MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 6-22-26. Lots of commits heading into the dead period.

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It’s another week of the Recruiting Roundup.

The final weekend for summer official visits has now ended, marking an important checkpoint for recruiting classes. After a hectic June, players, coaches, and recruiting in general can take a breath leading up to the start of fall camp. There is a big push to get as many players to commit as possible and ideally, teams want to solidify the core of their recruiting classes. Some teams accomplished that and others did not, but we will dive more into that next week. For now, expect more commits to trickle in as the dead period starts and then things will slow down considerably in July and August.

For this week, numbers continued to be huge for visitors and verbal commits. At least 26 players took OVs this week, the last opportunity to officially visit schools. There were a ton of commits, with 55 players picking new teams. In fact, 16 of the 18 teams we look at picked up at least one new recruit.

Once again, teams could find themselves on the cover photo with the weeks they had, notably Fresno State, NIU, Oregon State, San Diego State, UNLV, and Washington State. However, this week the Rebels take the cover photo for the second week in a row.

Class of 2027 Cover Photo Total:

• UNLV: 3
• North Dakota State: 2
• Oregon State: 2
• San Diego State: 2
• Air Force: 1
• Fresno State: 1
• Hawaii: 1
• NIU: 1
• New Mexico: 1
• San Jose State: 1
• UTEP: 1
• Washington State: 1

Recruiting Calendar:

Starting tomorrow and going through the rest of the summer, we are now in a dead period. All in-person contact of any kind is off-limits. But that doesn’t mean recruiting stops; it just slows down as coaches focus on the start of the season. As always, it is okay for texts, calls, and DMs.

Next College Student Athlete says:

The most restrictive of all the recruiting periods is the NCAA Dead Period. During the dead period, coaches may not have any in-person contact with recruits and/or their parents. In other words, coaches are not allowed to talk to recruits at their college campus, the athlete’s school, an athletic camp or even the grocery store.

While the term “dead period” makes it seem like all recruiting stops during this time, that’s actually not the case. Athletes and coaches are still allowed to communicate via phone, email, social media and other digital communication channels. While NCAA Division 1 programs are prohibited from conducting any in-person recruiting, D1 college coaches can still contact student-athletes via digital forms of communication during the dead period.

Commitment Spotlight:

LB Hayden Waller (Air Force)

“At the end of the day, my decision came down to culture, service, and long-term development. Air Force gives me the opportunity to play FBS football while serving something bigger than myself. I wanted to be surrounded by disciplined, like-minded people who push each other to be their best every day. I tried to look at this as a 20-year decision rather than a 4-year decision. Air Force provides an incredible education, leadership development, and what I believe is the highest quality of life after graduation. Coach Calhoun’s stability, along with a staff filled with former Air Force players, showed me what the Bolt Brotherhood is all about and made me feel at home. Now I can focus on my senior season with my teammates.”

OL Maxton Barnes (Boise State)

“One of the main reasons why i chose Boise State was because of the culture. The environment and the bonds that i can feel the second i stepped on campus I loved. Coach D and all of the coaches truly love the program and the players and it is mutual. And that contributes big time to their winning seasons. There is not one bad thing i can say about BSU.”

OL Ben Rainwater (Boise State)

“The biggest reason was the people everyone on staff was so nice and amazing and I absolutely loved it!”

DB Joshua Amoo (Colorado State)

“I decided to call Colorado State home due to my relationship with Coach Matthew’s. He was consistent in his recruitment of me. I also loved the campus. It just felt like home. Add in Coach Mora’s experience in the NFL and the decision was easy.”

DL Javon Rogers (Fresno State)

“I committed to Fresno State because it felt like the best fit for me both on and off the field. The coaching staff made me feel like a priority from the beginning. Coach Benedetto and Coach G both came to my house, and that was important for my family and me. Fresno State gives me a great opportunity to compete at a high level while being surrounded by guys who all have the same goals!”

OL Carl Weigel (Fresno State)

“First and foremost, it would be very hard to pass up the opportunity to play with my brother. Secondly, Fresno State gave me the impression that they can develop me very well.”

TE Mekhi Hodge (Nevada)

“I committed due to the coaching staff and how welcome I felt since the beginning. I really love what the coaches have to offer and how they can develop me.”

DB Cashmere Coleman (NIU)

“I committed to NIU because it felt like home from the start. The coaches made me feel like a priority, and I believe in the culture they’re building. It’s a place where I can grow as a player and as a man. The players also made me feel like I was their brother and still have close communication with their corners room.”

