ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University Football Team is set to welcome the future faces of Wildcat football with national signing day happening on Wednesday, February 5.
"We are very proud of the class the staff has recruited to Central," CWU Head Football Coach
Chris Fisk said. "It is a great mix of talent to add to our roster, and a group that has a cumulative 3.4 GPA. We are very excited about the future of Central football with these additions to our roster and can't wait to get the student athletes on campus in the fall."
This year's class features 32 student-athletes. 15 served as Team Captains, 23 were named First Team All-Conference, 12 were named All-State, and eight were apart of State Championship teams during their careers. Five different recruits were given three stars by 247Sports. 26 of the recruits are from within the state of Washington, five from the state of Oregon, and one from the state of California. Broken down, this year's class contains six defensive backs, seven defensive linemen, three linebackers, one long snapper, six offensive linemen, one punter, one quarterback, two running backs, two tight ends, and three wide receivers.
Follow along below or on social media (Instagram: @cwu_football | X: @CWUFB) throughout the day as we announce the 2025 CWU Football recruiting class:
Tayvion Smith (DL, Tacoma, WA/Lakes HS)
High School: Prepped at Lakes High School under Head Coach Dave Miller... Rated two stars by 247 Sports and rated the 85th-best player in the state of Washington... Earned First Team All-League as a defensive end... Lettered in football and wrestling... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because it seemed like it was the right place for me."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Tayvion had a big impact on his on his team success this year, he was a tackle for loss machine. His speed and first step is what makes him a great player."
Johnny O'Connor (DL, Bellevue, WA/Bellevue HS)
High School: Prepped at Bellevue High School under Head Coach Michael Kneip... Helped lead the Wolverines to two WIAA State Championships... Named All-KingCo First Team for both the offensive line and the defensive line in 2024... Named All-KingCo First Team for offensive line in 2023... All-KingCo Honorable Mention for the defensive line in 2022... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because of the great official visit I had and also because of the coaching staff."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Johnny had a lot of success in high school, and his physicality was like no other. He punished blocks and would impose his will on quarterbacks and running backs. I'm glad to have Big Johnny as a Wildcat!"
Hudson Hardy (DL, West Linn, OR/West Linn HS)
High School: Prepped at West Linn High School under Head Coach Jon Eagle... Rated two stars by 247 Sports and rated the 30th-best player in the state of Oregon... Helped lead the Lions to an OSAA State Championship... 4-year varsity letterwinner... Named to the All-State Team... Tabbed with All-League honors... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I fell in love with the program, the coaches, and the people!"
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Hudson is a state champion with a winning mindset. He's a physical player with great hands at the point of attack. He has a high football IQ and his play at defensive end will transition well as I believe he will become an elite player in this program. I'm excited to have him as a part of the CWU Family!"
Chris Hauss (DL, Yelm, WA/Yelm HS)
High School: Prepped at Yelm High School under Head Coach Jason Ronquillo... Helped lead the Tornados to a WIAA State Title... Was a 2-time All-League... Earned All-Area Defensive Tackle... He is currently undecided on a major.
Why CWU?: "Because CWU has always been my dream school to attend and play football at."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Chris is a big, physical, and long athlete. His length on the inside is a huge get for the Wildcats. He will develop to become a very good player for CWU."
Brian Kuhn (DL, Pasco, WA/Chiawana HS)
High School: Prepped at Chiawana High School under Head Coach Scott Bond... Named to the All-State Team... Named conference Lineman of the Year... First Team All-Conference... Plans on majoring in Engineering.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU to play football at a great school and continue my education."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Brian is a competitor and has a motor that helps him make plays on the field. I'm excited to have him as a part of the Wildcat Family!"
Reid Fiala (DL, Duvall, WA/Cedarcrest HS)
High School: Prepped at Cedarcrest High School under Head Coach John Fiala... Was named the KingCo Defensive Player of the Year in 2024... KingCo Lake First Team linebacker in 2024... KingCo Lake First Team tight end in 2024... Wesco Polk Division First Team linebacker in 2023... Won the "Dude" Award in 2024... Was the leading team tackler in '23 & '24... Was Team Captain... 4-year letterwinner for football... Planning on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because of the great coaching staff and the high standards of the program. I have always wanted to play college football with a great community and a team that loves football as much as I do."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Reid is a true athlete that does well in space. He has a true nose for the football. The transition to defensive end will be huge for him and will help the defensive line room in the pass rush game. I'm excited to have him as a Wildcat!"
