University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Football Adds Eight To 2025 Signing Class
2/5/2025 12:30:00 PM | Football
Ragin' Cajuns add seven transfers, high school product to class
LAFAYETTE – After signing 19 players during the December Signing Date, Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux added eight new members – including seven via the Transfer Portal – during National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Coming off a 10-win season, its fourth in the past six seasons, Louisiana received a National Letter of Intent from running back JJ Garner (Timpson, Texas/Timpson) – one of 20 high school signees in the 27-player class.
Garner was joined by seven transfers, highlighted by highly-touted athletes Walker Howard (QB, Lafayette, La./Ole Miss/LSU) and Shelton Sampson Jr. (WR, Baton Rouge, La./LSU). Louisiana also picked up portal transfers Brock Chappell (TE, Holly Springs, N.C./Furman), Jaelen Crider (DL, Stow, Ohio/Youngstown State), Trey Miller (TE, Weston, Nebraska/Wayne State), Curley Reed III (CB, Lake Charles, La./Washington) and Trae Tomlinson (CB, Winnipeg, Manitoba/Richmond).
"Our staff did a really good job of addressing our needs as a program," Desormeaux said. "We signed a high school class that we are extremely excited about, and we filled some immediate needs in the transfer portal.
"In the 2024 recruiting cycle, we felt like we came out ahead in the portal by addressing the needs and issues we had through portal attrition, and this year, we feel the same way."
During the December Signing Period, Louisiana added four wide receivers, highlighted by local products Russell Babineaux (Lafayette, La./Acadiana) and Trenton Chaney (Lutcher, La./Lutcher) along with a pair of highly-rated tight ends – Quandre Coates (Anahuac, Texas/Anahuac) and Khristian Mackintrush (McKinney, Texas/McKinney) – quarterback Coleman Carter (Natchez. Miss./Adams County Christian School) and running back Darrell Smith (Picayune, Miss./Picayune Memorial).
Three offensive linemen – Jayden McAllister (Missouri City, Texas/Fort Bend Hightower), Jakoby Isom (Houston, Texas/North Shore) and Baylynn Williams (Palestine, Texas/Palestine) – were among the 11 players signed on offense.
A pair of defensive linemen were added with the signing of Korbin Ashmore (Wesson, Miss./Wesson Attendance Center) and Chase Howard (Blount, Ala./Blount) with the Ragin' Cajuns adding linebacker AJ Spencer (Houston, Texas/Klein Forest).
Louisiana added five players to the secondary with in-state products Brent Gordon Jr. (Cecilia, La./Cecilia), Jayden Glosten (Prairieville, La./University Lab), Cam Riley (Monroe, La./Neville) and Steven Ranel II (Baton Rouge, La./Central) joining Kevin Malone (Prichard, Ala./Vigor).
"Nine of our 27 signees are already in the building, hard at work to build the chemistry it takes to have a great football team. The identity of our team will be built in the next seven months. Just like last year, we have the experience and the ability to be a conference-championship caliber team.
"But 2025 will be about the relentless pursuit to attain that and build a team that has its focus centered around one thing … our success in achieving that conference championship."
Louisiana is scheduled to open the 2025 season on August 30 against Rice in the newly renovated Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. The complete 2025 schedule, with Sun Belt Conference matchups, will be released by March 1.
Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
2025 LOUISIANA RAGIN' CAJUNS FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
Korbin Ashmore, DT – 6-5, 265, Wesson, Miss. (Wesson Attendance Center)
Russell Babineaux, WR – 5-9, 170, Lafayette, La. (Acadiana HS)
Coleman Carter, QB – 6-1, 180, Natchez, Miss. (Adams County Christian School)
Trenton Chaney, WR – 5-9, 160, Lutcher, La. (Lutcher HS)
# Brock Chappell, TE – 6-5, 245, Holly Springs, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons/Furman)
Quandre Coates, TE – 6-5, 250, Anahuac, Texas (Anahuac HS)
# Jaelen Crider, DL – 6-3, 310, Stow, Ohio (Stow-Munroe Falls/Youngstown State)
* JJ Garner, RB – 5-11, 195, Timpson, Texas (Timpson)
Jayden Glosten, CB – 5-10, 170, Prairieville, La. (University Lab School)
Brent Gordon Jr., S – 5-11, 180, Cecilia, La. (Cecilia HS)
Chase Howard, DE – 6-4, 235, Blount, Ala. (Blount HS)
# Walker Howard, QB – 6-0, 190, Lafayette, La. (St. Thomas More/Ole Miss/LSU)
^ Jakoby Isom, OL – 6-3, 320, Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
Khristian Mackintrush, TE – 6-3, 200, McKinney, Texas (McKinney HS)
Kevin Malone, CB – 5-9, 165, Prichard, Ala. (Vigor HS)
Jayden McAllister, OL – 6-5, 305, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Hightower HS)
# Trey Miller, TE – 6-3, 230, Weston, Nebraska (Bishop Neumann/Wayne State)
Steven Ranel II, S – 6-1, 170, Baton Rouge, La. (Central HS)
# Curley Reed III, CB – 6-1, 191, Lake Charles, La. (Lake Charles College Prep/Washington)
Cam Riley, CB – 5-11, 170, Monroe, La. (Neville HS)
# Shelton Sampson Jr., WR – 6-4, 190, Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic/LSU)
^ Darrell Smith, RB – 5-8, 180, Picayune, Miss. (Picayune Memorial HS)
Jaiden Smith, WR – 6-1, 175, Semmes, Ala. (Mary G. Montgomery HS)
AJ Spencer, OLB – 6-4, 210, Houston, Texas (Klein Forest HS)
Evan Stroman, WR – 6-4, 205, Spring, Texas (Westfield HS)
# Trae Tomlinson, CB – 5-10, 175, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Clearwater Academy International/Richmond)
Baylynn Williams, OL – 6-5, 287, Palestine, Texas (Palestine HS)
* - February signee
^ - Early signee; enrolled at UL for Spring 2025 semester
# - Portal transfer; currently enrolled for Spring 2025 semester
2025 SIGNEE CAPSULES
FEBRUARY SIGNEES / PORTAL TRANSFERS
Brock Chappell, TE – 6-5, 245, Holly Springs, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons/Furman)
A portal transfer who is currently enrolled at Louisiana … a two-year letterwinner at FCS program Furman, where he caught 24 passes in 24 career games … had 22 receptions for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 11 games in 2024 … caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown against VMI … earned extensive playing time in all 13 games as a freshman reserve … named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team ... credited with a pair of receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown … helped lead Cardinal Gibbons to a pair of conference championships and a North Carolina state championship (16-0) in 2021.