DL Gunner Edwards (New Mexico)

“For me I obviously had other offers and was talking to bigger schools, but when I got there, they made me feel right at home. The culture was perfect. The coaches are building something special, and I definitely want to be a part of that. Coach Eck is a really good dude, and Coach Loni is one of the best in the game wouldn’t wanna be coached by anybody else but him, the way he does it, and how he breaks down everything. His background, he’s just a great guy, and I feel like he won’t only coach me to be a football player. He’ll teach me how to be a better man for my future. And the staff is great. Everybody has a really good connection, and they all really made me feel like they wanted me there, and I knew I could call that place home.”

OL Logan Day (San Diego State)

“Fantastic coaching staff with strong leadership. Established culture and brotherhood. Incredible strength staff.”

WR Jaiden Flores (San Diego State)

“I was on my OV this past Thursday to Saturday! And I really liked how they were talking about using me in their scheme. I really like the offense of Sean Lewis! The receiver coach, Coach Middleton, was by far my favorite coach throughout this entire recruiting process. And one of the biggest parts is SDSU feels like a family, all grinding towards the same goal. There is no individual who feels bigger than the team; even after hanging out with the players, you still get that vibe. Everyone’s just ready to get blue-collar busy!“

RB Kamden Tillis (San Diego State)

“The reason why I committed to San Diego State was the love they showed and the relationship we have. They always kept in touch with me, and it felt like I wasn’t just talking to a coach. It felt like I was talking to a family member every time we talked! Not only was it a full circle moment for me, but Coach Hagan also coached my trainer, Sirr Parker, in high school. He reminds me of Sirr so much. So it was a no-brainer to have the opportunity to have someone like him as a coach!”

DB Augus Saunders (San Diego State)

“I committed to San Diego State because from the moment I got there, it felt like home. The coaches showed me a lot of genuine love and treated my family and me extremely well throughout the process. I love the football program, the culture, and the way the team operates. What stood out to me most is that it’s about football, development, and building relationships, not just money. In today’s college football landscape, that meant a lot to me. Overall, it was a great experience, and I really loved the campus and everything San Diego State has to offer.”

OL Sione Finau (San Diego State)

“”I chose SDSU because of the love they have been showing me this past year including the coaching staff and their athletes but not only that I like culture and they bond together as a team helping each other succeed, and that’s why I decided hop on the train and start becoming an Aztec.”

DL Gray Longoria (UNLV)

“I committed to UNLV because of the people and the experience the coaching staff brings. Coach Mullen and the rest of the staff have shown a lot of love throughout the process, and they’ve always been genuine with my family and me. Building those relationships and knowing I’ll be developed by coaches with that kind of experience made UNLV feel like the right place for me.”

WR Samuel Coleman (Utah State)

“Going into my official visit, I didn’t expect to commit, but Logan completely changed my perspective. Utah State has a deep family connection for me, and the culture Coach Mendenhall and his staff have built instantly felt like home. Seeing how many former players returned to coach with him tells you everything about his leadership. I love the offensive scheme, I see a great opportunity to make an early impact, and I really believe that this program is going to become something special.”

OL Landon Guenter (Washington State)

“I am super excited to play for WSU. From day one, Coach Abercrombie and Coach T made me feel valued. They were in constant contact with me, and we were able to develop a good relationship. When my family and I were on my official visit, every single coach took the time to have meaningful conversations with my parents and me, and the overall feeling of family was what stood out to me. I also got to know some of the players already on the team and met other recruits who had already committed, and we all seemed to click and get along really well.“

OL Randolph Santiago (Washington State)

“I chose Washington state because of the bond my family and I have created with the coaching staff. I also feel like they would develop me the best. Taking my visit there in May, it already felt like home, so that kind of finished off my decision.”

DL Kingston Beyer (Wyoming)

“I would say the main reason for my commitment is 100% the coaches and people. I have a ton of belief in them and I think they’ll make me the best I can be. I just think the family is better than anywhere else I’ve visited.“

TE Thomas Prescott (Wyoming)

“I felt that Wyoming’s development, resources, and culture were the main factors in my decision. During my visit to Wyoming, I felt like a family and a great environment. The new offense that Coach Taylor has brought in heavily utilizes tight ends as well.”

Visit Recap:

QB Tucker Ingersoll (Wyoming)

“My OV this past weekend, and it was awesome being around the entire staff and team all weekend! My favorite highlight from the visit was being able to get suited up with the other recruits and being around the team to see what my teammates will be like.”

