PUEBLO, Colo. (February 4, 2026) – Colorado State University Pueblo fourth-year head coach Philip Vigil has announced the addition of 35 new student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent during 2026 National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

"I couldn't be more excited about the people we're welcoming into the Pack family," Vigil said. "Our staff worked relentlessly over the past year to identify the right young men who will continue pushing this program To The Top. This cycle brought unique challenges, but it also brought clarity. We were intentional, disciplined, and focused on finding the right fit.

"Our mid-year transfer class is the best we've ever signed—a group ready to compete immediately and elevate our standard. Now, we add an outstanding high school class that represents the future of the Pack."

Vigil also emphasized the trust placed in the program by families and coaches.

"We are incredibly grateful to the parents, guardians, and high school coaches who trusted us with their sons. That responsibility means everything to us. We are committed to developing these young men the right way—on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Recruiting at this level requires vision, relationships, and relentless effort, and our coaches attacked it the right way. Today, we celebrate the results. The climb continues."

The ThunderWolves' 2026 recruiting class includes 16 players from the state of Texas, 12 players from Colorado, four players from Arizona and three players from California.
 
The Pack's 35 high school signees received a combined 13 NCAA Division I offers, and 28 offers from other Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schools.
 
Among the position breakdown of the recruiting class, there are 14 on offense, 20 on defense and one kicker. The recruiting class features six offensive linemen, six linebackers, five defensive ends, five defensive backs, four wide receivers, three defensive tackles, two defensive linemen, two quarterbacks, one kicker, one running back and one tight end.
 
 In 2025, CSU Pueblo posted a 10-2 overall record and a perfect 9-0 record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Pack claimed its second straight outright RMAC title and the program's 10th all-time league title in football and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the second consecutive season and hosted a home playoff game for the second straight year.
 
All signees are contingent upon admission to CSU Pueblo and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
 
The 2026 CSU Pueblo Football Recruiting Class will be highlighted on Wednesday evening by Vigil and his staff at the Pueblo Country Club at CSU Pueblo's National Signing Day Event sponsored by Pepsi, Keg One, ReMAX of Pueblo, and Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions.
 

Here are some brief bios of the 2026 CSU Pueblo signing class below.

JUSTIN ALFANO, LB – 6-0, 225 / Prosper High School (Hometown: Prosper, Texas)
Lettered for Coach Tyler Moore at Prosper High School … Earned 6-6A First-Team All-District honors as a senior … Recorded 57 total tackles, including 35 solo stops and added five tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks … Also recorded four pressures, two pass break-ups, had one fumble recovery, forced a fumble, blocked two punts and returned one blocked punt for a touchdown … Helped lead the Eagles to a 9-1 regular season record and loss in the Regional round of the 6A DII State Playoff bracket … Was a Second-Team THSCA Academic All-State selection. … Carries a 3.96 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Sports Industry Management.

KEEGAN BALISTRERI, WR – 6-2, 185 / Arvada West High School (Hometown: Arvada, Colo.)
Was a four-year lettermen for Coach CJ Hanna at Arvada West High School … Caught 63 passes for 937 yards and had 10 touchdown receptions for the Wildcats … Earned First-Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State honors … Helped lead the Wildcats to a 10-2 record in 2025 … Also lettered for four years in basketball … Averaged 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.5 assists per game in basketball … Named a First-Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State selection … Was a First-Team Academic All-State selection and earned four academic letters at Arvada West … Carries a 4.3 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Physical Education, Recreation and Strength and Conditioning.

RILEY BAUGHMAN, OL – 6-4, 270 / Cactus Shadows High School (Hometown: Cave Creek, Ariz.)
Lettered as an offensive lineman at Cactus Shadows High School for Coach Chris Dixon …Was a two-time All-Region performer as he earned first-team honors as a senior and second-team accolades as a junior … Also lettered in volleyball with the Falcons … Carries a 4.0 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Economics/Finance.

