GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State Univeristy football head
Mickey Joseph announced the addition of 30 studnet-athletes to his 2026 signing class.
This year's class features 21 student-athletes with previous collegiate experience. It also has local flair, with 15 student-athletes hailing from the state of Louisiana.
"It was a very solid class. We wanted to make sure we sprinkled in some high school kids, but we also wanted to stay strong in the portal," said Joseph. "This class is a really solid class. We aren't done as we will complete this class in May. We're happy to have them and welcome them to Grambling."
2026 GRAMBLING STATE FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
Christopher "CJ" Davis [Baton Rouge, LA/ Coahoma C.C.]
Wide Receiver | 6-6 | 175
- Was a three-star prospect out of Live Oak HS in Watson, La.
- Named among the top 55 high school prospects in Louisiana.
- Was a two-time first-team all-parish and all-district honoree following his junior and senior seasons.
- Signed with South Alabama in 2022
- During the 2024 season at Cahoma CC he caught 23 passes for 274 yard and one TD.
Raiyen Oatis [ Donaldsonville, LA / Southwest C.C.]
Defensive Back | 5-11 | 180
- At Southwest Community College made 23 total tackles with 15 solo stops and two pass breakups
- All-District 8-3A safety at Donaldsonville High School
- Also played quarterback as a junior for the Tigers, before switching to the secondary full-time as a senior
- Also was a member of the DHS basketball team.
Kingston "Cheetah" Jones [New Orleans, LA | UT-San Antonio]
Wide Receiver | 6'0 | 180
- Was a three-star prospect out of high John F. Kennedy High School
- Helped lead the Cougars to three district championships during his prep career … made 28 receptions for 478 yards as a senior. He caught a 29-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of a win over De La Salle to help clinch the district crown in 2024. He also had 199 receiving yards with TD catches of 87 and 67 yards in a victory against Warren Easton
- Signed with UTSA out of high school.
- Louisiana 3A 100-meter champion as a junior with a 10.68 at state, per MileSplit. Claimed silver in the 200 with a time of 21.38.
- Won a district championship with a 49.45 400. Ran a season-best 6.80 indoor 60 and placed third at the LHSAA State Indoor Championships.
Ran sophomore season-best times of 10.75 in the 100 and 21.41 in the 200 in Spring 2023.
Donte Hookfin [ Las Vegas, NV | Portland State]
Defensive Line | 6'3 | 270
- Three-Star prospect out of high school
- Competed in football, basketball, volleyball and track at Mojave High School…
- Was football team Rookie of the Year in 2019 ad earned second team All-League honors in 2021
- Honorable mention All-Conference in basketball where his team won a state championship.
- Two-year member of the honor roll
Jacobe Robinson [Henderson, TX | Boston College/Southern Miss]
Quarterback | 6'3 | 225
- 247Sports: Three-Star, No. 37 quarterback in the class
- Rivals: Three-Star
- ESPN: Four-Star, No. 71 player in Texas, No. 9 quarterback in the class
- On3: Three-Star, No. 34 quarterback in the class
- Texas District 9-4A D-I first-team selection as a junior. Tyler Morning Telegraph All-East Texas honorable mention selection.
- Passed for 2,123 yards and 22 touchdowns, while only throwing two interceptions as a junior and added 280 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns… named First Team All-District selection in 2021… followed with 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions, as a senior and rushed for 484 yards and five TDs.
Lantavious Murphy [Rayville, LA / Northwest Mississippi C.C. ]
Wide Receiver | 6'4 | 215
- Played for head coach Bo Barton at River Oaks School...helped the Mustangs to a 12-0 record as a senior.
- Played multiple positions at River Oaks, totaling 2,793 yards of total offense and 47 touchdowns.
- Named a Gatlinburg All-American...also played basketball at River Oaks during his senior season...previously competed at Rayville High School from his freshman to junior seasons.
Lonell Cunningham II [Arlington, TX / North Alabama]
Defensive Back | 5-11 | 200
- Transferring from North Alabama. Played in 11 games, making 44 total tackles with 26 solo stops. Had four pass breakups and one QB hurry
- Prepped at Arlington Lamar High School in Texas.
- Played multiple positions for the Vikings, including running back, wide receiver, safety, cornerback and nickelback
- Also lettered in basketball, track and soccer ... Graduated in 2023.
Jowhar Franklin New Orleans, LA / Dodge City C.C.]
Defensive Line | 6-4 | 310
- A three-star JUCO prospect with offers from multiple power four programs including Oklahoma State, Utah, N.C. State, Syracuse, Iowa State and Kansas.
- Played two seasons at Dodge City Community College
Dinellson Exume [Miami, FL | South Florida]
Defensive Line | 6-4 | 275
- A three-star rated recruit out of Edison High School
- Held offers from multiple power four programs including Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Miami and Ole Miss. Signed with the University of South Florida out of high school.
