MINOT, N.D. – It's an exciting day that marks the beginning of the collegiate career for so many talented football players.

An exciting day for every college team, as well, looking toward the future and the impact of those talented players, and Minot State is no different.

"I'm really excited about this '26 recruiting class," Minot State coach Ian Shields said. "We've addressed our most pressing needs offensively, defensively, and in the kicking game.

"We have collectively added speed, size, length, and athleticism - some very dynamic and skilled athletes that can play in space and win within those spaces.

"We have also added physicality across the board, but especially up front in the trenches where games are won and lost."

The Beavers are excited to introduce 30 new recruits who signed today and look to make an impact on the field for Minot State. Today's 30 new recruits join 9 transfers and 1 freshman who enrolled in January, bringing the Class of 2026 to 40 new Beaver student-athletes.

"This addition of these 30 high school student-athletes, in combination with the 10 transfers that have already joined us at the mid-year, will push our program forward."

The Class of 2026 is made up of 10 North Dakota products, represents 11 different states, and one international player.

The new Beavers also excelled in the classroom as all 30 bring at least a 3.0 GPA with them, and 4 a perfect 4.0 GPA.

"In addition, these are all guys that are made of the right stuff - high character, outstanding grades, winning DNA that translates to future successes," Coach Shields said.

Also, six of the new Minot State players will be dual-sport student-athletes as they plan to compete in track and field, as well, for the Beavers.

"I'm just really proud of our staff and the effort it has taken to put such a remarkable class together – it's a year-round endeavor, and it is a grind that is never-ending in this industry," Shields said. "We have a lot of good things in place here at Minot State, but the best thing we have is the people inside the building that are working to make the difference."
 
Here is a look at the newest additions to the Minot State football Class of 2026:
Blake Anderson, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound B-Back from Minot HS in Minot, North Dakota, coached by Chauncey Hendershot
A team captain at Minot HS, Anderson played in 6 games this past season. Academically, he earned Highest Honors and was named Academic All-Conference for 3 years. Anderson also competed in track and field at Minot HS. He intends to major in Innovative Engineering.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Explosive and physical athlete that we're excited is staying in The Magic City! Parents both attended Minot State – his dad, Mike, played for the Beavers."
 
Thaydan Arnold, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound offensive lineman from Watford City HS in Watford City, North Dakota, coached by Jim Dooley
Named 1st Team All-State, and twice named All-Conference, Arnold played in 9 games this past season. He earned All-Academic Team honors all 4 years. He also played basketball and competed in track and field. He intends to major in Innovative Engineering.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Powerful and athletic in-state big man that is a great fit on our offensive line. Stand-out at our Elite Camp in July."

Naijah Arnsalam, 6-2, 190-pound defensive back from McArthur HS in Lauderhill, Florida, coached by Bryan Cyril
Arnsalam had 44 tackles, including 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss, in 12 games for McArthur HS. He also caught 2 passes for 14 yards as a receiver.
Coach Ian Shields said: "South-Florida safety with outstanding size, speed, and physicality - potential difference-maker that we're excited to get to The Magic City!"


Landon Baumgartner, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound offensive lineman from Roseau HS in Roseau, Minnesota, coach by Micah Picard
Baumgartner is a Minnesota Section 8AA All-Section player who played in 8 games for Roseau the past season. He also played basketball at Roseau HS. He intends to major in Criminal Justice.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Tough and talented offensive lineman that caught our eye at camp last summer - hard worker that is a tremendous competitor and extremely coachable."
 
Matyas Bily, a 6-3, 215-pound wide receiver from Gymnazium Nad Kavalirkou in Petrov, Czech Republic, coached by Bruno Burnoski
Bily played in 11 games for the Prague Lions of the European League of Football with 20 catches for 319 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Exciting international signee that is one of the top talents in Europe. Tremendous size, excellent ball skills, good speed, willing physically, high effort."
 