KELLEN BEHRENDSEN, QB – 5-11, 160 / Dakota Ridge High School (Hometown: Littleton, Colo.)
Was a three-year lettermen in football for his father, Jeremiah Behrendsen at Dakota Ridge High School … In his high school career, he tallied 5,428 passing yards and completed 76 percent of his passes … Threw 55 touchdown passes with nine interceptions and had a 138.5 QBR … Also gained 742 rushing yards and had 11 rushing touchdowns … Accounted for 6,170 yards of total offense and scored 66 total touchdowns … As a senior in 2025, he was a team captain, the Varsity Team Offensive MVP and earned First-Team All-Conference, and Class 4A All-State honors … Was also named a First-Team All-Colorado selection and the South Metro League MVP … Helped lead the Eagles to the Class 4A State Championship, where he was named the State Championship Game MVP … Named a Finalist for the Gold Helmet Award and led all quarterbacks nationally with an 82.3 completion percentage and was second in the nation with a QBR of 154.1 … During his junior season in 2004, he was a team captain, the Varsity Offensive MVP and earned First-Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention Class 4A All-State and All-Colorado Team honors … Led the Eagles to three consecutive league championships (2023, 2024, 2025) and the 2025 Class 4A State title … Also lettered for two years in both basketball and baseball … Served as a team captain in basketball and was a two-time Eagle Award winner and earned First-Team All-Conference honors in baseball … In the classroom, was a National Football Foundation Colorado Scholar-Athlete as a senior and was a HSFA Academic All-American, a First-Team Academic All-State selection and the Dakota Ridge Scholar-Athlete of the Year as a junior ... Carries a 4.2 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Mechatronics Engineering.

CAMERON BELL, DB – 5-10, 160 / Eaglecrest High School (Hometown: Aurora, Colo.)
Earned seven letters in two sports at Eaglecrest High School … Played football for Coach Jesse German … Recorded 102 total tackles, had nine tackles for a loss, two sacks and 13 pass deflections … Picked off three passes and scored 10 touchdowns … Was named the Centennial League's Athlete of the Year and was also an All-Conference selection as both a defensive back and as a returner … Also lettered in track with the Raptors … Carries a 3.0 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

JACE BOUTTE, DE – 6-2, 215 / Plano East High School (Hometown: Allen, Texas)
Lettered for Coach Tony Benedetto at Plano East High School … Earned First-Team All-District honors (was the most voted player in the district) … Recorded 90 total tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and blocked three punts … Also lettered in track and field with the Panthers … Carries a 3.2 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

NASH CHAPMAN, DE – 6-4, 250 / Wylie East High School (Hometown: Lavon, Texas)
Lettered for two seasons for Coach Marcus Gold at Wylie East High School … Earned First-Team All-District honors as a junior and named the District MVP as a senior … Tallied over 100 tackles and had 16 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss with the Raiders … Helped the Raiders go 10-0 in the regular season … Lost in the first round of the State Playoffs … Also lettered in track and field … The track team finished second in the District … Carries a 3.3 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Criminal Justice.

MEKHI CRISS, DB – 5-10, 160 / Murrieta Valley High School (Hometown: Lake Elsinore, Calif.)
Lettered in football at Murrieta Valley High School for Coach George Wilson ... As a senior in 2025, named Second-Team All-League selection ... Recorded 53 tackles, 14 pass break-ups, 1.5 sacks, four tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and three interceptions, including returning one interception for a touchdown as a senior ... Named the Best DB and Most Improved Player in 2025 ... Also lettered in track with the Nighthawks ... Carries a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

ALON DEON, DB – 5-11, 195 / Salpointe Catholic (Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.)
Lettered in football for Coach Patrick Ryden at Salpointe Catholic … Recorded 52-plus tackles, one interception, five pass break-ups, two tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a sack … Scored one defensive touchdown … Tallied 630-plus all-purpose yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns … Gained 498 yards on 84 carries as a running back on offense in his high school career and averaged 5.8 yards per carry … Carries a 3.1 GPA and is expected to major in Civil Engineering.

BRETT DOPONA, DT – 6-0, 285 / Parish Episcopal (Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas)
Lettered in football for Coach Daniel Novakov at Parish Episcopal High School … As a senior in 2025, recorded 20 total tackles, including five solo stops and added five tackles for a loss, five sacks and had six quarterback hurries … Also recorded a fumble recovery … Earned Honorable Mention District 1 honors on the defensive line … In addition to playing football, Dopona also lettered in wrestling with the Panthers … Carries a 3.55 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major Business Administration.

BARRETT GRIMES, OL – 6-5 / 220 / Parker Lutheran High School (Hometown: Parker, Colo.)
Lettered in football for Coach Stephen Robbins at Lutheran High School … Played on both the offensive and defensive lines with the Lions … Recorded 55 total tackles, including 24 solo stops and added three tackles for loss on defense … Was a member of the Lions' State Semifinal team … Also lettered in baseball at Lutheran … Expected to major in Construction Management.

