\n
\n Story Links
\n
<\/p>\n
Abilene Christian head football coach Keith Patterson<\/a> announced the Wildcats’ 2026 signing class of 40 total players — 17 from the NCAA Transfer Portal and 23 from high schools — on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Sixteen of the 17 transfers are already enrolled at ACU, along with freshmen\u00a0Romelo Boykin and Evenson Malaska who decided to graduate high school early and enroll in January. The class dwarfs the 2025 recruiting class which consisted of just 18 total players — eight transfers and ten high schoolers.<\/p>\n Patterson called last year’s recruiting cycle the most difficult of his career due to the time crunch caused by ACU’s deep playoff run and the opening of the transfer portal. However, with the Wildcats again reaching round two of the FCS Playoffs for the second straight season he felt more comfortable.<\/p>\n “I was more prepared heading into December with what to expect,” said Patterson. “The biggest thing is we had a better frame of mind on how to navigate through the challenge of the portal opening, and the beginning of ACU’s spring semester [on January 12]. From January 2 until the ice storm hit we were working every single day.”<\/p>\n Patterson said the signings give him 88 players on the roster, and he expects to sign another 17 in the transfer portal in order to reach the 105-man limit.<\/p>\n “We’re pretty much going to hit every position to get us to 105. Our current number of 88 players is about where we’ve been the last two years. For depth purposes I would like to get closer to 105 because it is a long season, and you can get thin in places as the season goes along. We’ll be working on that from February 5 all the way through the end of May.”<\/p>\n Patterson on the high school signing class.. “We’ve raised the standard. We were competing against UAB, Army, Baylor, recruiting a very high level high school football player in the state of Texas. I am extremely excited about this class. We brought in guys at every position\u00a0except for tight end.”<\/p>\n On the recruiting philosophy with high school players… “We were deliberately patient in recruiting high school payers because there are guys who probably wouldn’t have been interested in talking to us a year, or maybe even six months out because they received a lot of attention from bigger schools. But we stayed patient and were able to come in at the end.”<\/p>\n On the three high school offensive linemen signees… \u00a0
\n<\/p>\n College Transfers
Emmett Brown – Quarterback, Redshirt Junior
Coach Patterson Says… Kyle Brown – Tight End, Junior
Marcos Davila – Quarterback, Redshirt Sophomore
Coach Patterson Says… Cristian Driver – Wide Receiver, Redshirt Senior
Jace Gilbert – Kicker\/Punter, Redshirt Senior
Brandon Johnson – Running Back, Redshirt Junior
Coach Patterson Says…
Tucker Parks – Quarterback, Redshirt Sophomore
Coach Patterson Says… Wes Tucker – Offensive Line, Redshirt Junior
\nObi Udom – Defensive Line, Redshirt Sophomore
Ethan Vazquez – Offensive Line, Senior
Dillon Williams – Safety, Redshirt Senior
Coach Patterson Says… Plae Wyatt – Safety, Redshirt Senior
Coach Patterson Says… \u00a0
\n<\/p>\n High School Signees
Romelo Boykin – Wide Receiver
Coach Patterson Says… Joe Castles – Quarterback
Coach Patterson Says… Caton Cramer – Linebacker
Saadel Davis Jr – Defensive Back
AJ Donnell – Wide Receiver
Johnathan French-Love – Wide Receiver
Jax Greene – Kicker
Jamarion Hardemon – Safety
Elijah Hart – Defensive Line
Kishon Hicks – Offensive Line
Trae Hill – Running Back
\n“From top to bottom it is one of the most talented, and it is definitely the largest, high school class we’ve ever signed. There’s just more quality high school players that are available the last half of January. After the portal window ended we had a mass exodus of coaches hitting the road to see what’s out there, and bringing these young men back on campus. We spent time going into people’s homes and schools.<\/p>\n
\n“I way I put it, we’ve been digging for four years. If you’re going to build a skyscraper you have to dig first. So really for four years we’ve been digging before we even begin to really lay the foundation of our program. We went with a big high school class to help lay this foundation. Guys that we can at least keep in our program for two, three, maybe even four years, because we lost a lot of that.<\/p>\n
\n“Our new offensive line coach Justin Sinz has done a great job. They are probably three of the best offensive linemen that we’ve brought in during our time here. I think all three of those guys are going to develop into great players.”<\/p>\n
\nnote – classification listed has been determined as the player’s athletic standing for Fall 2026
\n
\nTanner Allen – Defensive Line, Redshirt Senior
\nBryan, Texas (Bryan HS \/ Texas Tech)<\/p>\n
\n\tRecorded four\u00a0tackles in five games played\u00a0over\u00a0four total seasons at Texas Tech
<\/p>\n
\nLarry Benton III – Tight End, Redshirt Sophomore
\nCypress, Texas (Houston St. Thomas HS \/ Vanderbilt)<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed in three games in 2025 after redshirting in 2024
\n\tTAPPS State Champion in the shot put
<\/p>\n
\nColin Brazzell – Cornerback, Redshirt Sophomore
\nMidland, Texas (Midland Legacy\u00a0HS \/ Tennessee)<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed in three seasons over two seasons at Tennessee
\n\tRated a three-star prospect out of Midland Legacy HS
\n\tFather, Chris, was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Jets out of Angelo State in 1998. He played two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before spending seven seasons in the CFL.