Christian Bradford, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound SLOT back/Safety from Mayde Creek HS in Houston, Texas, coached by Mike Arogbonlo
A 2nd Team All-District player, Bradford ran for 373 yards and 5 touchdowns, had 323 yards receiving with 3 touchdowns, threw for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns, and had 809 all-purpose yards for Mayde Creek HS. He also competed in track and field. He intends to major in Engineering or Economics.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Fast and physical athlete who makes plays in all phases of the game, a total Swiss-army knife - unique skill set that translates to either side of the ball."
 
Lorenz Cammon, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive lineman from Victor Valley CC, in Upland, California, coached by David Slover
Named the Rams' Defensive Ironman, Cammon had 39 tackles in 17 games over two seasons, with 6 1/2 sacks and 13 1/2 tackles for loss for the Rams. He also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and broke up a pass. Cammon is a product of Upland High School in Upland, California, and he intends to major in Criminal Justice.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Lorenz is a transfer defensive end who will make an immediate impact up front - long, physical, athletic frame. Every-down type that can play the run and rush the passer equally well."
 
Carson Coleman, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound Edge defender from Bottineau HS in Bottineau, North Dakota, coached by Zach Keller
A 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-Region performer, Coleman had 83 tackles, 13 sacks, and 25 tackles for a loss for the Braves, along with breaking up 4 passes. Academically, he was named to the High honor-roll for 4 years. He also played baseball and hockey at Bottineau HS. He intends to major in Finance.
Coach Ian Shields said: "A long and athletic edge defender that has a very high ceiling.  Beaver blood in his veins as both parents are Minot State alums."
 
Jayden Corum, a 6-foot, 195-pound SLOT back from Oldham County HS in La Grange, Kentucky, coached by Jamie Reed
Corum played in the All-American Bowl in Texas, was an All-District performer, and set a school record with 320 rushing yards in a game. Corum was named Oldham County's Offensive and Special Teams MVP. He also competed in track and field and wrestling at Oldham County HS. He intends to major in Nursing.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Jayden is a unique combination of size and speed at the slot position - has real "juice" with the ball in his hands and will be fun to watch at The Herb!"
 
Christian Deadmond, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker/tight end from Minot North HS in Minot, North Dakota, coached by Jacob Holmen
An All-State linebacker as a senior, and All-State running back as a junior, Deadmond had 52 tackles with 5 tackles for loss, and broke up 2 passes this past season. Academically, he is a two-time high honor academic award winner. He also played basketball and competed in track and field. He he intends to major in Biology.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Local All-State product with a great frame and tools - will project on the edge at tight end or outside linebacker or defensive end."
 
Reece Douglas, a 6-foot, 210-pound B-Back from Canyon Del Oro HS in Del Oro, Arizona, coached by Scott McKee
Douglas ran the ball 27 times for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns in two seasons at Canyon Del Oro HS. He also caught 25 passes for 217 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Coach Ian Shields said: "A physical, "old-school" fullback who fits our profile and has the right DNA - high character, tough, loves the taste of football."
 
Brady Emry, a 5-foot-10, 18-pound punter from Clayton Valley HS in Concord, California, coached by Nick Tisa
Emry averaged 335.6 yards per punt over two seasons with 47 kicks for 1,675 yards. He landed 13 punts inside the 20 during his high school career. He also converted 43-of-46 extra-point attempts, and kicked 3-of-3 field goals with a longest of 30 yards.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Tremendous prospect as a kicker/punter and an incredible young man - flat out winner!!!"
 

Layton Giggee, a 6-foot, 260-pound defensive lineman from Mandan HS in Mandan, North Dakota, coached by Doug Sheldon
Giggee is a two-time 2nd Team All-State and 2-time All-Conference performer who was named Mandan's Most Valuable Lineman. He also played hockey and competed in track and field. He intends to major in Criminal Justice.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Mandan interior defensive lineman who has some explosiveness and will play with an edge. Another young man who impressed us at our Elite Camp."
 