- Made 12 total tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks. Made a career-high four tackles versus Tulsa.
Brandon Elam [Brandon, Miss. / Holmes C.C.]
Offensive Line | 6-2 | 330
- Region 3 Class 6A First Team Selection at Brandon High School.
Davion Kinlaw [ North Charleston, S.C. | Jones College ]
Offensive Line | 6-6 | 285
- Played for head coaches Steve Laprad and Joshua Smith at Fort Dorchester (S.C.)...helped the Patriots to a 7-4 record and second round playoff appearance during his senior season
- Played in six games on the defensive line and recorded two tackles and a breakup at Jones College.
Ben Drake [Nashville, Tenn. / Hawaii]
Defensive Back | 6-1 | 185
- A 2022 graduate of Whites Creek High School in Nashville, Tenn.
- A three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball and track.
- Earned all-city and all-metro honors in football.
- A two-time all-state honoree in track.
- A high school state champion in the 400 meters and part of the state runner-up 4x400 relay team.
- Also placed top-three in the state in the long jum
- Played the 2024 season at Sierra College in Sacramento, Calif.
- Recorded a team-high three interceptions, while adding five pass break-ups.
- Part of a Sierra squad that captured the Pepsi Sequoia Bowl.
- Began collegiate career at Reedley College in California, appearing in seven games.
D'Shaun Ford [Opelousas, LA / Louisiana-Monroe]
Running Back | 5-11 | 225
- Ranked the nation's No. 68 prospect at the running back position according to On3 Sports
- Three-star running back recruit according to 247Sports
- Earned Louisiana Sports Writers Association 4A all-state honorable mention honors his sophomore year in 2022
- Named first team offense running back on The Acadiana Advocate's All-Metro Big School team in 2022
- Rushed for 1,300 yards and 22 Touchdowns and led Opelousas to a 10-3 record and a thirdround playoff appearance in 2022
- Saw time in six games at ULM as a freshman, collecting 44 yards off 13 carries
- Made his ULM debut vs. Saint Francis (Aug. 28), recording 22 yards off four carries
- Also competed in track & field and recorded personal-best marks of 11.53 in the 100-meter dash, 23.10 in the 200-meter dash and 40-7 in the shot put
Tylon Cooper [Eunice, LA / Southeastern Louisiana]
Defensive Back | 6-0 | 185
- All-District 3-4A selection at both wide receiver and defensive back at Eunice High School.
- Played in 23 games for SLU. Made 33 total tackles with 22 solo stops with one interception, eight pass breakups and one blocked field goal.
- 2023 Southland Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll
Corey Amos [Opelousas, LA / Ole Miss]
Defensive Line/Edge | 6'3 | 230
- Rated a four-star recruit by Rivals … Listed a top-20 player out of Louisiana, with both ESPN and Rivals ranking him the No. 17 recruit in his state … Listed as high as the No. 34 player at his position by Rivals.
- Helped Opelousas High School win a state title in 2023 and two district titles in four years
- Earned second-team all-state honors in 2023
- Earned three letters in track and field
- Committed to Ole Miss over offers from Miami, Mississippi State and Penn State, among others
Schuylar Turnbull [Oklahoma City, OK / Putnam City HS]
Quarterback | 6'2 | 190
- Attended Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
- Class 6A-2 District 1 Most Valuable player of the year
- 12 GP, 103/165 passing, 1,630 yards, 21 TDs, 5 INTs, 122.2 QB rating
- Averaged 135.8 yards and 1.8 TDs per game; long pass 62 yards
- 2025–26 team: 9–3 overall, 6–1 district (2nd place)
Rushad "RJ" Fleming-Ricard [Baton Rouge, LA / Woodlawn High School/ IMG Academy]
Defensive Line/Edge | 6'3 | 220
- Class of 2026
- Attended Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, LA
- Senior season stats: 61 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
- Chose Grambling State over offers from South Alabama, Kentucky State, Southern University, Eastern Kentucky, Georgetown University (D.C.), and Sacramento State
Keyon Robinson [ Baton Rouge, LA / Madison Prep Academy]
Wide Receiver | 6-0 | 188
- First Team LFCA All-State Wide Receiver
- First Team Sportsline All-State Wide Receiver
- Honorable Mention LSWA All-State Wide Receiver
- First Team All-Metro Wide Receiver
- First Team All-District Wide Receiver
- Recorded 56 receptions for 1,209 yards and 12 touchdowns
Mel Mitchell IV [Cocoa, FL / Cocoa HS]
Defensive Line | 6- 3 | 260
- Attended Cocoa High School and played two varsity seasons
- Recorded 35 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks
- Helped the team to an 8–5 overall record and a 2–0 district mark
- Finished first in the district
- Team was ranked 749th nationally and 43rd in Florida
Sabion Sessions [Myrtle Beach, S.C./ Madison Prep Academy]
Offensive Line | 6'8 | 320
- Attended Madison Prep Academy
- Finished the 2025–26 season with a 9–4 overall record
Jeremiah Keppard [New Orleans, LA / Northwestern State ]