<\/p>\n
\nSan Marcos, Calif. (San Marcos HS \/ Coastal Carolina)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tMissed the entire 2025 season with an injury at Coastal Carolina
\n\tStarted six games in 2024 at San Jose State with 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns
\n\tSpent the 2022 and 2023 seasons at Washington State, appearing in one game
<\/p>\n
\n“He has that confidence, that air about him that a lot of quarterbacks need.”<\/p>\n
\nTorrance, Calif. (South Torrance HS \/ Long Beach City College)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed 2024 and 2025 seasons at Long Beach City College, totaling 34 catches for 496 yards and five touchdowns over 17 games
<\/p>\n
\nMidland, Texas (Lee HS \/ Nebraska)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tAppeared in two games at Nebraska during 2025 season
\n\tAcademic All-Big Ten in 2025
\n\tRedshirted in 2024 at Purdue, where he was recruited by current ACU offensive coordinator Graham Harrell<\/a>
\n\tSet Midland Legacy HS records with\u00a09,100 passing yards and 93 touchdowns in his career
\n\tTwo-time District 2-6A Offensive MVP
<\/p>\n
\n“It is funny how things go around. Our first year we were recruiting a young man from Midland Lee, and that very day we were there Marcos was offered by Purdue and a young Graham Harrell<\/a>. He has a familiarity with Graham and tight ends coach Stanton Keane<\/a>. He was one his way back to Midland from a visit to Stephen F. Austin, and he wheels in here and the rest if history. He has a big, strong arm and we are excited to watch him grow and develop in our system.”<\/p>\n
\nFlower Mound, Texas (Argyle Liberty Christian HS \/ Minnesota)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tSpent 2024 and 2025 seasons at Minnesota, playing in 11 games with seven catches for 49 yards and one touchdown
\n\tAcademic All-Big Ten in 2024
\n\tPlayed 10 games at Penn State, mostly on special teams, over the 2022 and 2023 seasons
\n\tHigh school coach was former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten
\n\tFour-time TAPPS All-State selection
\n\t2021 TAPPS State Champion in the long jump
\n\tConsensus four-star prospect out of high school
\n\tFather, Donald, played 14 years in the NFL as a receiver with the Green Bay Packers
<\/p>\n
\nMarlow, Okla. (Marlow HS \/ Iowa State)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed in 34 games at\u00a0Iowa State from 2022-25
\n\tServed as primary kicker as a freshman, going 21-of-22 on extra points and 12-of-20 on field goals
\n\tWas the kickoff specialist in 2024 and 2025
\n\tAlso punted in shortf-ield situations with nine punts downed inside the 20
\n\tRanked as the No. 18 kicker and No. 13 punter nationally by Kohl’s Kicking coming out of high school
\n\t1st Team All-State in 2021, leading Marlow HS to a 15-0 state championship season as quarterback, kicker and punter
\n\tFinished high school career with 5,194 passing yards, 1,700 rushing yards and 89 total touchdowns
\n\tFrom ACU head coach Keith Patterson<\/a>‘s hometown of Marlow, Okla.