Jaelen Crider, DL – 6-3, 310, Stow, Ohio (Stow-Munroe Falls/Youngstown State)
Graduate transfer from FCS program Youngstown State and currently enrolled at Louisiana … played 33 games in three seasons at YSU … finished with 16 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, a fumble recovery and pass breakup as a senior … collected a 17-yard sack at Pitt … recorded a season-high five tackles with 1.5 stops for loss against Indiana State … had two tackles in games against Pitt, South Dakota, North Dakota and Southern Illinois … spent two seasons at Akron (2020-21) … a three-star prospect according to 247 Sports ... a four-time letterwinner at Stow-Munroe Falls High School ... earned OPSWA All-District honors as a senior in 2019.
JJ Garner, RB – 5-11, 195, Timpson, Texas (Timpson HS)
A three-star recruit by On3.com … rushed for 1,506 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior at Timpson High School … rushed for 100 yards or more in seven games during the season, including four with 200-plus yards … threw for 375 yards and two scores at quarterback and recorded 65 yards and a touchdown as a slot receiver … had 20 tackles on defense … named first-team all-district and the District MVP … gained 1,313 yards and scored 22 touchdowns on the ground as a junior … held offers from UL, North Texas, Oregon State, Texas Tech and UTSA.
Walker Howard, QB – 6-0, 190, Lafayette, La. (St. Thomas More/Ole Miss/LSU)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana and will have two years of eligibility remaining … played as a true freshman at LSU in 2022 before spending the past two seasons at Ole Miss … one of the nation's top quarterback prospects in the Class of 2022 … rated as the nation's No. 1 dual-threat QB by ESPN and listed No. 5 by 247Sports … overall, listed as the nation's No. 27 overall prospect by ESPN and No. 34 by 247Sports … ranked as the No. 2 player in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports … prepped at St. Thomas More High School where he led the Cougars to back-to-back Division II state titles in 2019 and 2020 and a semifinal appearance in 2021 … passed for 381 yards and four TDs in 35-28 win over De La Salle in 2020 state championship game … as a senior, completed 155-of-259 passes for 2,394 yards and 25 touchdowns … invited to the Under Armour All-American Game … participated in the Elite 11 camp, finishing among the top 10 … won the 2020 MaxPreps High School Football Player of the Year for Louisiana … named the 2020 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year … selected to the 2020 Louisiana High School Football All-State First-Team for Offense … passed for 3,430 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior.
Trey Miller, TE – 6-3, 230, Weston, Nebraska (Bishop Neumann/Wayne State)
A graduate transfer from Division II member Wayne State (Neb.) … currently enrolled at Louisiana … four-year member at WSU where he played in 32 career games … appeared in all 11 games with eight catches and one TD in 2024 ... a three-year letterwinner in football and basketball at Cardinal Gibbons, starting two years in both sports ... named All-Conference, All-District and All-Area Defense during senior season (2019), recording 72 tackles at linebacker to go with 16 catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns.
Curley Reed III, CB – 6-1, 191, Lake Charles, La. (Lake Charles College Prep/Washington)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana … spent the previous two seasons at Washington where he was named to the 2024 Fall Academic All-Big Ten team ... saw action as a redshirt freshman in a win over Weber State … a redshirt on the Huskies' 2023 squad which reached the College Football Playoff Championship Game … prepped at Lake Charles College Prep … a four-star prospect and No. 35-rated overall cornerback by 247Sports … missed his junior season due to an injury ... as a sophomore in 2020, helped lead the Trailblazers to the Class 3A state semifinals ... had 39 tackles and an interception as a sophomore ... earned first-team All-District 4-3A and honorable mention 3A all-state in 2020 ... ranked the No. 23 cornerback and No. 181 overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, which also listed him as the No. 12 prospect in Louisiana ... listed as the No. 13 prospect in Louisiana by ESPN, which also rated him as the country's No. 17 safety and No. 272 overall prospect ... also played basketball and ran track ... played football for coach Erick Franklin.
