ODESSA, Texas (February 4, 2026) – The University of Texas Permian Basin Head Coach Chris Softley has announced the addition of 45 new student-athletes that signed during 2026 National Signing Day on Wednesday, February 4. The 25 high school players that signed on Wednesday join 20 transfer football players that signed during the mid-year signing period to make up the Falcons' 2026 football recruiting class.

All 25 of the Falcons' 2026 freshman recruiting class is from the state of Texas. Among the position break down of the freshman recruiting class, there are 13 on offense, 10 on defense and two on special teams. The class features one quarterback, three running backs, four wide receivers, two tight ends and three offensive linemen, while on defense, there are five defensive linemen, three linebackers and two defensive backs.

In addition, Softley and his coaching staff added 20 transfers, including one quarterback, one running back, three wide receivers, four offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, three linebackers and six defensive backs.

All signees are contingent upon admission to UTPB and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
 

Here's a breakdown of all of the new players:

UTPB TRANSFERS

Jaylin Broadus  
DB | 5-9 | 190 | Dallas, Texas (Midwestern State)
Why UTPB: "Great environment, great people in the program, Great coaches. I like the coaches plan to be successful."
Twitter Handle: @BroadusJaylin
 
Dominic Lopez 
DB | 6-0 | 195 | Huntington Beach, Calif. (Saddleback College)
Stats/Accolades: Team was Southern League Conference Champions.
Why UTPB: "Loved the culture and the community the coaches were implementing. Also love the amazing facilities. Felt like the perfect fit."
Other Offers: Marist, St. Thomas, Chadron State, New Mexico Highlands
Twitter Handle: @DominicLopez_11
 
Fordham Parks 
DB | 5-10 | 185 | Katy, Texas (Eastern New Mexico)
Stats/Accolades: Had 29 tackles, 3 pass breakups and 3 tackles for loss (2025 season).
Why UTPB: "To be a part of a winning program and to make a difference with a new coaching staff and also to win a championship."
Twitter Handle: @Fordham_Parks
 
Miles Thompson            
DB | 6-0 | 180 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Northern Illinois)
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because of the coaching staff, but most importantly because it feels like home away from home."
Other Offers: Sacramento State, Miami (Ohio), Henderson State
Twitter Handle: @milesthompson01
 
Ah'Marion Ashley          
DB | 5-10 | 165 | Jacksonville, Fla. (Fresno State)
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because I felt wanted to the coaches. Also, the coaches were willing to give me a chance and I trust these coaches whole heartedly."
Other Offers: @3k_marion9
Twitter Handle:
 
Samuel Olokeogun        
DB | 6-4 | 200 | Calumet City, Ill. (Bluefield State)
Twitter Handle: @147samo
 
Tylinn Lewis      
DL | 6-4 | 210 | Houston, Texas (Cisco College)
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because of the culture and the environment and brotherhood with the team and relationship building."
Twitter Handle: @Tylinn36741479
 
Godgive Ugochukwu     
DL | 6-4 | 245 | Denton, Texas (Washburn)
Why UTPB: "I loved the instant family atmosphere I felt and the environment and community. That Texas hospitality is no joke."
Other Offers: Hampton, Lincoln, Midwestern State
Twitter Handle: @GodgiveUgochuk3
 
Eli Leiataua        
LB | 6-0 | 215 | Hinesville, Ga. (Kennesaw State)
Why UTPB: "Great program, great facility, great men. They win,"
Twitter Handle: @EliLeiataua
 
Letrasky Pressley Jr.      
LB | 6-2 | 220 | Charlotte, N.C. (Louisburg College)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2-time First-Team All-American and a 2-time team captain, had 16 tackles in a season as a linebacker, broke the school record in sacks, and was the first player in school history to be named a First-Team All-American as both a freshman and as a sophomore. Team was the runner-up in the National Championship for JUCO.
Why UTPB: "It felt like the best opportunity and the coaches really showed they wanted me."
Other Offers: Gardner Webb
Twitter Handle: @letrasky_p

KeBreion Winston          
LB | 6-1 | 205 | Dallas, Texas (Baylor)
Why UTPB: "To get a fresh start and to have another chance to provide for my family."
Twitter Handle: @kebre3xx
 
Jabari Lewis       
WR | 6-0 | 180 | Miami, Fla. (Fort Hays State)
Stats/Accolades: Played in 25 games and recorded 59 receptions, 766 receiving yards, 225 kick return yards, 10 rushing yards, 2 tackles and 5 touchdowns (2023-25 seasons).
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because it offers the opportunity to compete at a high level while receiving a strong education in a supportive environment that values both athletics and academics."
Twitter Handle: @1JabariLewis
 
Joseph White    
WR | 6-2 | 180 | Kansas City, Missouri (Slippery Rock)
Stats/Accolades: Was PSAC Special Teams Player of the Week at Slippery Rock (2025 season). Was Second-Team All-Heart of America Conference and Heart of American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week at Missouri Baptist (2024 season). Played in 26 career games with 2,052 all-purpose yards and four punt return touchdowns in collegiate career so far (2023-25). Team at Missouri Baptist was the first team in program history to end the season with a winning record.
Why UTPB: "Coach Crandall after everything that happened in my recruiting process, he still gave me a home and still wanted me."
Other Offers: Gardner Webb, Chattanooga, Northwest Missouri State
Twitter Handle: @JosephJWhite8
 
Trey Spann        
WR | 6-1 | 176 | Frisco, Texas (Kentucky State)
Stats/Accolades: Team at Kentucky State made the football program's first-ever first round playoff appearance (2025 season). Team at Midwestern State won the 2021 Lone Star Conference Championship.
Why UTPB: "I wanted to choose a place where I could be pushed to not only elevate myself on the field but in life. I choose UTPB for to sharpen my craft and grow as a complete athlete."
Twitter Handle: @trey_spann2
 
Edwin Merriweather      
QB | 6-1 | 202 | Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Dodge City CC)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2-time Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) Player of the Week.
Twitter Handle: @m3rriweather
 
Randle Parker   
RB | 5-9 | 200 | Phoenix, Ariz. (North Dakota)
Why UTPB: "They win games and have good facilities."
Twitter Handle: @randle_parker
 
Jaden Edmonson            
OL | 6-1 | 310 | Houston, Texas (Houston Christian)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2-time member of the Southland Conference (SLC) Commissioner's Honor Roll at Houston Christian (2023-2024). Started as a true freshman at Texas A&M-Commerce (2021 season).
Why UTPB: "I wanted a family atmosphere family environment and I love the brotherhood."
Twitter Handle: @JayBoogieTheMan
 
Cody Kamfonik
OL | 6-5 | 320 | San Diego, Calif. (Lindenwood)
Stats/Accolades: Was a Preseason All-American and earned Fourth-Team JUCO All-American at San Diego Mesa. Was also Second-Team All-Conference in the Southern California Football Association (SFCA). Team was the 2024 SCFA Conference Champion, the 2023 Strawberry Bowl Champion and the 2022 Southern California Bowl Champion
Why UTPB: "The area and the culture surrounding the history of this place not to mention the people here seem great and seem like they want UTPB to succeed."
Twitter Handle: @CKamfonik
 
Christian Smith
OL | 6-6 | 310 | Southlake, Texas (Iowa Central CC)
Stats/Accolades: Was a California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) All-Bay Valley Conference and 3C2A Northern California All-American at Fresno City College (2024 season). Team was a 3C2A Northern California playoff quarterfinalist
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because I believe in the vision the new coaching staff is building and the opportunity to improve my technique, strength, and football IQ as an offensive lineman."
Other Offers: Middle Tennessee, Kennesaw State, Charlotte, SMU.
Twitter Handle: @TheChrisSmith27
 
Jordan McClaine             
OL | 6-4 | 300 | New Orleans, La. (Harding)
Stats/Accolades: Team made 1 National Championship appearance and was the 2-time Great American Conference (GAC) champs during his time at Harding.
Why UTPB: "The opportunity to showcase all my talents and make another national championship run."
Other Offers: Henderson State, HCU, TSU, Delta State, Harding, Murray State, KWU, The Citadel, Arkansas Monticello, Pikeville, Stony Brook, Washburn, Mercer, Rice, Grambling, SEMO
Twitter Handle: @jordan_mcclaine





UTPB HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES

Jordan Loney    
DB | 6-0 | 161 | Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2025 First-Team All-District corner and was Honorable Mention All-District in 2024. Was 2025 UIL Academic First-Team. Was a Dream All-American. Had 44 solo tackles, 43 assisted tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 touchdown. Team was 4-time District champions and won the 2025 Bi-District Championship. Was also Second-Team All-District in track in 2023.
Why UTPB: "I chose The University of Texas Permian Basin because it aligned with my faith, my family values, and my football goals. I prayed about where God wanted me to be developed – not just as a player, but as a man. UTPB felt like a place where relationships matter, character is emphasized, and growth is intentional. The coaching staff believes in accountability and development, and the environment allows me to compete at a high level while being supported academically, spiritually, and personally. I wanted to be somewhere I could be pushed, supported, and prepared for what's next – on and off the field."
Twitter Handle: @Jordan_loney10
 
Willie Crain       
DB | 6-0 | 175 | Lubbock, Texas (Coronado HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a First-Team All-District defensive back as a senior and was Honorable Mention All-District as a junior.
Why UTPB: "I choose UTPB because I feel like they give me the best opportunity to grow and develop, not only as a football player but as a person as well."
Other Offers: Navy, Abilene Christian, Eastern New Mexico, Colorado State Pueblo, Hardin-Simmons
Twitter Handle: @12willcrain
 
Leighton Henderson      
DL | 6-3 | 225 | Irving, Texas (South Oak Cliff HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was 2025 First-Team All-District, Honorable Mention Academic All-State and a team captain. Team was 2025 State champ and the 2023 and 2024 State runner-up.
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because of the genuine connection I felt with the coaching staff during my visit. It was clear from our conversations that they aren't just focused on winning games, but on developing us as men and pushing us to reach our full potential on and off the field. I truly believe in the 'MAXOUT' philosophy and want to be part of a culture that demands your absolute best in every single rep, in the classroom, and in the community."
Other Offers: Trinity Valley CC
Twitter Handle: @LeightonHender6
 
Jarred Washington         
DL | 6-2 | 245 | Arlington, Texas (Mansfield Summit HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was First-Team All-District.
Why UTPB: "The energy and thrive to be better, B.E.T."
Twitter Handle: @J8destinedtbg
 
Prince Holiday  
DL | 6-2 | 260 | Houston, Texas (The Woodlands Christian Academy)
Stats/Accolades: Was a four-year varsity starter. Was 2-time All-State (1-time First-Team, 1-time Second-Team) and 2-time All-District (1-time First-Team, 1-time Second-Team). Was the 2025 Defensive Lineman of the Year and also earned the 2023 All-Around "White Helmet" award and the 2022 Keaton Russel" Defensive Line award. Was top-10 in UIL (2022-2024) and ranked top-3 in TAPPS (2025-2026). Played in 36 games and totaled 200-plus tackles, 100-plus solo tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and 2 touchdowns in his high school career. Team was 2025 District champs (11-0).
Why UTPB: "UTPB is an elite program with elite coaches. They showed me genuine respect with open arms that made the program feel bigger than it really was. I fell in love with UTPB."
Twitter Handle: @5starr_prince
 
Isiah Elliott Tolefree      
DL | 6-2 | 250 | San Antonio, Texas (William J. Brennan HS)
Stats/Accolades: Has been both First-Team All-District and Second-Team All-District on the defensive line.
Why UTPB: "Made me feel like a priority, great coaching staff that can get me where I want to be, and can get a good education."
Other Offers: West Texas A&M
Twitter Handle: @IsiahTolefree

Calvin Wilkins Jr.            
DL | 5-10 | 315 | Fort Worth, Texas (North Crowley HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2025 First-Team All-District defensive tackle. Was a two-year starter with 35-plus tackles, 15-plus tackles for loss and 7 sacks in his career. Team won UIL 6A D1 State Championship.
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because I fell in love with the campus and facilities on my visit. Odessa is a great place with even greater people, coaches and players. Coach Softley and his staff truly made me feel at home."
Other Offers: Southern Nazarene, Southeastern Oklahoma
Twitter Handle: @tankcity2
 
JB Bondoni-Guzman      
LB | 6-1 | 217 | El Paso, Texas (Franklin HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 4-time All-District (2022-25), 3-time All-City (2023-25) and a 2025 First-Team All-State linebacker. Was also a 3-time team captain (2023-25). Was the 2025 District Defensive Athlete of the Year, a 2024 and 2025 First-Team Texas High School Coaches Association selection, and a 2025 All-Star selection. Had 163 total tackles and 90 solo tackles.
Why UTPB: "As soon as I first met the coaches in person they felt like family, and the second I stepped foot into the athletic facility it felt like home. I couldn't see myself at any other place but UTPB."
Twitter Handle: @JBG_28
 
Gordon Mohetau           
LB | 6-0 | 223 | Euless, Texas (Euless Trinity HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was First-Team All-District, was named the John Ridell MVP, and earned the Best Linebacker award in two years (2024, 2025). Team was District champs.
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because of the coaching staff, but most importantly because it feels like home away from home."
Other Offers: Sacramento State, Miami (Ohio), Henderson State
Twitter Handle: @GMohetau7
 
Mason Van Sickle           
LB | 5-11 | 200 | San Angelo, Texas (San Angelo Central HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2024 and 2025 First-Team All-District linebacker and team captain, and was 2023 Second-Team All-District. Earned the 2025 Holland's Award of Excellence "Mr. Bobcat" and was also First-Team All-West Texas at linebacker. Had 138 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries and 4 pass breakups in 2025; had 132 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 2024; and had 92 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2023. Team was 2025 Bi-District champions.
Why UTPB: "The coaching staff and facilities provide the best foundation for growth and development."
Twitter Handle: @masonvansickle_
 
Kristian Nobles 
WR | 6-4 | 190 | Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was 2024 and 2025 Second-Team All-District and 2023 Honorable Mention All-District at wide receiver. Team was 2023-25 District champions and 2025 Bi-District champions.
Twitter Handle: @kristian_nobles
 
Colton Hill          
WR | 6-2 | 185 | San Angelo, Texas (San Angelo Central HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was 2024 First-Team All-District and 2023 Second-Team All-District. Senior year he led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns and was also a team captain. Team was Bi-District champs.
Why UTPB: "Love the facilities and coaches."
Twitter Handle: @ColtonHill1212
 
Keaton Lee        
WR | 6-2 | 185 | Lubbock, Texas (Lubbock Christian School)
Stats/Accolades: During both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he was All-State at both wide receiver and defensive back (4-time All-State player) and was the TAPPS D3 Receiver of the Year. Totaled 2,674 receiving yards and 37 receiving touchdowns in just two seasons. Owns the school records in career receiving yards, receiving yards in a season (1,579 in 2025), receiving touchdowns in a career, receiving touchdowns in a season (20 in 2025), receptions in a career (147), receptions in a season (81 in 2025), yards per catch in a career (18.2), yards per catch in a season (19.5 in 2025), receiving yards per game in a career (111.5), and receiving yards per game in a season (121.5 in 2025). Team won 2 State Championships (2022, 2025) and 4 District Championships (2022-2025).
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because it is the best place to grow in all three phases of life: spiritually, mentally, physically."
Other Offers: UMHB, Hardin-Simmons, Howard Payne
Twitter Handle: @KeatonLee_10
 
Logan McCormick
WR | 5-9 | 155 | Seminole, Texas (Seminole HS)                                                            
Stats/Accolades: Was a Three-time All-District (2023-25), a 2024 Third-Team All-State, and a 2025 First-Team All-State selection. Scored 62 total touchdowns and recorded 234 receptions for 3,462 yards in his career. Is his school's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns (52). Team was 2022 District and Bi-District champions, 2023 Bi-District and Area champions, 2024 Bi-District champions, and 2025 Bi-District and Area champions (4-time Bi-District champs, 2-time Area champs).
Why UTPB: "The coaches."
 
Legend Howell  
QB | 6-1 | 190 | San Diego, Calif. (DeSoto HS (Texas))
Stats/Accolades: Was First-Team All-District, team captain and TAPPS Newcomer of the Year. Team was 2-time District champs and 1-time State champs.
Why UTPB: "It was the first school to believe in me, I want to be a part of the family, and the amazing coaches and facilities."
Twitter Handle: @QB_Legend
 
Eric Mosley       
RB | 5-11 | 195 | Manvel, Texas (Manvel HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was First-Team All-District. Was also a 2-time Second-Team All-District selection while his team was the 2-time District champs at Iowa Colony HS.
Why UTPB: "I choose UTPB because I wanted to get to a place that was family oriented and a place that can develop my skills into the running back I want to become at the next level."
Twitter Handle: @EricMosley_27
 
Micai Thompson            
RB | 6-0 | 185 | San Antonio, Texas (William J. Brennan HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2-Time First-Team All-District running back, was 2-time First-Team All-Academic, and was 1-time All-Academic for State. Had 2,450 career rushing yards and 42 touchdowns. Had a school record five touchdowns in one game. Team was 3-time Area champions and 1-time District champions. Was also a member of the 4x100 school record in track.
Why UTPB: "The coaches and players made me feel at home on my visit, and I really enjoyed it."
Other Offers: Angelo State, Midwestern State
Twitter Handle: @Kingmicai21
 
Stone Ratliff      
RB | 5-11 | 205 | Early, Texas (Early HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2025 First-Team All-District running back, a 2024 Honorable Mention All-District wide receiver, and a 2023 Second-Team All-District wide receiver. Was also 2025 Second-Team Academic All-State. Had 22 receptions for 379 yards and four touchdowns, 45 rushes for 444 yards and five touchdowns, 951 all-purpose yards and nine combined touchdowns in 2025. Team was 2025 District champs, 2024 Bi-District champs, and 2023 District champs and 2023 State quarterfinalists.
Why UTPB: "The culture is the type that I want to be part of. I love Coach Softley. I want to be a part of people who want to win. I want to be led by Godly driven men. I want to become a better person and athlete to be set up for life."
Twitter Handle: @stone_ratliff
 
Ryder Ribitzki   
LS/TE | 6-4 | 205 | Glen Rose, Texas (Glen Rose HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was 2025 Utility Player of the Year and 2024 First-Team All-District. Totaled 12 touchdowns, 135 tackles and 583 yards. Recovered a school record 2 fumbles in one game vs. Venus. Helped his team advance to the State semifinals in 2023, the third round in 2024 and the second round in 2025.
Why UTPB: "The culture and other guys that were visiting was just something I wanted to be a part of. Also, the facilities were very nice and they had the major I was looking to pursue."
Other Offers: Texas A&M-Kingsville, Colorado School of Mines, Texas A&M-Texarkana
Twitter Handle: @ryder_rib2026
 
