Colorado State Football Signs 21 Players on Early Signing Day

On December 13, 2023, Colorado State University (CSU) marked the beginning of the early signing period for college football by announcing the signing of 21 recruits for its 2026 class. This early signing period runs from December 13 through December 15, allowing high school and junior college players to commit to their chosen programs.

Among the newly signed players is Ace Brown, a linebacker from Archbishop Hoban in Ohio. Previously committed to Eastern Michigan, Brown is rated as a three-star prospect and represents one of the key additions for CSU. Another linebacker, Jaylen King from Cleveland, North Carolina, had an impressive senior season with 104 tackles, including 36 tackles for loss.

The Rams also secured a promising quarterback in Darnell Kelly from Langston Hughes, Georgia. Heading into his team’s quarterfinal playoff game, Kelly has completed 123 of 179 passes for 1,972 yards and 25 touchdowns, supplemented by 508 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat capability is expected to enhance CSU’s offensive strategy.

Defensive back Jermaine Santana-Diaz from Ridge Point, Texas, chose CSU over offers from several Power 4 schools, including Baylor and Kansas. He recorded one fumble recovery and one interception during the season, showcasing his defensive skills. Similarly, Thomas Cook Jr., another defensive back from North Crowley, Texas, will join the Rams after his team competes in the Texas Class 6A Division I playoffs.

A notable addition is Kallen Martinez, a three-star defensive back from Armwood, Florida. With 30 tackles, an interception, and a caused fumble this season, Martinez flipped his commitment from UConn to CSU. Xavier Wimbush, also a defensive back, made a similar switch from UConn and is currently competing in the Virginia playoffs.

Strengthening the defensive lineup further, Atticus Tillman from Arvada West, Colorado, has been committed to CSU since June. He accumulated 59 tackles and one interception in his senior season.

In the wide receiver position, Ross Nickson III joins the team from Riverside Community College, having previously played at Nevada. In 2025, he recorded 25 catches for 505 yards and ten touchdowns, demonstrating his playmaking ability. Another wide receiver, Troy Foster from Huntington Beach, California, flipped his commitment from San Diego State to CSU in June. His senior season statistics include 85 receptions for 1,510 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The Rams also welcomed several offensive and defensive linemen, including Amare Bell from Cesar Chavez, Arizona, and Luke Van Auken from Delsea Regional, New Jersey. Both players are rated as three-star prospects and add significant depth to the team’s roster.

As the early signing period continues, CSU aims to build on this promising foundation, focusing on enhancing its competitiveness in college football. The skills and commitment of these young athletes highlight the strategic vision for the future of CSU football, as the Rams look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming seasons.