Shelton Sampson Jr., WR – 6-4, 195, Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic/LSU)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana after being signed through the Transfer Portal … spent two seasons at LSU … appeared in 11 games with one start … one of the nation's top receiver prospects in the Class of 2023 … appeared in eight games as a redshirt freshman … saw action in three games as a true freshman in 2023 … a standout wide receiver at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge where he finished his prep career as the most accomplished player at his position in school history … one of the top receiver prospects in the Class of 2023 … rated with 4-stars and No. 36 overall and No. 6 at his position in the On3 Composite … ranked as high as No. 23 overall nationally and the No. 4 wide receiver by On3 … ranked No. 41 nationally by ESPN.com … capped his prep career with 140 receptions for 2,495 yards and 31 touchdowns … ranks No. 1 in school history in receptions, receiving yards and TDs … as a senior, caught 79 passes for 1,152 yards and 18 TDs becoming only the third player in Catholic history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season … a first-team, Class 5A All-State as both a junior and senior … named to the 2022 Class 5A/4A All-Metro Football Team for Baton Rouge … hauled in 40 passes for 932 yards and 8 TDs as a junior … scored 192 points during his high school career, which ranks No. 7 all-time in school history … in four years at Catholic, team went a combined 44-6 with two Louisiana Division I State Championships, three appearances in the state championship game and a pair of district titles … high school teammate with current UL quarterback Daniel Beale … invited to participate in Under Armour All-America game … his father, Shelton Sampson, was a standout running back at Northwestern State from 2002-05.
Trae Tomlinson, CB – 5-10, 175, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Clearwater Academy International/Richmond)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana as a transfer portal addition … appeared in 38 career games in three seasons at FCS program Richmond … started all 13 games at cornerback, posting 28 tackles with 18 solo stops in 2024 … had 47 tackles including 38 solo as a sophomore in 2023 …played the 2021 season at Clearwater Academy International … helped team to the National SSIS State Championship in 2021 … named the Best All-Around Player of the Year on Clearwater Academy … posted 58 tackles, five interceptions and six pass breakups as a senior … helped St. Paul's to the 2019 Provincial Champion Anavets Bowl … named First Team All-Canadian and All-League as a junior … named First-Team All-Canadian as a sophomore and ranked was the No. 3-ranked player in Canada … named Freshman of the Year and ranked No. 1 defensive player in Canada.
DECEMBER SIGNEES
Korbin Ashmore, DT – 6-5, 265, Wesson, Miss. (Wesson Attendance Center)
A three-star recruit and the No. 50-ranked high school prospect in the state of Mississippi by 247Sports.com … named a MAC Class 3A All-State selection and repeat All-Area pick … posted 61 tackles and led the Cobras with 18 tackles for a loss.
Russell Babineaux, WR – 5-9, 170, Lafayette, La. (Acadiana HS)
Rated as the No. 22 overall high school prospect in the state of Louisiana and No. 77-rated wide receiver nationally by 247Sports.com … a three-star prospect and four-year starter at Acadiana High School … an all-district and Class 5A All-State selection … received offers from Auburn, Florida State, Houston and LSU.
Coleman Carter, QB – 6-1, 180, Natchez, Miss. (Adams County Christian School)
A dual-threat quarterback and three-star prospect by 247Sports.com and on3.com … rated as the No. 57 overall product in the state of Mississippi … accounted for 3,765 total yards in 2023 … named the 2023 Natchez Democrat 2023 Offensive Player of the Year … threw for 2,515 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 1,250 yards and 13 TDs as a junior … helped lead the Rebels to the 2023 MAIS Class 5A state title.
Trenton Chaney, WR – 5-9, 160, Lutcher, La. (Lutcher HS)
A three-star recruit and No. 53-rated prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports.com … a three-star prospect by on3.com … amassed over 3,000 all-purpose yards in his career at Lutcher … rushed for over 1,600 yards with eight 100-yard games and 26 touchdowns over his final two seasons with the Bulldogs … caught 32 passes for 590 yards and seven TDs as a senior … also lettered in track where he was a Class 4A state qualifier in the 400 meters as a junior.
Quandre Coates, TE – 6-5, 250, Anahuac, Texas (Anahuac HS)
A three-star recruit by on3.com and Dave Campbell's Texas Football … ranked 13th among tight ends in the state of Texas by TDRecruits.com … a three-time All-District 10-3A selection … caught 48 passes for 671 yards and 11 TDs as a sophomore … a three-sport athlete for the Panthers where he also competed in basketball and track … chose Louisiana over offers from ULM, UTEP and Texas State.
Jayden Glosten, CB – 5-10, 170, Prairieville, La. (University Lab School)
The No. 25-rated prospect in the state of Louisiana and No. 51-ranked safety nationally by 247Sports.com … a three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, on3.com and Rivals.com … a Louisiana Class 3A regional qualifier in the 100 meters as a sophomore … picked Louisiana after receiving offers from Arkansas State, Marshall and Texas Tech.