Recruiting Updates:

Offers:

• Air Force:
• Boise State: 2
• Colorado State: 4
• Fresno State: 3
• Hawaii:
• Nevada: 6
• New Mexico: 3
• NIU:
• North Dakota State:
• Oregon State: 2
• San Diego State: 3
• San Jose State: 1
• Texas State:
• UNLV: 3
• Utah State: 4
• UTEP: 2
• Washington State: 3
• Wyoming: 1

Visits

• OL Ben Rainwater: Boise State
• DB Jayden Bradley: Boise State
• QB Jaden Jefferson: Hawaii
• EDGE Davian Whitener: Hawaii
• RB AJ McBean: Hawaii
• RB Jayce Wilson: Nevada
• LB Connor Strand: Nevada
• OL Mason Eck: Nevada
• LB Owen Willis: New Mexico
• DB James Cabarrus: New Mexico
• DB Azavier McDaniel: North Dakota State
• OL Rashaun Lavata’i: Oregon State
• LB Jeffrey Patino: San Diego State
• OL Seth Sullivan: San Diego State
• OL Sione Finau: San Diego State
• EDGE Iyan Bosket: San Diego State
• DB August Saunders: San Diego State
• LB Deandre Kirkpatrick: San Diego State
• DL Antonio Underwood: Texas State
• LB Linkin Apana: UNLV
• WR Jaylen Fitzgerald: UNLV
• DT Kahilo Vaetoe: UNLV
• TE Jackson Post: UNLV
• RB Noah Fiefia: Utah State
• TE Thomas Prescott: Wyoming
• QB Michael Vander Luitgaren: Wyoming

Commits:

• LB Hayden Waller: Air Force
• WR Joe Barrett: Air Force
• RB Marquez Mellor: Air Force
• K Landon Kingston: Boise State
• OL Ben Rainwater: Boise State
• OL Maxton Barnes: Boise State
• DB Joshua Amoo: Colorado State
• RB Austin Stinson: Colorado State
• RB Andre Jackson: Colorado State
• EDGE Jacob Vann: Fresno State
• LB Jeremy Davis: Fresno State
• TE Kole Davis: Fresno State
• OL Kota Seshimo: Fresno State
• OL Carl Weigel: Fresno State
• TE Rene Garcia: Fresno State
• TE Mekhi Hodge: Nevada
• EDGE MJ Bateman: Nevada
• OL DeShaun Jackson: Nevada
• TE Talon Sosky: Nevada
• TE Evan Macken: New Mexico
• DL Gunner Edwards: New Mexico
• EDGE Ryder Molchanoff: New Mexico
• WR Brennon Zeng: NIU
• OL David Provost: NIU
• OL Evan Leibfried: NIU
• DB Cashmere Coleman: NIU
• TE Lucas Matykiewicz: NIU
• DB Logan Mayfield: North Dakota State
• LB Kawai Chamberlin: Oregon State
• DB Amire Reese: Oregon State
• DB Juan Garcia-Okoi: Oregon State
• ATH Ayden Payne: Oregon State
• DB Johnny McNeil III: Oregon State
• DB Nathaniel Mensah: Oregon State
• LB Drenden Knaevelsrud: San Diego State
• WR Jaiden Flores: San Diego State
• DB Augus Saunders: San Diego State
• DL Logan Nelson: San Diego State
• RB Kamden Tillis: San Diego State
• OL Sione Finau: San Diego State
• OL Jaylen Haywood: Texas State
• DB Jaden Mason: UNLV
• RB Delijah Matthews: UNLV
• OL Braydenn Mercer: UNLV
• DB Emmanuel Moses: UNLV
• DB Brett Smith Jr: UNLV
• LB Dylan Modena: UNLV
• DB Azavier McDaniel: UNLV
• WR Malik Sika: Utah State
• WR James Klopfenstein: Utah State
• WR Samuel Coleman: Utah State
• WR Maxwell Nichols: UTEP
• DB Sirjewel Glover: Washington State
• DL Richard Orosco: Washington State
• OL Randolph Santiago: Washington State
• DB Gianni Haynes: Washington State
• DL Kingston Beyer: Wyoming
• TE Thomas Prescott: Wyoming

Decommits

• P Jakob Madden: Air Force
• ATH Ayden Payne: San Diego State

Follow @Mike_SBN on Twitter for all the latest recruiting news and updates.

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