The University of North Dakota’s football program has reason to celebrate as it secures its second consecutive Texas wide receiver in as many recruiting cycles. Brayden Mueller, a 6‑foot‑2, 180‑pound prospect from the Austin area, announced his commitment to the Fighting Hawks’ 2027 class on Tuesday, following Delvin Cook Jr., who signed in the 2026 class.
Mueller’s path to the Division I ranks has been marked by a recent move from a 5A program at Hendrickson to the larger 6A school at Hutto. The transition, he says, has sharpened his game and prepared him for the rigors of college football. Last season he recorded 32 receptions for 703 yards and six touchdowns, earning second‑team all‑district honors.
The Texas native was courted by several programs, including Abilene Christian and Lamar, before narrowing his choices and ultimately choosing UND. Official visits to Grand Forks highlighted the campus’s facilities and a family‑oriented atmosphere that resonated with him. Mueller said the environment made him feel at home and convinced him that the university was the right fit.
Mueller plans to enroll early, allowing him to take part in spring practice and get a head start on team integration. His arrival will add depth to a receiving corps that is already looking to build on recent successes. The commitment brings the total number of public pledges in UND’s 2027 class to 22, underscoring the program’s growing appeal.
A Texas Connection
Coach K.J. Maye, who was hired by UND head coach Eric Schmidt during the offseason, brings a personal link to the program’s past. Maye played college football alongside former offensive coordinator Isaac Fruechte at the University of Minnesota, forging relationships that have now translated into recruiting opportunities in Texas. Maye’s presence on staff has been cited by Mueller as a key factor in his decision.
The addition of Mueller follows the earlier signing of Delvin Cook Jr. from the Dallas area, a move that marked the first Texas wide receiver in the 2026 class. With both players set to join the roster, UND’s coaching staff is optimistic about the impact of a growing Texas pipeline on the team’s future performance.