Brent Gordon Jr., S – 5-11, 180, Cecilia, La. (Cecilia HS)
The District 5-4A Defensive MVP as a junior at Cecilia High School … helped the Bulldogs reach the Division II non-select state title game … finished with 119 tackles with four interceptions and eight pass breakups … also forced five fumbles, had two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown … totaled 550 all-purpose yards with six touchdowns … a three-star recruit by on3.com … picked Louisiana over Arkansas State.
Chase Howard, DE – 6-4, 235, Blount, Ala. (Blount HS)
Totaled 53 tackles with 6.0 tackles for loss at Blount High School … selected as the "Battle of Prichard" Defensive MVP and Blount High School Defensive MVP as a junior … named a Scholar Athlete of the Week and a 2024 team captain … also lettered in basketball.
Jakoby Isom, OL – 6-3, 320, Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
A three-star prospect by on3.com and 247Sports.com … named as one of the top interior linemen by TDRecruits.com … currently enrolled at Louisiana … picked the Ragin' Cajuns over offers from SMU, UTSA, Sam Houston, UTEP and Arkansas State.
Khristian Mackintrush, TE – 6-3, 200, McKinney, Texas (McKinney HS)
Named a three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, on3.com and Rivals.com … rated as the No. 38 overall tight end by ESPN … rated as the No. 9 tight end in the state of Texas by TDRecruits.com … recorded 57 receptions for 896 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior … named the No. 82-ranked player in the Dallas area's Class of 2025 … had 26 receptions for 555 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 21.4 yards per catch as a junior … chose Louisiana over offers by Missouri, Purdue, Texas State, Tulane and Tulsa.
Kevin Malone, CB – 5-9, 165, Prichard, Ala. (Vigor HS)
A three-star prospect by both 247Sports.com and on3.com … rated as the No. 83 overall recruit in the state of Alabama by on3.com … posted 38 tackles with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups as a senior at Vigor High School … helped lead Vigor to a 12-2 record and Class 5A semifinal playoff appearance … also offered by Troy, Western Michigan and UAB.
Jayden McAllister, OL – 6-5, 305, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Hightower HS)
Part of a Fort Bend Hightower squad which posted a 31-7 record and three District 20-6A playoff appearances … as a senior, helped pave the way for the Hurricanes to post a 9-2 record with a high-octane offense which averaged 40.6 points per game.
Steven Ranel II, S – 6-1, 170, Baton Rouge, La. (Central HS)
A two-time first-team, All-District 4-5A selection at Central High School … helped lead Central to the 2024 LHSAA Division I state title … tied the Wildcats' single-game, school record with three interceptions … picked Louisiana over Louisiana Tech and Arkansas State.
Cam Riley, CB – 5-11, 170, Monroe, La. (Neville HS)
A three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and on3.com … the No. 43-ranked prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports.com … recorded 63 tackles with four interceptions for Neville … a two-sport star where he was a member of the Tiger Baseball team … plans to play both sports at UL … chose Louisiana over offers from Arizona State and ULM.
Darrell Smith, RB – 5-8, 180, Picayune, Miss. (Picayune Memorial HS)
The No. 63-ranked overall recruit in the state of Mississippi by 247Sports.com … currently enrolled at Louisiana … the top rusher in the state of Mississippi with 2,251 yards … averaged 9.2 yards per carry … named the Region 4-6A Player of the Year … helped lead Picayune Memorial to a pair of Mississippi Class 6A State championships and a Class 6A South State runner-up finish … had 1,087 rushing yards on 124 carries and 15 touchdowns as a junior … a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and on3.com … chose Louisiana over offers from Ole Miss, Boston College and UNLV.
Jaiden Smith, WR – 6-1, 175, Semmes, Ala. (Mary G. Montgomery HS)
A three-star prospect by 247Sports.com and on3.com … rated as the No. 69 high school prospect in the state of Alabama … a three-sport athlete where he also lettered in basketball and track … caught 21 passes for 277 yards … part of a Montgomery team which posted a two-year 19-3 record … helped lead Montgomery to a 9-2 record and berth in the Alabama Class 7A playoffs.
AJ Spencer, OLB – 6-4, 210, Houston, Texas (Klein Forest HS)
A three-star recruit by on3.com … a two-time all-district selection … recorded 39 tackles with 4.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as a junior … three-sport athlete who also competed in basketball and track.
Evan Stroman, WR – 6-4, 205, Spring, Texas (Westfield HS)
Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, ESPN and on3.com … played as a senior at Westfield after transferring from nearby Cypress Ridge … named to the 17-6A All-District team as a junior after he caught 22 passes for 236 yards and five TDs … selected Louisiana over offers from Texas State and Illinois State.
Baylynn Williams, OL – 6-5, 287, Palestine, Texas (Palestine HS)
A three-time All-District selection at Palestine High School … earned first-team all-district honors beginning in 2022 … chose Louisiana over Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, North Texas and Sam Houston.
