Arkansas State head football coach Butch Jones made a major statement on Wednesday, announcing the addition of 25 new Red Wolves to the program’s 2026 signing class — a group loaded with playoff experience, strong regional ties, and one of the highest concentrations of three-star talent the program has assembled in recent years.
The class includes 19 high school prospects and six junior-college transfers, with 20 players rated as three-star recruits by On3, 247Sports and/or ESPN. Fifteen of the signees are expected to be on campus early and ready to participate in A-State’s 2026 spring camp.
Every one of A-State’s 19 high school signees played in the postseason during their prep careers, including three who appeared in a state championship game in the last two seasons. Several come from powerhouse programs in Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee — all states where Jones and his staff have made major recruiting inroads.
The class features a balanced roster split:
-
12 offensive signees
-
13 defensive signees
The Red Wolves added five wide receivers, four offensive linemen, four linebackers, four defensive tackles, two running backs, two defensive ends, two safeties, a tight end and a cornerback.
National Reach, Regional Roots
Arkansas State signed players from 10 different states, with Mississippi leading the way with seven signees. Tennessee and Texas each produced four, while Georgia contributed three. Arkansas added one — Conway tight end Dawson McFadin, one of the state’s top prospects.
Headline Names from an Impactful Class
Each signee brings a compelling résumé. Some of the highlights include:
-
Solomon Baggett (RB, Ocean Springs, Miss.) — One of the most productive running backs in Mississippi this season, Baggett rushed for 1,429 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging an eye-popping 9.9 yards per carry.
-
Dallas Boozer (WR, Prosper, Texas) — A three-star standout with elite academic credentials (3.9 GPA), Boozer returned from injury this season to lead Prosper to an 11-win year and delivered a 73-yard TD in the playoffs.
-
Trey Bridges (DT, Petal, Miss.) — A three-star defensive force with offers from multiple FBS programs, Bridges helped Petal reach the second round of the Class 7A playoffs.
-
Keoni Denny (LB, East Central CC) — One of the top JUCO linebackers in the nation, Denny totaled 140 career JUCO tackles and was ranked the No. 7 JUCO linebacker by 247Sports.
-
Brandon Goliday (WR, Antioch, Tenn.) — One of the most explosive receivers in the country, Goliday led all Tennessee receivers with 1,666 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior.
-
Jakohri Johnson (DT, Duncanville, Texas) — A powerhouse defender from one of Texas’ elite programs, Johnson recorded 66 tackles and 14 tackles for loss during a deep playoff run.
-
Paul Risper (S, Macon, Ga.) — A three-star defensive back who also excelled academically with a 3.8 GPA, Risper helped lead Westside to consecutive playoff appearances.
-
Tanner Welch (OL, NW Mississippi CC) — A 6’8”, 320-pound tackle who helped guide Northwest Mississippi to a 9–1 season and an NJCAA playoff berth.
With early enrollees such as Baggett, Boozer, Denny, Grant, Hamlin, Hoehn, Johnson, and others, the Red Wolves expect an immediate boost in spring competition.
Total Signees: 25
High School Players: 19
Junior College Players: 6
Three-Star Recruits: 20
Early Enrollees: 15
Breakdown by Position
Offense (12): RB (2), WR (5), TE (1), OL (4)
Defense (13): DT (4), DE (2), LB (4), CB (1), S (2)
Breakdown by State
Mississippi (7), Tennessee (4), Texas (4), Georgia (4), Florida (3), Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Nevada (1)