Riah Tua (DL, Vancouver, WA/Skyview HS)
High School: Prepped at Skyview High School under Head Coach Steve Kizer... Was named All-League twice... Two-time All-Region... Tabbed to the All-State Team... Named Team Captain... Won the Trey Foote Most Inspirational Award... Planning on majoring in EMS Paramedicine.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because of Coach Belony and our connection, the rest of the coaching staff, the winning culture, the fact that I fit into the defensive scheme very well, to join the Paramedic Program, and because my mother loved it as well."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Riah is twitchy with speed skills. He will be a problem for an offensive line to block. He plays with a great leverage that'll help him become an elite pass rusher on the inside and outside. We're excited to have Riah as a Wildcat!"
Treyson Eddleman (LB, Lake Oswego, OR/Lakeridge HS)
High School: Prepped at Lakeridge High School under Head Coach Spencer Phillips... Rated two stars by 247 Sports and rated the 33rd-best player in the state of Oregon… Earned First Team All-State... First Team All-League... Second Team All-League... Named Team Captain... Lettered in both football and track... Plans on majoring in Finance.
Why CWU?: "I really like how beautiful the campus is, the great coaches, and the amazing facilities."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Treyson is a big time linebacker addition for our defense. He is everything you want out of a LB: big, fast, and physical. We can't wait to start working with him this fall!"
Peyton Cunningham (LB, Bothell, WA/North Creek HS)
High School: Prepped at North Creek High School under Head Coach Torrey Myers... Rated three stars by 247 Sports and rated the 51st-best player in the state of Washington… Was named the 2023 and 2024 League Athlete of the Year... 3-time NCHS Playmaker of the Year... Helped guide the Jaguars to the 2024 League Championship... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I just loved the environment, and I've built up a great relationship with the coaches."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Peyton is a great addition to our program. He's played a number of different positions during high school. Peyton brings phenomenal athleticism to our linebacker room!"
Will Ingle (LB, West Linn, OR/West Linn HS)
High School: Prepped at West Linn High School under Head Coach Jon Eagle... Rated two stars by 247 Sports and rated the 35th-best player in the state of Oregon… Helped lead the Lions to an OSAA State Championship... Earned First Team All-State... Named First Team All-League... Plans on majoring in Business.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because I love the coaching staff and the atmosphere of the team and the school."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Will is an absolute killer at the linebacker position. He will come down hill and knock your block off. He also comes from a historically dominant high school program at WLHS. Will knows how to win!"
Joey Costanti (LS, University Place, WA/Curtis HS)
High School: Prepped at Curtis High School under Head Coach Daren McKay... Top rated long snapper in the state of Washington... Was a four-year varsity starter in both football and baseball... Earned multiple All-League honors on both sides of the football... Named Special Teams Player of the Year for three years in a row... Earned Defensive Player of the Year in baseball... Garnered All-League honors in baseball... Member of the National Honors Society with a 3.85 GPA... Plans on majoring in Clinical Physiology.
Why CWU?: "I love the campus and the surrounding community of Ellensburg. The location is perfect for me because I am close to home, but far enough away to make me still feel like I'm away at college."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Joey comes from a great high school program where he served as a key contributor on both offense and special teams. We're excited about his ability to snap and the athleticism he brings to the position."
Brady Holland (OL, Portland, OR/Lincoln HS)
High School: Prepped at Lincoln High School under Head Coach Cody Schnaufer... Was a 4-year football letterwinner... 4-year track & field letterwinner... Named All-State offensive lineman and defensive lineman... Placed 2nd at the OSAA State Meet in shot put... MAC Scholar Athlete Finalist... Tabbed Team MVP in track & field... Planning on majoring in Clinical Physiology.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because it has everything I would want in a school."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Brady is a big, physical mover whose presence will bring explosiveness and power to the offensive lineman room. He has the ability to play multiple positions along the O-line."
Brody Sahlfeld (OL, Hillsboro, OR/Glencoe HS)
High School: Prepped at Glencoe High School under Head Coach Mike Fanger... Named the Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year... Second Team All-OSAA... 3-time All-Conference offensive tackle... Undecided on a major at this time.
Why CWU?: "Because I loved the coaching staff and the community around CWU and Ellensburg."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Brody is an athletic competitor who plays with an edge. He is as tough as they come. He finishes every play through the echo of the whistle when he is on the field."