Coming off a 10-win season, its fourth in the past six seasons, Louisiana received a National Letter of Intent from running back JJ Garner (Timpson, Texas/Timpson) – one of 20 high school signees in the 27-player class.
Garner was joined by seven transfers, highlighted by highly-touted athletes Walker Howard (QB, Lafayette, La./Ole Miss/LSU) and Shelton Sampson Jr. (WR, Baton Rouge, La./LSU). Louisiana also picked up portal transfers Brock Chappell (TE, Holly Springs, N.C./Furman), Jaelen Crider (DL, Stow, Ohio/Youngstown State), Trey Miller (TE, Weston, Nebraska/Wayne State), Curley Reed III (CB, Lake Charles, La./Washington) and Trae Tomlinson (CB, Winnipeg, Manitoba/Richmond).
"Our staff did a really good job of addressing our needs as a program," Desormeaux said. "We signed a high school class that we are extremely excited about, and we filled some immediate needs in the transfer portal.
"In the 2024 recruiting cycle, we felt like we came out ahead in the portal by addressing the needs and issues we had through portal attrition, and this year, we feel the same way."
During the December Signing Period, Louisiana added four wide receivers, highlighted by local products Russell Babineaux (Lafayette, La./Acadiana) and Trenton Chaney (Lutcher, La./Lutcher) along with a pair of highly-rated tight ends – Quandre Coates (Anahuac, Texas/Anahuac) and Khristian Mackintrush (McKinney, Texas/McKinney) – quarterback Coleman Carter (Natchez. Miss./Adams County Christian School) and running back Darrell Smith (Picayune, Miss./Picayune Memorial).
Three offensive linemen – Jayden McAllister (Missouri City, Texas/Fort Bend Hightower), Jakoby Isom (Houston, Texas/North Shore) and Baylynn Williams (Palestine, Texas/Palestine) – were among the 11 players signed on offense.
A pair of defensive linemen were added with the signing of Korbin Ashmore (Wesson, Miss./Wesson Attendance Center) and Chase Howard (Blount, Ala./Blount) with the Ragin' Cajuns adding linebacker AJ Spencer (Houston, Texas/Klein Forest).
Louisiana added five players to the secondary with in-state products Brent Gordon Jr. (Cecilia, La./Cecilia), Jayden Glosten (Prairieville, La./University Lab), Cam Riley (Monroe, La./Neville) and Steven Ranel II (Baton Rouge, La./Central) joining Kevin Malone (Prichard, Ala./Vigor).
"Nine of our 27 signees are already in the building, hard at work to build the chemistry it takes to have a great football team. The identity of our team will be built in the next seven months. Just like last year, we have the experience and the ability to be a conference-championship caliber team.
"But 2025 will be about the relentless pursuit to attain that and build a team that has its focus centered around one thing … our success in achieving that conference championship."
Louisiana is scheduled to open the 2025 season on August 30 against Rice in the newly renovated Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. The complete 2025 schedule, with Sun Belt Conference matchups, will be released by March 1.
Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
2025 LOUISIANA RAGIN' CAJUNS FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
Korbin Ashmore, DT – 6-5, 265, Wesson, Miss. (Wesson Attendance Center)
Russell Babineaux, WR – 5-9, 170, Lafayette, La. (Acadiana HS)
Coleman Carter, QB – 6-1, 180, Natchez, Miss. (Adams County Christian School)
Trenton Chaney, WR – 5-9, 160, Lutcher, La. (Lutcher HS)
# Brock Chappell, TE – 6-5, 245, Holly Springs, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons/Furman)
Quandre Coates, TE – 6-5, 250, Anahuac, Texas (Anahuac HS)
# Jaelen Crider, DL – 6-3, 310, Stow, Ohio (Stow-Munroe Falls/Youngstown State)
* JJ Garner, RB – 5-11, 195, Timpson, Texas (Timpson)
Jayden Glosten, CB – 5-10, 170, Prairieville, La. (University Lab School)
Brent Gordon Jr., S – 5-11, 180, Cecilia, La. (Cecilia HS)
Chase Howard, DE – 6-4, 235, Blount, Ala. (Blount HS)
# Walker Howard, QB – 6-0, 190, Lafayette, La. (St. Thomas More/Ole Miss/LSU)
^ Jakoby Isom, OL – 6-3, 320, Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
Khristian Mackintrush, TE – 6-3, 200, McKinney, Texas (McKinney HS)
Kevin Malone, CB – 5-9, 165, Prichard, Ala. (Vigor HS)
Jayden McAllister, OL – 6-5, 305, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Hightower HS)
# Trey Miller, TE – 6-3, 230, Weston, Nebraska (Bishop Neumann/Wayne State)
Steven Ranel II, S – 6-1, 170, Baton Rouge, La. (Central HS)
# Curley Reed III, CB – 6-1, 191, Lake Charles, La. (Lake Charles College Prep/Washington)
Cam Riley, CB – 5-11, 170, Monroe, La. (Neville HS)
# Shelton Sampson Jr., WR – 6-4, 190, Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic/LSU)
^ Darrell Smith, RB – 5-8, 180, Picayune, Miss. (Picayune Memorial HS)
Jaiden Smith, WR – 6-1, 175, Semmes, Ala. (Mary G. Montgomery HS)
AJ Spencer, OLB – 6-4, 210, Houston, Texas (Klein Forest HS)
Evan Stroman, WR – 6-4, 205, Spring, Texas (Westfield HS)
# Trae Tomlinson, CB – 5-10, 175, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Clearwater Academy International/Richmond)
Baylynn Williams, OL – 6-5, 287, Palestine, Texas (Palestine HS)
* - February signee
^ - Early signee; enrolled at UL for Spring 2025 semester
# - Portal transfer; currently enrolled for Spring 2025 semester
2025 SIGNEE CAPSULES
FEBRUARY SIGNEES / PORTAL TRANSFERS
Brock Chappell, TE – 6-5, 245, Holly Springs, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons/Furman)
A portal transfer who is currently enrolled at Louisiana … a two-year letterwinner at FCS program Furman, where he caught 24 passes in 24 career games … had 22 receptions for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 11 games in 2024 … caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown against VMI … earned extensive playing time in all 13 games as a freshman reserve … named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team ... credited with a pair of receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown … helped lead Cardinal Gibbons to a pair of conference championships and a North Carolina state championship (16-0) in 2021.