Johnathan Ijoma, a 6-foot, 212-pound linebacker from Cypress Spring HS in Cypress, Texas, coached by Oji Fagan
Ijoma is a unanimous 1st Team All-District performer who had 102 tackles, with 22 1/2 tackles for loss and 5 1/2 sacks. He also forced 4 fumbles and broke up 2 passes. Academically, he earned 2nd Team All-Academic honors. He also competed in track and field. He Ijoma intends to major in Electrical Engineering.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Texas linebacker that is agile, mobile, and hostile - perfect! Outstanding student who will shine on and off the field."
 
Sidonie Limehouse, a 6-1, 170-pound defensive back from Fletcher HS in Jacksonville, Florida, coached by Ciatrick Faison
Limehouse had 24 tackles in 4 games and 1 interception this past season. He intends to major in Sports Management.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Sidonie is a long and athletic corner back with tremendous traits and high upside - good instincts and a ballhawk in the secondary."
 

Jack Mattson, a 6-foot, 260-pound defensive lineman from Hillsboro HS in Hillsboro, North Dakota, coached by Joe Johnson
A 4-year starter, Mattson was named Hillsboro's best offensive lineman as a senior, and his team's best defensive lineman as a sophomore and junior. He earned Class A All-Region 1st Team honors as a junior, and All-Region honorable mention honors as a sophomore. He also earned Hillsboro's Strongman Award for lifting more than 1,100 pounds between squat, bench, and clean. Academically, he has been named to the honor roll and is a 4-time Scholar Athlete award winner. He also played hockey and baseball, competed in wrestling and track and field. He intends to major in Exercise Science.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Explosive small school local product - has the traits to be a presence in the trenches up front."
 
Kaden McKinney, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound wide receiver from Topeka Seaman HS in Topeka, Kansas, coached by Jared Swafford
McKinney earned All-State, All-League, and All-County honors as he amassed 1,288 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns this past season for Topeka Seaman HS. He also played basketball. He intends to major in Business.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Kaden is a wide receiver with tremendous speed, size, and catch radius - has all the tools to be a playmaker for the Beavers!"
 
Gabriel Mendez, a 6-foot-1, 330-pound offensive lineman from Minot North HS in Minot, North Dakota, coached by Jacob Holmen
Mendez was the Captain of the 2025 Native American All-American team. He also competed in track and field. He intends to major in Nursing.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Minot product with size that is an excellent addition to the offensive line unit. Another signee that camped with us in July and impressed our staff."
 
Eddie Miles, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive lineman from Andover HS in Andover, Minnesota, coached by Thomas Develice
A team captain and All-District Honorable Mention performer, Miles had 28 tackles, including 3 sacks, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble for Andover HS. He also played basketball. He intends to major in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Dynamic, talented, tough, smart - has all the traits to be an elite defender up front in the NSIC.
 
Michael Minor, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound, defensive lineman from Bartram Trail HS in St. Johns, Florida, coached by Cory Johns
Minor was Bartram Trail's 2025 Defensive Player of the Year and 2025 Captain of the Year. A 3-year letter winner, he had 49 tackles, including 2 for a loss, this past season. He also competed in wrestling. He intends to major in Biology.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Big, physical, loose athlete that plays with a motor - should be fun to watch!"
 

Elijah Morey, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound defensive back from Brandon HS in Brandon, Mississippi, coached by Eugene Clinton
An All-District performer, Morey had 7 interceptions and 64 tackles on defense, along with 11 pass-breakups. He also caught 9 passes and had 3 touchdowns on offense. Morey also played basketball and competed in track and field. He intends to major in Marketing.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Long and hyper-athletic defensive back with elite traits. Outstanding student and will be a dual sport athlete (competing in track, also)."
 
Grady Nielsen, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end from Glasgow HS in Glasgow, Montana, coached by Patrick Barnett
Nielsen earned All-State honors and played in 12 games this past season for Glasgow HS, and also earned Academic All-State honors. He also played basketball, and competed in track and field and golf. He intends to major in Health and Physical Education.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Grady impressed us at our Team Camp this past summer - great frame, physicality, and work ethic."
 