Charlie Bennett (OL, Ellensburg, WA/Ellensburg HS)
High School: Prepped at Ellensburg High School under Head Coach Zeke Fife... A 4-year football letterwinner... 3-year basketball letterwinner... 4-year track letterwinner... Earned CWAC Honorable Mention... CWAC First Team as a thrower in T&F... Named to the CWAC Second Team... Voted the best offensive lineman by the EHS football team... Voted the best defensive lineman by the EHS football team... 4-year Honor Roll member... Maintained a 4.0 GPA... Member of the National Honors Society... Plans on majoring in Education.
Why CWU?: "CWU is close to home, it has a good education program, and has dominant sports teams."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Charlie is a dominant big man. He's a homegrown talent that's blessed with great size and physical tools to win along the line of scrimmage. I'm excited to be able to keep Charlie here in The 'Burg!"
Vance Gustafson (OL, Spokane, WA/Mead HS)
High School: Prepped at Mead High School under Head Coach Keith Stamps... Named WIAA Academic State Champion in 2024... Undecided on a major at this time.
Why CWU?: "Because it is a cool place and it's not that far away from my home and family."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Vance is an athletic lineman who comes from NFL lineage. He'll develop into a premier offensive lineman here at CWU. I'm excited to add a player of Vance's caliber to the offensive lineman brotherhood."
DeQuan Freeland (OL, Bremerton, WA/Olympic HS)
High School: Prepped at Olympic High School under Head Coach Sal Quitevis Jr... Helped lead the Trojans to a WIAA State Championship... 3-time First Team All-League... All-State honors... Lettered in football, wrestling, and track & field... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I really enjoyed the culture and the morals of the team and the environment of Ellensburg."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "DeQuan is a physical and violent player who punishes his opponents. He finishes every rep and plays the game the way it's meant to be played. I'm excited to add DeQuan to a great offensive lineman class."
Antoine Lee (RB, West Seattle, WA/Kentwood HS)
High School: Prepped at Kentwood High School under Head Coach Matt Roth... Rated three stars by 247 Sports and rated the 61st-best player in the state of Washington… Rushed for over 6,000 yards, ranking 7th in WIAA history... 10 time single-game rushing record for KHS... 2 time single season rushing record for KHS... Set the career rushing record and the career touchdown record... 2 time single season touchdown record... Single game punt return record holder... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "When I was hanging out with the players and the coaches, you can just tell it's all about the brotherhood."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Antoine is one of the best running back in the entire PNW. He was born to play running back and is a threat to score every single time he touches the ball. He rushed for 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns his senior year alone and broke multiple school records."
Colton Magruder (RB, Ellensburg, WA/Ellensburg HS)
High School: Prepped at Ellensburg High School under Head Coach Zeke Fife... Was a 2-time All-League running back... 4-year honor roll member... Placed in the state meet for track... Tied the EHS record for touchdowns in a game with five... Was a 2-year captain for the Bulldogs... Plans on majoring in Construction Management.
Why CWU?: "I enjoyed the environment on my official visit. I also trust the coaching staff will push me to be my best."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Colton has great size and speed. He raised some eyebrows with his fluidity at our team camp over the summer. The Ellensburg native has an exciting opportunity to show out for his hometown."
Khris Norris (DB, Puyallup, WA/Graham Kapowsin HS)
High School: Prepped at Graham Kapowsin High School under Head Coach Jeff Logan... Rated three stars by 247 Sports and rated the 31st-best player in the state of Washington... Helped lead the Eagles to a WIAA State Championship... Helped lead the Eagles to a GEICO State Champions Bowl Series victory over Collins Hill High School of Georgia in Las Vegas... First Team All-Area... First Team All-League defensive back... Second Team All-League wide receiver... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because of the coaching staff, and that it's close to home for my family to see me play."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "A highly ranked prospect on both sides of the ball, Khris brings an elite level of athleticism to our safety room. His love for the game of football and his ability to make plays in the secondary are second to none. I am excited to see his development as a Wildcat!"
Braxton Feldmann (DB, Pasco, WA/Chiawana HS)
High School: Prepped at Chiawana High School under Head Coach Scott Bond... Was named First Team All-Conference as a running back, defensive back, and kick returner... Named the League Offensive Player of the Year this past fall... First Team All-State running back... Scorebook Live Two-Way Player of the Year... Was a four-year starter at CHS... Helped guide the Rivherhawks to three League Championships... Earned letters in football, baseball, and track & field... Earned a 3.985 cumulative GPA... Undecided on a major at this time.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because they have a great football program, the tuition is cheaper than most, my brother (
Bridger Feldmann) played football there, it's close to home, and the people that I've met there have been very welcoming."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "The brother of a former Wildcat, Braxton was a natural fit for CWU from the start. His ability to lead his team on a deep playoff run and make plays on the perimeter will translate well to the brand of defense we play."