Jaelen Crider, DL – 6-3, 310, Stow, Ohio (Stow-Munroe Falls/Youngstown State)
Graduate transfer from FCS program Youngstown State and currently enrolled at Louisiana … played 33 games in three seasons at YSU … finished with 16 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, a fumble recovery and pass breakup as a senior … collected a 17-yard sack at Pitt … recorded a season-high five tackles with 1.5 stops for loss against Indiana State … had two tackles in games against Pitt, South Dakota, North Dakota and Southern Illinois … spent two seasons at Akron (2020-21) … a three-star prospect according to 247 Sports ... a four-time letterwinner at Stow-Munroe Falls High School ... earned OPSWA All-District honors as a senior in 2019.
JJ Garner, RB – 5-11, 195, Timpson, Texas (Timpson HS)
A three-star recruit by On3.com … rushed for 1,506 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior at Timpson High School … rushed for 100 yards or more in seven games during the season, including four with 200-plus yards … threw for 375 yards and two scores at quarterback and recorded 65 yards and a touchdown as a slot receiver … had 20 tackles on defense … named first-team all-district and the District MVP … gained 1,313 yards and scored 22 touchdowns on the ground as a junior … held offers from UL, North Texas, Oregon State, Texas Tech and UTSA.
Walker Howard, QB – 6-0, 190, Lafayette, La. (St. Thomas More/Ole Miss/LSU)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana and will have two years of eligibility remaining … played as a true freshman at LSU in 2022 before spending the past two seasons at Ole Miss … one of the nation's top quarterback prospects in the Class of 2022 … rated as the nation's No. 1 dual-threat QB by ESPN and listed No. 5 by 247Sports … overall, listed as the nation's No. 27 overall prospect by ESPN and No. 34 by 247Sports … ranked as the No. 2 player in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports … prepped at St. Thomas More High School where he led the Cougars to back-to-back Division II state titles in 2019 and 2020 and a semifinal appearance in 2021 … passed for 381 yards and four TDs in 35-28 win over De La Salle in 2020 state championship game … as a senior, completed 155-of-259 passes for 2,394 yards and 25 touchdowns … invited to the Under Armour All-American Game … participated in the Elite 11 camp, finishing among the top 10 … won the 2020 MaxPreps High School Football Player of the Year for Louisiana … named the 2020 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year … selected to the 2020 Louisiana High School Football All-State First-Team for Offense … passed for 3,430 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior.
Trey Miller, TE – 6-3, 230, Weston, Nebraska (Bishop Neumann/Wayne State)
A graduate transfer from Division II member Wayne State (Neb.) … currently enrolled at Louisiana … four-year member at WSU where he played in 32 career games … appeared in all 11 games with eight catches and one TD in 2024 ... a three-year letterwinner in football and basketball at Cardinal Gibbons, starting two years in both sports ... named All-Conference, All-District and All-Area Defense during senior season (2019), recording 72 tackles at linebacker to go with 16 catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns.
Curley Reed III, CB – 6-1, 191, Lake Charles, La. (Lake Charles College Prep/Washington)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana … spent the previous two seasons at Washington where he was named to the 2024 Fall Academic All-Big Ten team ... saw action as a redshirt freshman in a win over Weber State … a redshirt on the Huskies' 2023 squad which reached the College Football Playoff Championship Game … prepped at Lake Charles College Prep … a four-star prospect and No. 35-rated overall cornerback by 247Sports … missed his junior season due to an injury ... as a sophomore in 2020, helped lead the Trailblazers to the Class 3A state semifinals ... had 39 tackles and an interception as a sophomore ... earned first-team All-District 4-3A and honorable mention 3A all-state in 2020 ... ranked the No. 23 cornerback and No. 181 overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, which also listed him as the No. 12 prospect in Louisiana ... listed as the No. 13 prospect in Louisiana by ESPN, which also rated him as the country's No. 17 safety and No. 272 overall prospect ... also played basketball and ran track ... played football for coach Erick Franklin.
