Braxton Gregory
Sports Editor
National Signing Day remains one of the most important dates on the college football calendar. It marks the first opportunity for high school seniors to formally commit to NCAA Division I programs, and for Idaho State, it serves as a crucial foundation for roster construction. With the transfer portal accelerating player movement nationwide, building a strong freshman class each year has become essential not only to maintaining depth but to shaping the culture and identity of the locker room.
Idaho State announced 12 signees to its 2026 football recruiting class on National Signing Day, solidifying a group the program believes will help carry forward the momentum from one of its most promising seasons in decades. The class represents a continuing shift in the program’s trajectory as the Bengals work to establish long-term stability and compete more evenly with resource-heavy programs across the region.
This year’s signing class spans six states and features a balanced mix of power, versatility, and athleticism. The Bengals opened the class with linebacker Trehsyn Fesili (6-1, 200) from Mililani, Hawaii, a high-motor defender who was one of the most productive players in his conference. Idaho State also made key additions in the trenches, adding interior offensive lineman Luke Kingman (6-5, 300) from Murrieta Valley, Calif., and defensive lineman Sitili Palmer (6-2, 275) from Sky View High School in Utah.
The Bengals addressed the quarterback position by signing Kepa Niumeitolu (6-1, 205) out of Lone Peak High School, giving Idaho State another developmental arm to build around as the offense continues to evolve under the current staff. Coaches also targeted hybrid athletes capable of impacting multiple positions and special teams. That group includes Ty Hicks (5-11, 170) from St. Ignatius Prep in San Francisco; Steele Kurtz (6-2, 195) of Huntington Beach, Calif.; Justyn Jordan (6-2, 190) from Fountain-Fort Carson in Colorado; and Teddy Johnson (5-10, 165) out of Arbor View in Las Vegas.
Defensively, the Bengals strengthened their secondary with the additions of safeties Kaedyn Smith (6-0, 175) from Basha High School in Arizona and Jaden Rodgers (6-2, 175) from Cienega High School. The class also includes wide receiver Anthony Harrington (5-10, 170) of Amador Valley, Calif., and edge rusher Garrett Miller (6-4, 225) from Mead High School in Washington, adding size and explosiveness at two positions where depth is critical.
The incoming class arrives as Idaho State continues to push forward after a breakthrough year that included five straight victories and multiple milestones not reached since the 1980s. The improvement on the field has played a direct role in changing how recruits view the Bengals, giving the program more visibility in key recruiting regions and helping it compete with schools that traditionally hold advantages in budget, facilities, and resources.
“For us, one of our strengths is the relationships and the culture that people enjoy here,” Athletic Director Pauline Thiros said.
Building trust within the program and among families at the university has become a significant emphasis for Idaho State as it works to create stability during a period of rapid change in college football.
“Coach Hawkins and others will tell you they could immediately make more money elsewhere, but they couldn’t go somewhere with the same relationships with the AD, the people, or the community.”
The promising results on the field have also generated renewed enthusiasm within the coaching staff. With improved competitiveness, growth in player development, and rising expectations inside the program, as more recruits pour in, Idaho State coaches and fans will start to feel the positive impact and pull that hasn’t been felt for years.
Looking ahead, Idaho State coaches say this class is only the beginning of the work still to be done as the program pushes to build on last season’s momentum. In a message posted on X Defensive Coordinator Grant Duff wrote: “Can’t wait to add the next wave of Bengal greatness! Always still scouring for those ballers!