Defensive Back | 6-3 | 190
- Attended St. Augustine High School
- Earned first-team all-district honors as a senior, helping the Purple Knights to a 7–3 record
- Redshirted in 2023
- Appeared in 11 games in 2024, recording 42 tackles and his first career interception
- Played six games in 2025, totaling 31 tackles
- Posted back-to-back nine-tackle games against Lamar
- Recorded one sack against Houston Christian
Jamarion Parker St. Louis, Mo. / Nebraska ]
Running Back | 6-0 | 200
- Earned Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll recognition in Spring 2025
- Redshirted during the 2025 season without appearing in a game
- Attended Cardinal Ritter College Prep in St. Louis, Missouri prior to Nebraska
- Rushed for more than 3,600 career yards in high school
- Helped lead Cardinal Ritter to two state championships
- Earned first-team all-state honors as a junior and senior
- Rushed for 1,644 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior
- Recorded 1,730 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior
- Rated a four-star recruit by Rivals and ESPN
- Ranked No. 6 running back nationally and No. 176 overall prospect by Rivals
- Listed as the No. 2 player in Missouri by ESPN
Mytrell Tillman [East St. Louis, Ill. / East St. Louis HS]
Offensive Line | 6-3 | 300
- Attended East St. Louis High School in East St. Louis, Illinois
- Member of the Class of 2026
- Listed as an interior offensive lineman
- Holds a 247Sports rating of 83
- Ranked No. 230 nationally at IOL and No. 68 in Illinois by 247Sports
- Owns a 247Sports Composite rating of 0.8300
- Ranked No. 242 nationally at IOL and No. 69 in Illinois in the composite rankings
- Chose Grambling over offers from Eastern Michigan, Kent State, and Miami (OH)
Xavier Dickerson [Lafayette, LA / Lafayette Renaissance Charter HS]
Offensive Line | 6-3 | 305
- Attended Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School
- Finished the 2025–26 season with a 9–3 overall record
- Posted a 2–2 district record, placing third in the district
Alexander Davis [Orlando, FL / Florida A&M]
Punter | 6-2 | 190
- Appeared in 23 career games as a specialist from 2023–2024
- Spent the 2025–26 season at Florida A&M University
- Scored 16 total points
- Went a perfect 10-for-10 on extra points
- Handled punting duties in both seasons, totaling 129 punts for 5,121 yards
- Posted a career punting average of 39.7 yards per punt
- Averaged 43.3 yards per punt in 2024 with a career-long 80-yard punt
- Recorded 17 punts of 50 yards or more and 18 punts downed inside the 20
- Also handled kickoff duties in 2023 with 18 kickoffs for 969 yards and one touchback
Davis Oliver-Goodwin [New Orleans, LA / Lafayette College]
Defensive Back | 6-4 | 190
- Attended St. Augustine High School
- Played cornerback and recorded two interceptions, six tackles for loss, and six pass breakups during his senior season
- Earned LHSAA All-Academic honors
- Inducted into the National Honor Society
- Spent time at Lafayette College
- Appeared in 29 career games from 2023–2025
- Totaled 57 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and three pass breakups
- Posted a career-high 42 tackles in 11 games during the 2025 season
Alexander "AJ" Washington [Monroe, LA / Ouachita HS]
Offensive Line | 6-2 | 330
- Attended Ouachita High School
- Earned Honorable Mention on the 2025 Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) Class 5A All-State Football Team
- Captured the 2025 LHSAA Powerlifting State Championship
Jakias Villanueva [Vacherie, LA / St. James HS ]
Wide Receiver/Return Specialist | 5-7 | 150
- Attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School in Liberty City, Florida· Helped lead the program to an 8–3 record and a district championship under head coach Verne Luis
- Earned Top 50 Football recognition
- Spent time at Tusculum University
- Appeared in 21 career games on the offensive line from 2023–2026
- Played in nine games during both the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons
Diego Alfaro [Cypress, TX./ Prairie View A&M]
Place Kicker
- Played at Prairie View A&M University during the 2025 season
- Appeared in 13 games
- Scored 40 total points with four field goals and 28 extra points
- Converted 4-of-7 field goal attempts with a long of 42 yards
- Handled kickoff duties with 60 kickoffs for 3,261 yards
- Averaged 54.4 yards per kickoff with 17 touchbacks
Chris Sweeney [Riviera Beach, FL./ Tusculum]
Offensive Line | 6-6 | 310
- Attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School in Miami, Fla.
- Helped lead the program to an 8–3 record and a district championship under head coach Verne Luis
- Earned Top 50 Football recognition
- Spent time at Tusculum University
- Appeared in 21 career games on the offensive line from 2023–2026
- Played in nine games during both the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons
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