Maddox Heyliger (WR, Federal Way, WA/Decatur HS)
High School: Prepped at Decatur High School under Head Coach Levi Suiaunoa... Helped lead the Gators to their first-ever appearance in the WIAA State Sweet 16... Was a two-time All-League as a wide receiver... All-League as a defensive back... Letterwinner in both football and track & field... 4-year Team Captain... Had 40 receptions, 8 touchdowns, and 720 yards this past fall... Had 4 game-winning scores this past fall... December 2024 Federal Way Mirror Athlete of the Week... 2025 Cleats vs. Cancer nominee... Member of the National Honors Society... Earned a 3.88 cumulative GPA... Undecided on a major at this time.
Why CWU?: "CWU has given me an opportunity that no one else has. It's a great place and the best option for me to further my athletic and academic career."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Maddox had a huge impact on his team's success this year, leading them to a conference championship. He is a versatile playmaker with the ability to make people miss in open space and will be a player to watch for the Wildcats throughout his career."
Jameson Patin (P, Yelm, WA/Yelm HS)
High School: Prepped at Yelm High School under Head Coach Jason Ronquillo... Rated 4.5 stars... Top-rated punter in the state of Washington… Helped guide the Tornados to a WIAA 3A State Championship in 2022... Earned 2nd Team All-League as a punter... Honorable Mention All-League as a wide receiver... Was the YHS Special Teams MVP... Member of the National Honors Society... Lettered in both soccer and football... Averaged 42.16 yards per punt and had 19 receptions for 400 yards and 7 touchdowns this past fall... Undecided on a major.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because of their strong winning culture and the deep sense of brotherhood within their team. The commitment to excellence on and off the field, combined with the supportive and family-like atmosphere made it the perfect place for me to go."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Not only was Jameson the number one punter in the state of Washington, but he was a dynamic athlete during his time at Yelm High School while also playing wide receiver. His athleticism will elevate his ability to punt at the college level. We are super excited to have him here at CWU!"
Jerimyah Mitchell (DB, Sacramento, CA/Garfield HS)
High School: Prepped at Garfield High School under Head Coach Reggie Witherspoon II... Rated two stars by 247 Sports and rated the 81st-best player in the state of Washington... Was a 2-time All-Conference honoree... Named the Player of the Week six times... Unsure of a major to pursue right now.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because it is a place that I know I can call home. The people and the energy around the school really stuck to me when I visited. It's a very welcoming environment and the guys I know that I'll be able to call the guys my brothers when I need them."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "We are very proud to have Jerimyah join our program. He has a great spirit, unmatched energy, and his incredible journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for the game. He's not just a talented athlete, but he's an inspiration. I can't wait to see the impact he'll make on and off the field."
Jaylyn Keller (DB, Federal Way, WA/Eastside Catholic School)
High School: Prepped at Eastside Catholic School under Head Coach Dom Daste... Named First Team All-League as a cornerback... Voted Team Defensive Skills MVP... Lettered in football and track & field... Plans on majoring in Architecture.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because I fell in love with the community and family that they have. I am so ready to be a part of it!"
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "I am incredibly excited to welcome Jaylyn to our program. His talent, work ethic, and dedication are what sets him apart and there's no doubt in my mind he will have an impact on the program."
Andi Cosme (WR, Everett, WA/Cascade HS)
High School: Prepped at Cascade High School under Head Coach Joe Rue... First Team All-Wesco as a wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner... Was named Captain... Came in 9th in the 100-meter dash at the State Meet... Lettered in 3 sports... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because I love the program they offer for sports, and because of their great business program. The football coaches and the players that I met are very welcoming and truly seem like they care about developing people on and off of the field."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Andi is an extremely dynamic athlete. He was utilized in various ways throughout his career at Cascade High School which will translate well into the Wildcat offense."
Jakai Clardy (DB, Vancouver, WA/Evergreen HS)
High School: Prepped at Evergreen High School under Head Coach Christian Swain... Rated three stars by 247 Sports and rated the 40th-best player in the state of Washington... Earned First Team All-League three years... Named a 3-star athlete... Undecided on a major at this time.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because I love the culture. It already feels like home. I feel like it's the best place for me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a man."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Jakai was one of our top corners on the board all year, so I'm beyond thrilled he is joining the Wildcat family. He has the potential to be a game changing player in our secondary."