Shelton Sampson Jr., WR – 6-4, 195, Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic/LSU)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana after being signed through the Transfer Portal … spent two seasons at LSU … appeared in 11 games with one start … one of the nation's top receiver prospects in the Class of 2023 … appeared in eight games as a redshirt freshman … saw action in three games as a true freshman in 2023 … a standout wide receiver at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge where he finished his prep career as the most accomplished player at his position in school history … one of the top receiver prospects in the Class of 2023 … rated with 4-stars and No. 36 overall and No. 6 at his position in the On3 Composite … ranked as high as No. 23 overall nationally and the No. 4 wide receiver by On3 … ranked No. 41 nationally by ESPN.com … capped his prep career with 140 receptions for 2,495 yards and 31 touchdowns … ranks No. 1 in school history in receptions, receiving yards and TDs … as a senior, caught 79 passes for 1,152 yards and 18 TDs becoming only the third player in Catholic history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season … a first-team, Class 5A All-State as both a junior and senior … named to the 2022 Class 5A/4A All-Metro Football Team for Baton Rouge … hauled in 40 passes for 932 yards and 8 TDs as a junior … scored 192 points during his high school career, which ranks No. 7 all-time in school history … in four years at Catholic, team went a combined 44-6 with two Louisiana Division I State Championships, three appearances in the state championship game and a pair of district titles … high school teammate with current UL quarterback Daniel Beale … invited to participate in Under Armour All-America game … his father, Shelton Sampson, was a standout running back at Northwestern State from 2002-05.
Trae Tomlinson, CB – 5-10, 175, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Clearwater Academy International/Richmond)
Currently enrolled at Louisiana as a transfer portal addition … appeared in 38 career games in three seasons at FCS program Richmond … started all 13 games at cornerback, posting 28 tackles with 18 solo stops in 2024 … had 47 tackles including 38 solo as a sophomore in 2023 …played the 2021 season at Clearwater Academy International … helped team to the National SSIS State Championship in 2021 … named the Best All-Around Player of the Year on Clearwater Academy … posted 58 tackles, five interceptions and six pass breakups as a senior … helped St. Paul's to the 2019 Provincial Champion Anavets Bowl … named First Team All-Canadian and All-League as a junior … named First-Team All-Canadian as a sophomore and ranked was the No. 3-ranked player in Canada … named Freshman of the Year and ranked No. 1 defensive player in Canada.
DECEMBER SIGNEES
Korbin Ashmore, DT – 6-5, 265, Wesson, Miss. (Wesson Attendance Center)
A three-star recruit and the No. 50-ranked high school prospect in the state of Mississippi by 247Sports.com … named a MAC Class 3A All-State selection and repeat All-Area pick … posted 61 tackles and led the Cobras with 18 tackles for a loss.
Russell Babineaux, WR – 5-9, 170, Lafayette, La. (Acadiana HS)
Rated as the No. 22 overall high school prospect in the state of Louisiana and No. 77-rated wide receiver nationally by 247Sports.com … a three-star prospect and four-year starter at Acadiana High School … an all-district and Class 5A All-State selection … received offers from Auburn, Florida State, Houston and LSU.
Coleman Carter, QB – 6-1, 180, Natchez, Miss. (Adams County Christian School)
A dual-threat quarterback and three-star prospect by 247Sports.com and on3.com … rated as the No. 57 overall product in the state of Mississippi … accounted for 3,765 total yards in 2023 … named the 2023 Natchez Democrat 2023 Offensive Player of the Year … threw for 2,515 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 1,250 yards and 13 TDs as a junior … helped lead the Rebels to the 2023 MAIS Class 5A state title.
Trenton Chaney, WR – 5-9, 160, Lutcher, La. (Lutcher HS)
A three-star recruit and No. 53-rated prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports.com … a three-star prospect by on3.com … amassed over 3,000 all-purpose yards in his career at Lutcher … rushed for over 1,600 yards with eight 100-yard games and 26 touchdowns over his final two seasons with the Bulldogs … caught 32 passes for 590 yards and seven TDs as a senior … also lettered in track where he was a Class 4A state qualifier in the 400 meters as a junior.
Quandre Coates, TE – 6-5, 250, Anahuac, Texas (Anahuac HS)
A three-star recruit by on3.com and Dave Campbell's Texas Football … ranked 13th among tight ends in the state of Texas by TDRecruits.com … a three-time All-District 10-3A selection … caught 48 passes for 671 yards and 11 TDs as a sophomore … a three-sport athlete for the Panthers where he also competed in basketball and track … chose Louisiana over offers from ULM, UTEP and Texas State.
Jayden Glosten, CB – 5-10, 170, Prairieville, La. (University Lab School)
The No. 25-rated prospect in the state of Louisiana and No. 51-ranked safety nationally by 247Sports.com … a three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, on3.com and Rivals.com … a Louisiana Class 3A regional qualifier in the 100 meters as a sophomore … picked Louisiana after receiving offers from Arkansas State, Marshall and Texas Tech.