Micah Reed, a 6-foot, 300-pound offensive lineman from Langham Creek HS in Houston, Texas, coached by Todd Thompson
Reed earned 1st team All-District honors playing 10 games this past season for Langham Creek, and is a former two-time 2nd Team All-District performer. He also earned the Academic Excellence in English award as a junior. He also played basketball, and competed in the shot put and discus in track and field. He is undecided on a major.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Big man with great feet, is a physical presence and plays with force - high ceiling!"
 
Braydon Schoggin, a 6-foot, 190-pound quarterback from Klein Collins HS in Cypress, Texas, coached by Adrian Mitchell
The unanimous District MVP at quarterback this past season, and a 2nd Team All-District pick as a junior, Schoggin threw for 2,100 yards and 16 touchdowns, and ran for 1,035 yards and 24 more touchdowns. Academically, he is a Top 10 percent student who was named 2nd Team Academic All-State and a member of the National Honor Society. He also played basketball at Klein Collins HS and was named District Co-MVP. He intends to major in Finance.
Coach Ian Shields said: "True dual-threat quarterback who can do it all - a perfect fit within our system. Dynamic athlete with a championship pedigree."
 
Reece Sellers, 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive lineman from Steinbrenner HS in Jacksonville, Florida, coached by Gregg Puskas
Sellers collected 124 tackles during his four-year career with 13 ½ sacks and 25 tackles for loss. He also broke up 2 passes and recovered a fumble. Sellers also played lacrosse at Steinbrenner HS.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Athletic and physical defensive lineman who we saw on the camp circuit last summer - plays hard, tough, can really run."
 
Luke Selzler, a 6-foot-3, 225-pounds linebacker/defensive lineman from Velva HS in Velva, North Dakota, coached by Tommy Weidler
A two-time All-Region player at Velva HS, Selzler had 75 tackles, including 7 tackles for loss, this past season. An honor roll award winner, Selzler also played baseball and basketball at Velva HS. He intends to major in Business.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Big and physical local product we're excited is staying home - projects as an outside linebacker or defensive end edge defender."
 
Jayden Simmons, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound SLOT Back from Flowing Wells HS in Tucson, Arizona, coached by Brian Hook
Simmons ran the ball 352 times for 2,635 yards and 44 touchdowns over the last 3 seasons for Flowing Well HS. He also caught 9 passes for 43 yards and returned 8 kicks for 134 yards. He also competed in track and field at Flowing Wells HS.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Size, speed, ball skills, physicality, hard worker, high character - bright future ahead!"
 
Jason Spain, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound kicker from Bishop Ryan HS in Minot, North Dakota, coached by Ben Bolinske
Spain was an All-Region kicker who converted 24-of-28 field goals. Punting, he had a long of 56 yards, downed 3 punts inside the 10 yard-line and 9 punts inside the 20 with just 3 touchbacks. He also competed in wrestling and track and field. He intends to major in Communication Science and Disorders.
Coach Ian Shields said: "Jason has been on our radar for quite some time - a talented local specialist that has a live leg and we know will be bring value."
 
Reese Steffen, a 6-foot-1, 160-pound defensive back from Velva HS in Velva, North Dakota, coached by Tommy Weidler
Steffen was a 1st team All-State defensive back and the Region 3 Senior Athlete of the Year. He had 29 tackles, including 2 for loss, 3 interceptions, broke up 4 passes, and forced a fumble. Offensively, he caught 40 passes for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also played basketball and baseball at Velva HS. He intends to major in Biology.
Coach Ian Shields said: "A unique prospect right here in our backyard that has some position flexibility - great instincts, elite ball skills, smooth athlete."
 
Wyatt Tollefson, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound offensive lineman from Mountain Ridge HS in Peoria, Arizona, coached by Andy Johnson
A team captain on the offensive line, Tollefson earned 2^nd Team All-Region honors and was named the Top Offensive Lineman at Mountain Ridge HS. He also wrestled and competed in track and field at Mountain Ridge HS.
Coach Ian Shields said: "An outstanding fit on the offensive line - talented, good size, hard-nosed, physical, and will finish!"