebacker… Earned Eastern AA All-Conference honors as a junior at tackle and an all-state honorable mention… Took fourth at the Class AA state track meet in the discus as a junior as well with a throw of 158 feet, 6 inches… Also played on Skyview's boys state championship basketball team… Was second leading receiver for the Falcons as a senior with 32 YPG and 296 yards total on 29 catches with one TD… Also posted 50 total tackles, 7.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks with a forced fumble on defense… A three-year starter.

Personal: Holds a 4.0 GPA… Was originally committed to Montana Tech… Plans on studying sports medicine, kinesiology or physical therapy… Will be a third-generation UM alum

4) Dawson Hammond, ATH, 6-0, 170, Malta, Mont. / Malta HS

High School: Four-year letterwinner in football, basketball, and track… Key contributor to Malta's 2024 State Championship football team that finished 13–0… Two-year football captain and two-year basketball captain… Football MVP in 2025 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2024… Basketball Defensive Player of the Year in 2025… Earned All-State honors in football in 2024 and 2025, plus All-Conference recognition in 2023, 2024, and 2025… Track All-State honoree in 2025… Career totals include 114 receptions for 2,482 yards, 35 receiving touchdowns, 41 all-purpose touchdowns, 17 interceptions, and three pick-sixes… First 1,000-yard receiver in Malta history and one of just three in the state of Montana as a junior.

Personal: Son of Nate and Carly Hammond, and Kari and Tracy Elletson… From Malta, Montana… Plans to major in Business Management… Career goals include playing football at the University of Montana and eventually returning to work on the family farm and ranch… Related to former Montana defensive back Evan Epperly and MSU athletes Nate and Kari Hammond… Carries a 4.15 GPA.

5) Brady Jay, QB, 6-1, 180, Moses Lake, Wash. / Moses Lake HS

High School: Standout quarterback for Moses Lake High School… 2025 Washington All-Classification Offensive Player of the Year… Set a new Washington state record with 72 passing TDs as a senior, beating Kellen Moore's record of 67… Two-time league Player of the Year… Three-time league Offensive Player of the Year… Three-time first team all-conference QB… Led Moses Lake Big 9 Conference championships in 2024 and 2025… Went 27-5 as a starter… Across three varsity seasons, put together 11,086 passing yards and 170 passing touchdowns (second all-time in the state of Washington)… A multi-sport athlete, Jay is also a four-year starting guard for the basketball team and a district champion sprinter in track & field…. Has scored 1,100+ points on the basketball courts, was named 2025 first team All-Big Nine guard and was named to the first team All-Big Nine defensive team… Was the 2025 Big Nine male track Athlete of the Year and helped Moses Lake to a track conference championship… Placed 1^st in the Big Nine Conference 100 meter, 200 meter, and 4x100 meter sprints… A three-star prospect on the football field rated by 247Sports… Also rated the No. 172 QB in the class of '26 and the No. 40 overall player in Washington

Personal: Son of Moses Lake head coach Brett Jay, who has coached him throughout his career… Also had interest from Bose State, Washington State, and Eastern Washington where he was a two-time summer camp MVP.

6) Kougar Kappel, S, 6-0, 180, Red Lodge, Mont. / Red Lodge HS

High School: Three-year varsity letterwinner in football and track and field, one-year letterwinner in basketball… Key contributor to Red Lodge High's three consecutive conference championships in football (2023–2025)… Three-time All-Conference and two-time All-State in football, and three-time All-State in track and field… Senior football totals included 149 carries for 1,538 yards and 26 touchdowns, 16 receptions for 311 yards, 47 solo tackles, and 4 interceptions… Consistent performer on both sides of the ball and in multiple sports throughout high school.

Personal: Son of Melissa Davis and Brad Kappel… From Red Lodge, Montana… Plans to major in Business Finance… Career goals include continuing to work hard and becoming the best athlete and person possible.

7) Dane Kellner, S, 5-11, 170, Honolulu, Hawaii / Punahou HS

High School: Four-year letterwinner in football, basketball, and track and field… Team captain in both football and basketball as a senior… Standout two-way athlete earning Sophomore All-Conference honors at defensive back, followed by Junior and Senior All-State recognition… As a senior recorded 42 tackles, 5 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), and 3 TFLs in eight games… Basketball State Championship MVP in 2024, helping Punahou capture a 28–8 season and the state title… Track and Field long jump State Champion in 2024 and All-State high jumper as a freshman… Also a four-year contributor in both basketball and track with consistent postseason success… A three-star prospect as rated by 247Sports and the No. 28 player in Hawaii.

Personal: Son of Bart and Gina Kellner… Comes from a strong athletic lineage with his father competing in football at Willamette, his grandfather at Stanford, and his brother at the University of San Diego… Enjoys surfing, golfing, and snowboarding… Aims to play football at the highest level while earning a strong education, with long-term interests in sports medicine or coaching.

