RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) head football coach Travis Bush announced on Wednesday the addition of 27 Vaqueros as part of the 2026 recruiting class, 18 of whom joined the team for the spring.
 
2026 UTRGV Football Additions

Name	POS	HT	WT	YR	Hometown	Previous School(s)
Alijah Alexis	DB	6-2	163	Fr.	Klein, Texas	Klein Forest HS
Aaron Andrews Jr.	DB	6-2	190	So.	Kingwood, Texas	Blinn College / Kingwood Park HS
Christian Ayala	OL	6-4	285	R-So.	Monte Alto, Texas	Texas Lutheran / Monte Alto Early College HS
James Bailey	OL	6-4	300	R-Sr.	Katy, Texas	New Mexico / Texas A&M / Paetow HS
Luis Balli	OL	6-5	291	Fr.	San Benito, Texas	San Benito HS
Josh Cashiola	DE	6-3	234	Pb.	Houston, Texas	Sacramento State / Strake Jesuit Prep
Walker Diharce	LB	6-2	220	R-So.	San Antonio, Texas	Navarro JC / Tulsa / Johnson HS
Jacob Gomez	TE	6-3	225	Fr.	Hebbronville, Texas	Hebbronville HS
Alex Green	WR	6-0	195	R-So.	Hutto, Texas	Tulsa / Hutto HS
Jaden Griffin	OL	6-5	300	Fr.	Celina, Texas	Celina HS
Dax Hebeisen	LB	6-1	215	Fr.	Colleyville, Texas	Colleyville Heritage HS
Nick Joseph	DL	6-4	250	R-So.	Minneapolis, Minn.	Southwestern College / Drake / Champlin Park HS
Malachi Lane	RB	6-0	220	Pb.	San Antonio, Texas	LSU / Smithson Valley HS
Viliami Makahununiu	OL	6-3	310	R-Sr.	Norman, Okla.	FIU / Oklahoma Baptist / Oklahoma State / Norman HS
Reid Mikeska	TE	6-5	255	R-Jr.	Houston, Texas	Florida Atlantic / South Carolina / Bridgeland HS
Ife Ohalete	DB	6-0	190	R-Sr.	Austin, Texas	Montana State / Blinn JC / Lake Travis HS
Jacorian Perez-Peoples	DL	6-5	294	Fr.	Temple, Texas	Temple High School
Kaileb Peterson	WR	6-2	184	Fr.	Dickinson, Texas	Dickinson HS
Garret Rangel	QB	6-2	198	R-Sr.	Frisco, Texas	Virginia Tech / Oklahoma State / Lone Star HS
Jackson Regan	RB	5-11	205	Fr.	New Braunfels, Texas	Canyon HS
Agustin Renteria	LS	6-0	250	R-So.	Pharr, Texas	Texas Lutheran / PSJA North HS
Anthony Santoscoy	DL	6-5	270	R-Sr.	San Juan, Texas	UTSA / PSJA HS
Kaeandre Sayles	WR	6-3	165	Fr.	Killeen, Texas	Ellison HS
Henry Schouten	LB	6-1	220	Gr.	Englewood, Fla.	Bentley / Lemon Bay HS
Jaydon Smith	WR	6-0	198	R-So.	Ingleside, Texas	North Texas / Ingleside HS
DJ Shaw	DB	5-11	170	R-Jr.	Austin, Texas	West Texas A&M / Manor HS
Marek Wojno	DL	6-4	255	Jr.	San Diego, Calif.	San Diego Mesa College / Horizon HS

Andrews, Ayala, Bailey, Cashiola, Diharce, Green, Joseph, Makahununiu, Mikeska, Ohalete, Perez-Peoples, Rangel, Renteria, Santoscoy, Schouten, Smith, Shaw, and Wojno are with the Vaqueros this spring.
 
Alijah Alexis  DB       6-2       163      Fr.       Klein, Texas               Klein Forest HS
2022-25 (Klein Forest High School): Recorded 52 tackles (36 solo), three interceptions, and 12 passes broken up as a senior for head coach Darrick Vaughn … Two-time all-district selection … Also competed in basketball and track & field, winning the district championship in the 110-meter hurdles.
 
Personal: Son of Donyell and Anthony … Majoring in kinesiology … Chose UTRGV to join a program that would lead to him becoming the best he could be on and off the field … Community service includes feeding those in need during Christmas … Hobbies include barbering and listening to music.
 
Aaron Andrews Jr. DB            6-2            190            So.            Kingwood, Texas                     Blinn College / Kingwood Park HS
2025 (Freshman, Blinn College): Appeared in nine games, registering 13 tackles (10 solo), one interception, and two passes broken up … Posted career-high four tackles (two solo) at Northeastern Oklahoma (10/25) … Recorded four other multi-tackles games, with two vs. Kilgore (11/1), at Tyler (10/11), vs. Trinity Valley (10/4), and Community Christian (9/13).
 
2021-24 (Kingwood Park High School): Played for head coach Cale Melton.
 
Personal: Majoring in business analytics.
 
Christian Ayala       OL             6-4            285            R-So.        Monte Alto, Texas  Texas Lutheran / Monte Alto Early College HS
2025 (Redshirt Freshman, Texas Lutheran): Played in one game, making collegiate debut at Lyon (11/8).
 
2024 (Freshman, Texas Lutheran): Redshirted the season.
 
2020-23 (Monte Alto Early College High School): As a senior, earned unanimous First Team All-District, Second Team All-Area, and RGVCA All-Star honors for head coach Rolando Rojas … Earned Second Team All-District honors as a junior for head coach Gene Garza.
 
Personal: Son of Melinda and Joe … Has one brother, Matthew … Majoring in kinesiology with a minor in history … Wants to go into coaching … Chose UTRGV to play closer to home.
 
James Bailey   OL       6-4       300      Gr.       Katy, Texas     New Mexico / Texas A&M / Paetow HS
2025 (Redshirt Junior, New Mexico): Appeared in 13 games, including Rate Bowl.
 
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore Season): