Missouri State head coach Ryan Beard officially unveiled the first wave of his 2026 recruiting class on Wednesday, announcing 16 new signees as the early signing window opened across college football.
The group features 15 true freshmen and one junior-college transfer, representing six states: five from Texas, four from Georgia, three from Florida and two from Missouri. Positionally, the class is balanced with nine defensive recruits, five on offense, and two listed as multi-position athletes.
“Today marks a significant step forward for Missouri State football,” Beard said. “Coming off a strong debut season in Conference USA, we’re adding 16 high-character, highly talented young men who align perfectly with our culture and long-term goals. We believe they will continue pushing this program in the right direction.”
Missouri State finished Beard’s first FBS season at 7–5, placing fourth in Conference USA. The Bears now await word on their first bowl invitation at the FBS level, with an announcement expected this weekend.
Below is a full breakdown of the Bears’ December signees:
Rory Butler – S | 6-0, 180 | Fr. | West Palm Beach, Fla. | Palm Beach Lakes High
Butler anchored the Palm Beach Lakes defense with 55 total tackles (37 solo), 2 TFLs, one sack, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Served as co-captain for the program’s first winning season in 74 years. Also averaged 16.7 yards per punt return. Played his first three seasons at Palm Beach Gardens High.
Santiago Castillo – OL | 6-7, 325 | Fr. | St. Louis, Mo. | DeSmet Jesuit High
A versatile lineman who played both guard and tackle, Castillo helped power a DeSmet offense averaging 270 passing yards and 206 rushing yards this season. Part of the Spartans’ Class 6 state title team as a junior. Rated a three-star by both Rivals (82.60) and ESPN (72).
Julius Dumas – OL | 6-4, 315 | Fr. | Douglasville, Ga. | Douglas County High
An interior line standout who helped Douglas County average 214 passing and 180 rushing yards per game this season. Team posted a 9-4 record. As a junior, the squad averaged over 447 yards per game.
Cameron Gray – DL | 6-2, 265 | Fr. | Arlington, Texas | Arlington High
Gray posted 30 tackles as a senior, including 12 solo stops. A consistent varsity contributor with 19 tackles and 2 sacks as a junior for a 7-4 program under Scott Peach.
Brandon Hightower – DL | 6-3, 265 | Fr. | Dallas, Texas | South Oak Cliff High
A disruptive defender who tallied 47 tackles (27 solo) and 3 TFLs for a 12-1 South Oak Cliff team ranked No. 20 statewide. Added 30 tackles the year prior. Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports (81).
Amar’e Johnson – RB | 5-10, 180 | Fr. | Orlando, Fla. | Bishop Moore Catholic High
One of Florida’s most productive backs in 2025. Rushed 254 times for 2,069 yards (8.1 YPC) and 29 TDs with seven 100-yard games. Also caught 16 passes for 262 yards and two scores. Earned three-star ratings from ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals.
Maurice Jones Jr. – DL | 6-3, 225 | Fr. | Orlando, Fla. | Dr. Phillips High
A top-tier edge prospect who racked up 54 tackles as a junior for a 12-2 squad. Limited in 2025 but remains highly regarded. Rated a three-star by ESPN (75), 247Sports (85) and Rivals (87).
Jerrick Martin – ATH | 6-3, 190 | Fr. | Glasgow, Ky. | Glasgow High
A two-way standout who earned All-SKY Conference honors after recording 556 receiving yards and 11 TDs. Also starred in basketball. Glasgow is currently 11-1 in the state playoff hunt.
Chase Mideau – OL | 6-4, 310 | Fr. | Douglasville, Ga. | Douglas County High
A powerful center with a 340-pound bench and 500-pound squat. Helped Douglas County to a 9-4 record and a 587-yard offensive output in a Week 8 win. Part of a top-tier offense as a junior.
Brett Ottensmeyer – QB | 6-4, 185 | Fr. | St. Louis, Mo. | Parkway West High
Threw for 2,860 yards and 36 touchdowns as a senior while rushing for five additional scores. Passed for 2,484 yards and 22 TDs as a junior. Rated three stars across Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN.
Aiden Parker – DL | 6-3, 220 | Fr. | Auburn, Ala. | Auburn High
Led Auburn High with 111 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3 sacks and an interception for a 10-3 team. Began his career in Georgia. Rated a three-star by 247Sports (86).
Travis Roman – CB | 6-2, 175 | Jr. | Nederland, Texas | Navarro College
A JUCO defensive back who earned second-team All-SWJCFC honors with 17 tackles, 3 interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. Former East Texas A&M redshirt. Played WR and CB in high school.
Jedrick Russell Jr. – OLB | 6-4, 200 | Fr. | Grand Prairie, Texas | South Grand Prairie High
Logged 71 tackles, 3 interceptions and a forced fumble for an 8-2 Warriors team. Also played for a competitive junior-year squad.
Deion Thomas – ATH | 6-4, 210 | Fr. | Atlanta, Ga. | Westlake High
A dynamic all-purpose athlete with offers from numerous Power 5 programs. Posted 399 receiving yards, 3 TDs and added 28 tackles with two sacks on defense. Rated a three-star by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports.
Josiah Turner – S | 5-11, 180 | Fr. | Forney, Texas | North Forney High
Reliable defensive back who tallied 43 tackles and two interceptions for a 10-2 Falcons team. Posted 71 tackles as a junior. Earned three-star ratings from multiple services.
Royal Weber – LB | 6-3, 220 | Fr. | Snellville, Ga. | Shiloh High
Explosive linebacker with 91 tackles, 18 TFLs, 3 sacks and a verified 4.45 forty. Earned all-region honors during his junior year and brings elite athletic traits to the Bears.
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