BRAYDEN HENRY, QB – 5-8, 165 / Abilene High School (Hometown: Abilene, Texas)
Lettered in football for four years at Abilene High School for Coach Michael Fullen ... Named the Team MVP and Player of the Year as a senior … Tallied 1,000 rushing yards, 2,000 passing yards and 300 receiving yards in his high school career … Helped lead the Eagles to three consecutive District Championships and four straight UIL Football Playoff appearances … Also lettered for two years in both soccer and track and field … Carries a 4.0 GPA in the classroom and is already enrolled for the spring semester at CSU Pueblo and is majoring in Business Management.

ANDRE JOHNSON II, DB - 6-0, 190 / Colony High School (Hometown: Ontario, Calif.)
Lettered in football for Coach Brian Zavala at Colony High School … Recorded 56 tackles, including 36 solo stops, picked off four passes and had nine tackles for a loss with the Titans … Carries a 2.8 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

JAVON JONES, DE – 6-1, 250 / Eaglecrest High School (Hometown: Centennial, Colo.)
Played football for Coach Jesse German at Eaglecrest High School … Earned First-Team All-Centennial League honors and was a Second-Team All-State selection as a defensive end … Recorded 40-plus tackles and 10 sacks with the Raptors … Was a three-year varsity letterman in football … Also lettered in wrestling and track and field … Carries a 3.3 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Communications and Psychology.

DE'MARIUS LOGAN, DE – 6-2, 270 / Colleyville Heritage High School (Hometown: Euless, Texas)
Lettered in football at Colleyville Heritage High School for Coach Paul Ruiz … Tabbed a two-time All-District selection and was named the Preseason Defensive MVP … Tallied 43 total tackles, including 25 solo stops, and added five sacks and six tackles for a loss … Also had 14 quarterback hurries, three pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and blocked a field goal … Helped lead the Panthers to two Bi-District finals, including one Bi-District title … The Panthers also won a 4-5A District Championship, an Area Championship, and a Regional Quarterfinals Championship … Carries a 3.1 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

BRYNDEN MACK, DE – 6-3, 250 / Angleton High School (Hometown: Angleton, Texas)
Was a two-sport athlete at Angleton High School … Lettered in football for Coach Jason Britain … Named the District Defensive MVP, was a two-time All-County and an All-State Defensive Lineman … Recorded 48 total tackles, including seven sacks, 16 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles … Also lettered in basketball with the Wildcats … Expected to major in Business.

DYLAN MALONE, DL – 6-4, 265 / Cactus Shadows High School (Hometown: Cave Creek, Ariz.)
Lettered for three seasons for Coach Chris Dixon at Cactus Shadows High School … Earned First-Team All-Region honor as a senior … Tallied 80 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, six sacks and four forced fumbles with the Falcons … Advanced to the Arizona State Playoffs two years in a row … Carries a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and is expected to be a Pre-Chiropractic major.

RANDY MILLS, OL – 6-3, 315 / Anderson-Shiro High School (Hometown: Navasota, Texas)
Was a three-sport athlete at Anderson-Shiro High School … Played football for Coach Brad Hodges … Was a four-year varsity starter, a three-time team captain (sophomore, junior and senior years) and a three-time First-Team All-District selection … As a senior, was a First-Team All-District selection at tackle and voted the Lineman of the Year … Earned First-Team All-District honors at tackle and was the Lineman of the Year … Named a First-Team All-District honoree at tackle as a sophomore … Honorable Mention All-District honors as a guard as a freshman … Also lettered in both powerlifting and threw the shot put and discus in track … Was a three-time Regional qualifier in powerlifting, including finishing in third place as a junior … Carries a 3.7 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business Management.

SIR MIMMS, LB – 6-2, 225 / Euless Trinity High School (Hometown: Bedford, Texas)
Lettered in three sports at Euless Trinity High School … Played football for Coach Aaron Lineweaver at Euless Trinity … Earned First-Team All-District honors and was named a Player to Watch … Recorded 59 total tackles, including 26 solo stops and had 10 quarterback pressures, six tackles for a loss, and a sack as a senior … Helped lead the Trojans to back-to-back State Football Playoff appearances, including a third-round game as a junior … Also lettered in soccer and track and field with the Trojans … Carries a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and is an undecided major.