8) Owen Liechti, OL, 6-7, 285, Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny HS

High School: Varsity letterwinner in football and basketball… Earned First Team All-District honors as a senior and Second Team All-District honors as a junior… Allowed zero sacks across 10 games in his senior season… Played varsity football at both Ankeny Centennial (2024) and Ankeny High (2025), contributing to teams that finished 8–3 and 7–3 respectively… Also lettered in varsity basketball during the 2024–25 season.

Personal: Son of Laura and Seth Liechti… Plans to major in Business and pursue an MBA… Focused on growth both academically and athletically, emphasizing discipline and commitment… Comes from a strong athletic family, with relatives who competed in collegiate volleyball and basketball at Nebraska, Sioux Falls, Northwestern College, and DMACC.

9) Parker Link, ATH, 5-10, 170, Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS

High School: Twelve-time varsity letterwinner with four letters each in football, basketball, and track… Two-year football captain (2024, 2025)… Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 and recipient of the Chance Geery Toughness Award… Key contributor to Hellgate's basketball success, including Conference Championships in 2022–23 and 2023–24 and the 2022–23 State Championship… Earned Second Team All-Conference honors at punter (2023–24) and safety (2024–25)… Three-time All-Conference and 2025 All-State performer in track… Sixth Man of the Year in basketball for the 2023–24 season… Senior year totals included 1,008 all-purpose yards, 7 touchdowns, 83 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and a pick-six… Career totals include 1,474 receiving yards, 394 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, 785 kick return yards, 223 tackles, and 11 interceptions.

Personal: Son of Myles and Keri Link… Plans to major in Business… Career goals include working into the two-deep and earning a starting role at the collegiate level… Related to Montana State Hall of Fame running back Paul Schafer… A 4-handicap golfer

10) Cooper Neer, LB, 6-3, 205, Kennewick, Wash. / Kennewick HS

High School: Three-year football letterwinner and four-year track and field letterwinner, also lettering once in basketball… Two-time All-Conference First Team linebacker (2024, 2025)… Posted 47.5 tackles as a senior, including 32 solo stops, averaging nearly six tackles per game… Earned multiple team honors, including the Vince Cejka Award in both football and basketball as a sophomore, and Captain Award, Friday Night Defensive Player, and Most Valuable Teammate honors in football as a junior… Added another Captain Award and Friday Night Defensive Player recognition as a senior… Member of Kennewick's record-breaking 4x100 relay team, competing at the state championships as a sophomore and junior, and regularly qualifying for the prestigious Pasco Invite.

Personal: Son of Jenn and Aaron Neer… From Kennewick, Washington… Interested in careers that blend athletics and the medical field and focused on helping others… Active in Buddy Club supporting life-skills students and attends FCA weekly… Has been in honors programs since middle school… Enjoys board games, pickleball, mountain biking, pickup basketball, and spending time with family.

11) Jayden Nicholas, CB, 6-0, 170, Suisun City, Calif. / De La Salle HS

High School: Rated a three-star prospect out of De La Salle and the No. 280 overall player in California by 247Sports… Helped lead De La Salle to a top 15 national ranking in 2025… A two years starter on both sides of the ball… As a DB totaled 39 tackles and 2.5 TFLs… Also forced a fumble and picked off a pass… Also played wide receiver and caught 4 passes for 137 yards and one TD… Returned six kickoffs as well for a total of 195 yards, an average of 32.5 yards per tote… Chose Montana over offers from Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Northern Arizona, Sac State, Washington State, San Diego State, Nevada, UNLV, and San Jose State.

12) Mac Olsen, DL, 6-4, 245, Manti, Utah / Manti HS

High School: Four-year letterwinner in football and a 2025 team captain… Key contributor to one of Utah's premier 3A programs, helping lead Manti to state runner-up finishes in both 2023 and 2025… Three-time All-State selection (2023, 2024, 2025)… Breakout senior campaign included 10 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and 79 total tackles… Logged 254 career tackles and 27 sacks in three years… Had previously committed to Fresno State… Also held offers from Air Force, EWU, Idaho, and Idaho State… Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports with a No. 33 overall rank in the state of Utah

Personal: Son of Steve and Jen Olsen… Plans to major in Sports Medicine… Career goals include becoming an All-Conference performer and competing for a national championship… Enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and wake surfing in the summer

13) Derek Opitz, DT/LS, 6-3, 250, Helena, Mont. / Capital HS

High School: Four-year varsity football letterwinner and two-time track and field letterwinner… Football captain in 2025… Key contributor to Capital High's State Championship teams in 2022 (12–0) and 2024 (11–1)… Honors include Honorable Mention All-Conference Guard (2023), First Team All-State Offensive Guard (2024), and Honorable Mention All-Conference Defensive End (2024)… Football accolades also include Most Improved Offensive Lineman (2023) and track Most Improved and Hardest Worker (2025)… Consistent performer on both sides of the ball and in track and field.

