The New Mexico State football program announced a sweeping recruitment drive that will see 22 players join the defense and special‑teams groups for the 2026 campaign. The influx includes 11 transfers from other four‑year institutions, six junior‑college transfers and five fresh high‑school prospects, each bringing a distinct set of experiences and achievements.
Defensive line reinforcements
Among the defensive line newcomers, several stand out for their recent production. Jordan‑Lebron Downey, a junior from Livingstone College, recorded 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, while Paul Kouame, a sophomore from Long Beach City College, posted seven sacks and two forced fumbles. Zhakius Thomas, a junior from Trinity Valley Community College, contributed 54 tackles, seven sacks and a fumble recovery, and Kaian Roberts‑Day, a redshirt senior from UTSA, added nine tackles to the mix.
Linebacker corps receive a boost from fresh talent such as Jason Freeman Jr., a freshman from Lakeview Centennial High School who tallied 90 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble, and Jaylyn Manning, a Duncanville High School product with 120 stops and two interceptions. Defensive backs also benefit from experienced additions like Izzy Clark‑White, a redshirt junior from Monmouth who logged 39 tackles, 10 pass breakups and an interception.
Special‑teams units will feature a new kicker and punter. Ilya Uvaydov, a redshirt senior from Utah Tech, is 15‑for‑22 on field goals and perfect on extra points, while Brody Richter, a redshirt senior who handled punting duties for UCLA in 2024, joins the roster to provide depth and experience.
Coaches say the blend of proven transfers and promising newcomers creates a competitive environment that could elevate the team’s performance on both sides of the ball. The depth added through the transfer portal not only addresses previous gaps but also injects versatility that may prove decisive in conference play.