<\/p>\n
\nPalmdale, Calif. (Highland HS \/ Northern Colorado)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed in 11 games at Northern Colorado in 2025
\n\tFinished with 321 rushing yards and six touchdowns
\n\tSpent 2023 and 2024 seasons\u00a0at Arizona where he appeared in six games
<\/p>\n
\nDeante Lindsay – Cornerback, Redshirt Freshman
\nAda, Okla. (Ada HS \/ Texas Tech)<\/p>\n
\n\tDid not see playing time in 2025 at Texas Tech
\n\tLed Ada HS with 987 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior in 2024
\n\tAlso totaled 53 tackles and scored a defensive touchdown in Ada’s district championship-winning win
\n\tSilver medalist in the 300-meter hurdles as a junior at the Oklahoma 4A State Track Meet
\n\tConsensus three-star prospect
<\/p>\n
\n“I played college football with his father, Franklin, at East Central. Deante was a three-sport athlete, highly recruited out of high school. He has tremendous upside and is long and athletic. We’re looking for great things from Deante.”<\/p>\n
\nMakenzie McGill II – Running Back, Redshirt Junior
\nMount Vernon, Texas (Mount Vernon HS \/ North Texas)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed in 21 games with five starts at North Texas from 2023-25
\n\tRan for 389 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, including game-winning score in overtime at Western Michigan
\n\tHonorable Mention All-AAC selection in 2024 with 470 yards and ten touchdowns
\n\tOwns every Mount Vernon HS season or career rushing record
\n\tTwo-time District MVP
\n\t2nd Team All-State
<\/p>\n
\nSpring, Texas (Klein Collins HS \/ Western Kentucky)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tAppeared in one game over the 2024 and 2025 seasons at Western Kentucky
\n\tRated a three-star prospect y 247Sports and On3 out of Klein Collins HS
\n\t1st Team All-District as a junior
<\/p>\n
\n“Our connection to former ACU offensive coordinator Rick Bowie (who was the OC at Western Kentucky in 2025) helped us. Parks was referred to us by him.”<\/p>\n
\nArgyle, Texas (Argyle HS \/ Baylor)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tDid not see game action over 2023-25 seasons at Baylor
\n\tDistrict 3-5A Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior
\n\tConsensus three-star prospect
\n\tBrotherk, Jack, played offensive lien at Texas Tech
<\/p>\n
\nFrisco, Texas (Heritage HS \/ Arkansas State)<\/p>\n
\n\tDid not see game action over 2024-25 seasons at Arkansas State
\n\tQualified for Arkansas State Athletic Director’s Honor Roll
\n\tRated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and On3 out of Frisco Heritage HS
\n\t1st Team All-District as a senior when he had 71 tackles and 22.5 TFL
\n\tAlso received offers from Air Force, Army and Navy
<\/p>\n
\nKaty, Texas (Tompkins HS \/ East Texas A&M)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tDid not see playing time in 2023 at Sam Houston or 2024-25 at East Texas A&M
\n\tTwo-time 1st Team All-District
<\/p>\n
\nSouthaven, Miss. (Southaven HS \/ Central Arkansas)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed in 37 games over the 2022-25 seasons at Central Arkansas
\n\tTotaled 176 career tackles, and three interceptions with one returned for an 89-yard touchdown
\n\tHad 83 tackles in 2025 season with two interceptions
\n\tYounger brother of current ACU defensive backs coach D.J. Williams<\/a>
<\/p>\n
\n“We’ve competed against him the last three years, and he brings experience and a confidence we need in the back end of our defense.”<\/p>\n
\nMcKinney, Texas (Boyd HS \/ Rice)
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tPlayed in 37 games over the 2020-25 seasons at Rice
\n\tFinished with 124 total tackles, including a team-high 81 during the 2023 season when he started all 13 games
\n\tReceived a medical redshirt for 2024 season
\n\tAmerican Conference All-Academic 2024 and 2025
\n\tGraduated from Rice with bachelor’s degree in sport management
\n\tMade 42 varsity starts in high school over three seasons at McKinney Boyd HS and one at Dallas Bishop Lynch HS
<\/p>\n
\n“I can tell you right now Plae Wyatt has everything it takes to be a team captain. He reminds me a lot, characteristic-wise, of Kendall Catalon who came in with us our first year from Arkansas. He is a leader. He has got an energy, a smile on his face, a countenance. He is going to be a tremendous asset to not just our football program, but our university as well.”<\/p>\n