Brent Gordon Jr., S – 5-11, 180, Cecilia, La. (Cecilia HS)
The District 5-4A Defensive MVP as a junior at Cecilia High School … helped the Bulldogs reach the Division II non-select state title game … finished with 119 tackles with four interceptions and eight pass breakups … also forced five fumbles, had two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown … totaled 550 all-purpose yards with six touchdowns … a three-star recruit by on3.com … picked Louisiana over Arkansas State.
Chase Howard, DE – 6-4, 235, Blount, Ala. (Blount HS)
Totaled 53 tackles with 6.0 tackles for loss at Blount High School … selected as the "Battle of Prichard" Defensive MVP and Blount High School Defensive MVP as a junior … named a Scholar Athlete of the Week and a 2024 team captain … also lettered in basketball.
Jakoby Isom, OL – 6-3, 320, Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
A three-star prospect by on3.com and 247Sports.com … named as one of the top interior linemen by TDRecruits.com … currently enrolled at Louisiana … picked the Ragin' Cajuns over offers from SMU, UTSA, Sam Houston, UTEP and Arkansas State.
Khristian Mackintrush, TE – 6-3, 200, McKinney, Texas (McKinney HS)
Named a three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, on3.com and Rivals.com … rated as the No. 38 overall tight end by ESPN … rated as the No. 9 tight end in the state of Texas by TDRecruits.com … recorded 57 receptions for 896 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior … named the No. 82-ranked player in the Dallas area's Class of 2025 … had 26 receptions for 555 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 21.4 yards per catch as a junior … chose Louisiana over offers by Missouri, Purdue, Texas State, Tulane and Tulsa.
Kevin Malone, CB – 5-9, 165, Prichard, Ala. (Vigor HS)
A three-star prospect by both 247Sports.com and on3.com … rated as the No. 83 overall recruit in the state of Alabama by on3.com … posted 38 tackles with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups as a senior at Vigor High School … helped lead Vigor to a 12-2 record and Class 5A semifinal playoff appearance … also offered by Troy, Western Michigan and UAB.
Jayden McAllister, OL – 6-5, 305, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Hightower HS)
Part of a Fort Bend Hightower squad which posted a 31-7 record and three District 20-6A playoff appearances … as a senior, helped pave the way for the Hurricanes to post a 9-2 record with a high-octane offense which averaged 40.6 points per game.
Steven Ranel II, S – 6-1, 170, Baton Rouge, La. (Central HS)
A two-time first-team, All-District 4-5A selection at Central High School … helped lead Central to the 2024 LHSAA Division I state title … tied the Wildcats' single-game, school record with three interceptions … picked Louisiana over Louisiana Tech and Arkansas State.
Cam Riley, CB – 5-11, 170, Monroe, La. (Neville HS)
A three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and on3.com … the No. 43-ranked prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports.com … recorded 63 tackles with four interceptions for Neville … a two-sport star where he was a member of the Tiger Baseball team … plans to play both sports at UL … chose Louisiana over offers from Arizona State and ULM.
Darrell Smith, RB – 5-8, 180, Picayune, Miss. (Picayune Memorial HS)
The No. 63-ranked overall recruit in the state of Mississippi by 247Sports.com … currently enrolled at Louisiana … the top rusher in the state of Mississippi with 2,251 yards … averaged 9.2 yards per carry … named the Region 4-6A Player of the Year … helped lead Picayune Memorial to a pair of Mississippi Class 6A State championships and a Class 6A South State runner-up finish … had 1,087 rushing yards on 124 carries and 15 touchdowns as a junior … a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and on3.com … chose Louisiana over offers from Ole Miss, Boston College and UNLV.
Jaiden Smith, WR – 6-1, 175, Semmes, Ala. (Mary G. Montgomery HS)
A three-star prospect by 247Sports.com and on3.com … rated as the No. 69 high school prospect in the state of Alabama … a three-sport athlete where he also lettered in basketball and track … caught 21 passes for 277 yards … part of a Montgomery team which posted a two-year 19-3 record … helped lead Montgomery to a 9-2 record and berth in the Alabama Class 7A playoffs.
AJ Spencer, OLB – 6-4, 210, Houston, Texas (Klein Forest HS)
A three-star recruit by on3.com … a two-time all-district selection … recorded 39 tackles with 4.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as a junior … three-sport athlete who also competed in basketball and track.
Evan Stroman, WR – 6-4, 205, Spring, Texas (Westfield HS)
Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, ESPN and on3.com … played as a senior at Westfield after transferring from nearby Cypress Ridge … named to the 17-6A All-District team as a junior after he caught 22 passes for 236 yards and five TDs … selected Louisiana over offers from Texas State and Illinois State.
Baylynn Williams, OL – 6-5, 287, Palestine, Texas (Palestine HS)
A three-time All-District selection at Palestine High School … earned first-team all-district honors beginning in 2022 … chose Louisiana over Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, North Texas and Sam Houston.
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/ FootballTerrence Williams Media Availability (Dec 12 2025)
Friday, December 12
Tyree Skipper Media Availability (Dec 12, 2025)
Friday, December 12
Jim Salgado Media Availability (Dec 12, 2025)
Friday, December 12
Michael Desormeaux Media Availability (Dec 12, 2025)
Friday, December 12