Jaden Chimese (DB, Sumner, WA/Sumner HS)
High School: Prepped at Sumner High School under Head Coach Keith Ross... Helped lead the Spartans to a WIAA State Championship... Undecided on a major.
Why CWU?: "They took a chance on me, so why wouldn't I?"
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Jaden was identified early on in the recruiting process as a top prospect. He not only has the physical traits we look for in a safety, but he also embodies the kind of character that our program is built upon."
Wentworth Scribner (TE, Spokane, WA/Gonzaga Preparatory School)
High School: Prepped at Gonzaga Prep under Head Coach Nate Graham... Helped lead the Bullpups to a WIAA 4A semifinal appearance... Was named the Team Captain... Earned Academic Honor Roll distinction... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because of how welcomed I felt here. My first conversation with Coach Fisk went amazing and I felt a great bond between us. From that point on I knew that THE BURG would be a perfect fit for me. I love small towns, and the scheme of tight end usage at CWU made it a lock for me to continue my football career. When I met the group of guys and the coaching staff in the program, I was all in on CWU."
What the CWU Coaches are saying: "Wentworth is a throwback type of player like a Mike Alstott type of guy. He has the ability to play tight end and fullback. His work ethic and determination to play college football have been fun to watch throughout the last year, and I'm very excited to coach him!"
Kolton Matson (QB, Lake Stevens, WA/Lake Stevens HS)
High School: Prepped at Lake Stevens High School under Head Coach Tom Tri... Rated three stars by 247 Sports and rated the 27th-best player in the state of Washington... Top-rated quarterback in the state of Washington... Helped lead the Vikings to two WIAA Championships... Was named the Washington Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2023-24 year... Named the 2-time All-Area Player of the Year... 3-time First Team All-Wesco as a quarterback... State Player of the Year... 2-time All-State quarterback... Captain for 2 years... December 2023 Student-Athlete of the Month... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because I believe that it is the best opportunity for myself to be surrounded by an amazing group of coaches and players. CWU also provides a great opportunity for degrees around Business."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Kolten is a WINNER. As a two-time state champion, Kolten possess all the things we are looking for in a quarterback prospect. He is highly intelligent, has pinpoint accuracy, and is a tremendous leader."
Colton Paulson (WR, Enumclaw, WA/Enumclaw HS)
High School: Prepped at Enumclaw High School under Head Coach Mark Gunderson... First Team All-League honors... EHS Defensive MVP... Earned All-Area... All-State honors... Lettered in football and lacrosse all 4 years and basketball 2 years... Plans on majoring in Business Administration.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because I fell in love with the school and the hometown feel the campus and town have."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Colton was a top prospect of us early on after we got the chance to see him compete at camp. His ability to make plays on both sides of the ball shows his toughness and passion for the game. We cannot wait to get him to The 'Burg!"
Connor Aney (OL, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS)
High School: Prepped at Glacier Peak High School under Head Coach Shane Keck... Was a First Team All-State offensive lineman... First Team All-Wesco as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman... Second Team All-League as an offensive lineman... 2-time GPHS Lineman of the Year... Was a 2-time Fargo All-American... 3-time WIAA 4A 285lb State Finalist... 2-time WIAA 4A 285 State Champion... Earned letters in football, wrestling, and track & field... Is currently undecided on a major.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because it's a place that just felt like home! The atmosphere on game day was awesome and I loved how nice and clean the campus was. Most importantly I like how I'll be held accountable by everyone which means everything to me. It won't only help me become a better football player, but a better person overall."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Connor is a fierce competitor who has dominated in multiple sports in the state of Washington throughout his high school career. Connor has the potential to play anywhere along the offensive line."
Logan Lipscomb (TE, Puyallup, WA/Emerald Ridge HS)
High School: Prepped at Emerald Ridge High School under Head Coach Torey Donovan... Earned First Team All-League as a wide receiver... First Team All-League as a defensive back... First Team All-Area as a punter... Plans on majoring in Construction Management.
Why CWU?: "I chose CWU because of the rich culture the team has as well as the coaches and their abilities."
What the CWU Coaches are Saying: "Logan is a very unique player. He has the ability to mix it up in the box and be extremely effective in space. It's hard to find such a blend of speed, size, and strength that Logan has to offer!"