NIC MOORE, DB – 5-11, 175 / Midland Legacy High School (Hometown: Midland, Texas)
Was a two-sport athlete at Midland Legacy High School … Lettered in football for Coach Clint Hartman … Named a two-time First-Team All-District selection on both defense and special teams … Also was a Second-Team All-District punter … On defense, recorded 89 total tackles, including 72 solo stops and had 10 pass break-ups with one interception … Also had a fumble recovery and blocked a field goal … Offensively, he carried the ball 27 times for 136 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns … Recorded 1,000 kickoff return yards, including returning four kickoffs for touchdowns … Tallied 808 punt yards and downed five punts inside the 20-yard line … Competed in track and field with the Rebels … Was a member of the school's State qualifying 4-x-200 relay and was two-time member of the school's Regional qualifying 4-x-200 relay … Qualified two times for Regionals in the long jump, 300-hurdles and 4-x-400 relay … Carries a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business Management.

JESSE MORALES, WR – 5-10, 160 / Valley Center High School (Hometown: Valley Center, Calif.)
Was a four-year varsity letterman in football for Coach Bill Dunckell at Valley Center High School … Tallied 2,598 yards receiving on 152 receptions and hauled in 26 touchdowns with the Jaguars … Earned First-Team All-League and All-Conference honors as a senior and was also named the Offensive MVP … Was a member of the Valley Center's 2025 League and State Championship teams … Took home Freshman Year MVP honors … Also participated in basketball and lacrosse … Took home First-Team All-League Scholar-Athlete accolades as a sophomore and junior … Carries a 3.0 GPA in the classroom  and is expected to major in Business.

ADRIAN MUNOZ-MORENO, K – 5-9, 165 / Westminster High School (Hometown: Westminster, Colo.)
Was a standout kicker at Westminster High School … Recorded 2,976 kickoff yards and had 42 touchbacks on his 60 kickoffs … Punted 27 times for 1,050 yards and averaged 38.9 yards per punt and put four punts inside the 20-yard line … Was also 1-for-2 on the field goals at Westminster … Also lettered in basketball and baseball … Is an undeclared major.

JOEY NISBET, LB – 6-2, 220 / Colleyville Heritage High School (Hometown: Colleyville, Texas)
Lettered in football for Coach Jerry Edwards at Colleyville Heritage High School … Averaged 12.8 tackles per game and also recorded five sacks and two interceptions as a senior … Earned Week 8 Sports Hero of the Week Award and was a First-Team All-District selection at linebacker as a senior … Was a team captain and took home the Panther Pride Award … Carries a 3.9 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

COLT PRIDE, LB – 6-0, 205 / Bryon Nelson High School (Hometown: Ponder, Texas)
Was a standout linebacker for Coach Zachary Woodward at Byron Nelson High School … Served as a team captain and was a Dave Campbell's Player of the Game Week 1 against Friendship … As a senior, recorded 107 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, four sacks, 15 pressures, one interception, three pass break-ups, one blocked extra point and had one safety … Also lettered in track and powerlifting with the Bobcats … Earned Weightlifter of the Year honors … Named an Academic All-State selection … Carries a 5.3 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Law or Business.

BEN REISH, OL – 6-4, 270 / Canon City High School (Hometown: Canon City, Colo.)
Was a four-year letterman in both football and wrestling at Canon City High School … Played football for Coach Monte Pinkerton … Recorded 229 pancake blocks in his high school career, including 114 as a senior … Did not allow a sack in his high school career … Named a two-time unanimous Offensive Line League MVP and was a three-time All-Conference selection … Earned Team MVP honors … Tabbed a two-time Honorable Mention All-State selection … In wrestling, was a two-time team captain and a three-time All-Conference selection … His brother, Nick, played football at Western Colorado … Carries a 3.4 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

McKENZIE ROGERS, RB – 5-10, 190 / Legacy Senior High School (Hometown: Midland, Texas)
Played football for Coach Clint Hartman at Legacy Senior High School … Was a two-time All-District selection as he earned first-team honors as a junior and second-team accolades as a senior … Rushed for 414 yards as senior, averaged 8.1 yards per carry and had five rushing touchdowns … As a junior, rushed for 763 yards on 140 carries and averaged 5.5 yards per carry and 63.6 yards per game and scored nine touchdowns … Helped the Rebels advance to the State Playoffs … Had a 91-yard touchdown run as a senior against Odessa Permian … Also competed in track and field at Legacy … Carries a 3.1 GPA in the classroom  and is expected to major in Mechatronic Engineering.