Personal: Son of Chad and Angie Opitz… Plans to major in Business… Father played football for Montana, as did brother Hayden… Career goals include sharing snaps on the field with his brother, contributing to the team, making new friends, and enjoying the Missoula experience… Lifelong Griz fan with a love for animals.

14) Evan Pyron, DE, 6-3, 225, Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS

High School: Three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track… Academic All-State all four years in football, basketball, and track… First Team All-Conference tight end and Second Team All-State tight end as a junior; Second Team All-Conference tight end as a sophomore… Senior season totals: 24 receptions for 225 yards, 53 tackles, and two touchdowns… Career totals: 62 receptions for 674 yards, 158 tackles, and four touchdowns… Football team captain for three seasons… Winner of Hellgate's 1/11th team culture award in 2025… Lettered four years in football, two years in basketball and track… Basketball conference champion in 2023… Track standout with a 6th-place finish in shot put and top-10 finish in discus in 2025… Also competed in the 4x100 and field events… Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and the No. 5 overall prospect in Montana

Personal: Son of Krista and Dave Pyron… Mother Krista (née Redpath) played basketball at Montana… Plans to major in Physics… Career goals include playing in the NFL or becoming an engineer… Enjoys Dune, is a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan, and plays the tenor saxophone… Won a high school robotics competition.

15) Elijah Rincon, DE, 6-3, 230, Hacienda Heights, Calif. / Downey HS

High School: As a senior posted 39 tackles in 11 games with 7 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 9 hurries with a forced fumble… Helped Downey to a 9-2 record his senior season with a league championship at 5-0 in the Gateway conference… Had previously been committed to Cal Poly, and had received interest from Cornell and Utah Tech with interest from Boise State and EWU.

Personal: Holds a 3.8 GPA

16) Courtney Rogers, RB, 6-2, 200, Blytheville, Ark. / Blytheville HS

High School: Multi-sport athlete who competed in football, basketball, baseball, and track throughout his high school career… Two-year football team captain at Blytheville High School under coach Rod Stinson… Earned All-Conference honors in both 2023 and 2024… Collected multiple game balls from 2022–2025 and was named the Kentucky Fried Chicken Player of the Game in 2025… Set the school record for most touchdowns scored across a five-year span… Helped lead Blytheville to a 7–3 record and a No. 3 conference finish in 2025… Senior season totals included 168 carries for 1,938 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Personal: Son of Phoenicia Rogers… Plans to major in Physical Education with long-term goals that include earning degrees in physical education and pursuing real estate, and finance… Aspires to use sports to mentor and develop young athletes, build financial independence through property ownership, and help others do the same… A community-oriented person who loves church, giving back, and helping people become better versions of themselves… Enjoys reading in his free time and avoids TV and video games

17) Lincoln Senter, ATH, 6-5, 250, Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS

High School: Two-year varsity letterwinner in football and basketball… Football captain in 2025… Earned Honorable Mention All-Conference and Academic All-State recognition in 2024… Began playing football as a freshman and quickly developed into a key contributor for CMR.

Personal: Son of Tom and Janae Senter… Originally from Silverton, Oregon… Plans to major in Business… Career goals include completing a successful academic and athletic career in college and leveraging those skills for long-term success in life.

18) William Snell, WR, 6-4, 195, Billings, Mont. / Central HS

High School: Four-year varsity letterwinner in football and track, two-time varsity letterwinner in basketball… Key contributor to Billings Central Catholic's football success, including a 23–1 record, Class A State Championship, and two Eastern A Conference titles… Special Teams Player of the Year and Academic All-State honoree… All-State wide receiver/ cornerback, All-Conference basketball, and All-State track performer… Track highlights include 400m Class A State Champion, Midland Roundtable top 10 400m, and divisional champion in the 100m and 200m… Senior football totals: 1,413 all-purpose yards, 783 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, 261 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 348 kick/punt return yards, 14 total touchdowns, 17 tackles, and 5 interceptions.

Personal: Son of Kasey Dreamer-Littleowl and William F. Snell, stepdad Josh Littleowl… From Billings, Montana… Plans to major in Criminology… Career goals include making an impact at the University of Montana, helping people on and off the field, pursuing a career with the FBI, and eventually coaching… Member of the Crow and Fort Belknap tribes.

19) Rodney Weatherspoon, CB, 6-0, 175, Fort Worth, Texas / Byron Nelson HS

High School: Helped lead Byron Nelson to a 2025 UIL Texas State Championship and a 10-3 record… Totaled 21 tackles as a senior with 2 TFLs with one INT and 5 forced incompletions and 3 pass breakups… Is also a power lifter with a 300-pound clean and was timed at a 10.83 100… Also held offers from Montana State, Navy, Austin Peay, and Tennessee State

20) Josiah West, OL, 6-6, 260, Prosser, Wash. / Prosser HS

High School: A three-star prospect out of Prosser High that was rated the No. 33 overall recruit in the state of Washington according to 247Sports… Also held offers from Air Force, Montana State, EWU, and Idaho