\nJeremiah Bio – Linebacker
\nWest Mesquite HS \/ Mesquite, Texas<\/p>\n
\n\tVoted District Defensive MVP
\n\tRecorded 11 sacks as a senior
\n\tOffers from Texas State, Missouri State, New Mexico and Lamar
<\/p>\n
\nHendrickson HS \/ Pflugerville, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\t1st Team All-District as a senior
\n\tFinished with 54 catches for 1,090 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior
\n\tAll-time leader in receptions and receiving yards in school history
<\/p>\n
\n“He has been very impressive so far. He is already on campus, and has just been very impressive in workouts. I think he has a very high upside.”<\/p>\n
\nMemorial HS \/ Wichita Falls, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tNominated for Class 5A Quarterback of the Year by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
\n\tTotaled 2,0004 passing yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior
\n\tThrew for 2,540 yards with 32 touchdowns and just two\u00a0interceptions as a junior
\n\tChose ACU over offers from Louisiana Tech, Texas A&M-Kingsville and East Central (Okla.)
\n\tYounger brother of former ACU tight end Jed Castles<\/a>
<\/p>\n
\n“Joe is his own guy. He and his older brother Jed have completely different personalities and interests. Him being 6’7″ tall gives him a huge upside.”<\/p>\n
\nSeminole HS \/ Seminole, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tRecorded 29 tackles and one sack as a senior on defense, along with 934 rushing yards, 276 receiving yards and 24 total touchdowns
\n\tScored 68 total touchdowns in his high school career
\n\tRated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports
\n\tWas previously committed to Air Force, and chose ACU over offers from Arizona, Baylor, Houston, Texas Tech, SMU, Navy, UAB, Midwestern State and Texas A&M-Texarkana
<\/p>\n
\nMansfield HS \/ Mansfield, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\t1st Team All-District 3-6A as a senior
\n\tAcademic All-District
\n\tRecorded 53 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 pass breakups\u00a0as a senior
\n\tChose ACU over offers from Sam Houston, Midwestern State and others
<\/p>\n
\nFrankston HS \/ Frankston, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tDistrict MVP as a senior
\n\tTotaled 1,200 all-purpose yards, and 8 interceptions as a senior
\n\tFor his high school career, had 137 receptions, 2,800 receiving yards and 28 touchdown catches \u2013 all new school records
\n\tChose ACU over offers from Texas Tech and North Texas
<\/p>\n
\nNaaman Forest HS \/ Garland, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tFinished with 1,150 all-purpose yards and ten touchdowns as a junior, including 42 catches for 711 yards
\n\tChose ACU over offers from Stephen F. Austin, Northern Arizona, Bowling Green and Sacramento\u00a0State
<\/p>\n
\nLiberty Christian HS \/ Argyle, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tTAPPS Division I All-State kicker
\n\tAs a senior went 61-63 on extra points, and 5-7 on field goals
\n\tMade a 45-yard FG to force overtime against Canyon West Plains
\n\tHigh school coach was former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten
<\/p>\n
\nEastern Hills HS \/ Fort Worth, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\t1st Team All-District as a junior
<\/p>\n
\nHeights HS \/ Houston, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\t1st Team All-District
\n\tAcademic All-District
\n\tTotaled 60 tackles, 13 TFL and 3 sacks in his senior season
<\/p>\n
\nRyan HS \/ Denton, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\t1st Team All-District as a senior
\n\tChose ACU over offers from UAB, Sam Houston, Louisiana Tech, Lamar, and others
<\/p>\n
\nCedar Park HS \/ Cedar Park, Texas
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\tVoted District Offensive MVP
\n\tAll-Central Texas Football Offensive Player of the Year by the Austin American-Statesman
\n\tRushed for 2,300 yards and 34 touchdowns during his senior season
\n\tChose ACU over offers from Houston, UTSA, Air Force, Texas State, UTEP, New Mexico State and others
<\/p>\n