Major Tucker    
TE | 6-4 | 245 | Lubbock, Texas (Lubbock Christian School)
Stats/Accolades: Was a First-Team All-State and a First-Team All-District offensive lineman and defensive lineman during both his junior and senior seasons. Also was a Second-Team All-District defensive lineman as a sophomore. Senior year he was also the Hub City Preps OL MVP and the TXPS Media Dlll O-Lineman of the Year. Was Second-Team All-Lubbock as a junior. Had the most pancakes in a season (70) in school history.  Helped lead his team to 2 State Championships (3 appearances), 3 District Championships and 4 Final Four appearances. In basketball, he was the District MVP and First-Team All-State as a junior and helped lead his team to 2 State runner-up finishes and 3 District Championships.
Twitter Handle: @MajorTucker58
 
Patrick Ramirez
OL | 6-3 | 275 | Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was a First-Team All-District and a Second-Team All-State left tackle after only allowing two sacks all season. Team was District champions and Bi-District champions.
Why UTPB: "I choose UTPB because of how the coaching staff believes in me."
Twitter Handle: @1Ramofficial
 
Samuel Fishman             
OL | 6-3 | 275 | Austin, Texas (Lake Travis HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was 2024 and 2025 Second-Team All-District. Was Week 9 Austin Area Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Westlake. Team was 2025 District champ, Bi-District champ, Area champ, and Regional Semifinal champ/Regional Final champ.
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because I can see myself becoming a better player, man and teammate here. Back in November when I came on a game day visit and talked to the staff and players, I felt very welcomed and really liked everything UTPB has to offer. But upon my return with almost a whole new staff, I felt even more welcomed and more so like family. All of the coaches that I was around and talked with seemed like really good guys who truthfully want the best for everyone around them. I also have talked with a handful of the guys who I know are going to play at UTPB, as well as guys that already play there, so I've seen firsthand that there's going to be a bunch of good guys to be around. At the end of the day, it's the family feel, and the faith driven people in control that create a positively infectious environment where any individual can thrive and become a better man. I'm hyped for the future."
Twitter Handle: @SAMFISHMAN39
 
Paulo Camacho
OL | 6-6 | 265 | Alvin, Texas (Manvel HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was 2025 All-District and 2024 Honorable Mention All-District. Team was 2024 and 2025 Bi-District champions.
Why UTPB: "UTPB was a higher division college that chose me out of the thousands of kids who played, and I could only return the favor and choose them back. UTPB is a great fit for me as I am for them."
Other Offers: Hardin-Simmons, Texas Wesleyan
Twitter Handle: @PauloACama64633
 
Christian Bush  
K | 5-11 | 155 | Odessa, Texas (Compass Academy)
Stats/Accolades: Was a 2025 First-Team All-District kicker and punter. Was the 2024 Fan Vote Kicker of the Year and a First-Team All-District punter. Was also a Second-team All-District kicker in 2023 after being First-Team All-District in 2022. In 2025 he was 41 of 43 on extra points with 21 touchbacks on kickoffs and a 42.8-yard punt average. Had a school record 56-yard field goal. Team was District champions.
Why UTPB: "I chose UTPB because it is very close to home which meant I can see my family whenever. Also, when I went on my visit, they ran me through how practice would be, what they would do to get me stronger and bulked more up and I loved it."
Twitter Handle: @BushChristian0
 
Timothy Stebbins           
P | 6-1 | 170 | Argyle, Texas (Argyle HS)
Stats/Accolades: Was 2025 First-Team All-District, Second-Team All-Area and Special Teams MVP/Player of the Year. During his senior season he scored 100 points, was 8 of 9 on field goals, was 76 of 78 on PAT's, had a 58-yard punt, and averaged 42 yards per punt. Team was 2025 Bi-District and Area champs, 2024 and 2025 District and Regional champs, and was a 2024 State semifinalist and a 2025 State quarterfinalist.
Why UTPB: "Max Out, loved the coaching staffs' philosophy and attitude, convinced me that they had my best interests spiritually, mentally and physically in mind."
Other Offers: Oklahoma Baptist
Twitter Handle: @TC_Stebbins2026