RONI ROHLMAN, TE – 6-4, 225 / Chatfield High School (Hometown: Littleton, Colo.)
Earned four letters in football for Coach Kris Rosholt at Chatfield High School … Caught 70 passes for 843 yards and had 13 receiving touchdowns for the Chargers … Was a two-time All-Conference selection, including earning first-team honors and Honorable Mention All-State accolades as a senior … Was a Second-Team All-Conference performer and the Playmakers Corner All-PMC Team at tight end as a junior … Named the Offensive MVP his senior year … Also lettered in track and field at Chatfield … His brother, Drew, played football at Black Hills State and his sister, Avery, plays softball at East Texas A&M … Carries a 3.58 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Construction Management.

SEBASTIAN RUTTGERS, WR – 5-9, 185 / Fairview High School (Hometown: Superior, Colo.)
Lettered in football at Fairview High School … Recorded 2,009 all-purpose yards, scored 29 touchdowns and caught 56 passes … Carries a 3.69 GPA in the classroom and is an undecided major.

LEVI SCHIELD, LB – 6-3, 201 / Rock Canyon High School (Hometown: Castle Pines, Colo.)
Was a standout in football for Coach Nick Artinger at Rock Canyon High School … Named a two-time All-State performer as a junior and senior … Earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior … As a senior, tallied 112 tackles, including 13 tackles for a loss and seven sacks … Recorded two quarterback hurries, picked off a pass, had three fumble recoveries, two caused fumbles and one pass break-up … Tallied 99 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, two sack and two quarterback hurries as a junior … Averaged 8.3 tackles per game in his high school career and was the 5A South Metro Conference tackle leader … His brother, Vann, played football at Colorado State … Undecided major at CSU Pueblo.

ETHAN SHENK, OL – 6-3, 280 / Vista Ridge High School (Hometown: Cedar Park, Texas)
Lettered in three sports at Vista Ridge High School … Played football for Coach Tim Byerly at Vista Ridge … Was a two-time First-Team All-District selection … Allowed just six sacks and 30 pressures on the offensive line … Helped lead the Rangers to back-to-back winning seasons … Also lettered in wrestling and track … Carries a 4.1 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

JAYDEN SYMALLA, OL – 6-2, 300 / Arvada West High School (Hometown: Arvada, Colo.)
Was a four-year letterman for Coach CJ Hanna at Arvada West High School … Earned Second-Team All-Colorado honors twice and was a four-time Jeffco All-Conference selection, including earning first team honors three times … Named the Hog of the Year three times … Helped the Wildcats to four straight Colorado State High School Playoff appearances, including a third-round trip in 2025 … Is one 15 players from the 2025 team at Arvada West that are going on to play college football … Was named a two-time Academic All-State honoree and has been on the Honor Roll all four years of high school … Carries a 3.5 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

HAYDEN UTLEY, DL – 6-0, 280 / Marana High School (Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.)
Lettered in football for Phillip Steward at Marana High School … Was a two-time All-State and three-time All-Region performer … Named a Blue-Gray All-American … Recorded 24 sacks and 48.5 tackles for loss in his high school career … Played on four straight Conference Championship teams with the Tigers … His father, Rodney, played college football at Western Colorado … Carries a 3.3 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

SIONE VAEA, DT – 6-0, 300 / Lubbock Cooper High School (Hometown: Lubbock, Texas)
Played four years of varsity football for Coach Chip Darden at Lubbock Cooper High School … Saw action in 42 games and made 40 start for the Pirates … Tallied 269 tackles, 37 sacks, nine pass break-ups, and six fumble recoveries in his career … Scored one touchdown on defense … Named the Defensive MVP and earned First-Team All-District honors … Helped lead Lubbock Cooper to a Bi-District title … Also lettered in track … Was a state qualifier in the shot put as a junior … Carries a 4.0 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business Management.

LUKE WALSH, WR – 6-3, 180 / Woodrow Wilson High School (Hometown: Dallas, Texas)
Was a four-year letterman for Coach Keylon Kincade at Woodrow Wilson High School … Earned Team MVP and First-Team All-District honors … As a senior, recorded 1,000 yards receiving and had 18 touchdown receptions … The 18 touchdown receptions was a Dallas ISD record … Also lettered in basketball, baseball and track … Carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom and is expected to major in Business.

MARCUS WESTON, DT – 6-1, 250 / Dakota Ridge High School (Hometown: Lakewood, Colo.)
Lettered for three years in football for Coach Jeremiah Behrendsen at Dakota Ridge High School … Recorded 132 tackles, including 13 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks with the Eagles … Was a three-time All-Conference selection, including earning first-team honors twice and second-team honors once … Honorable Mention All-State honoree … Played on Dakota Ridge's 2025 CHASA Class 4A State Championship team … Also lettered in wrestling … Expected to major in Business.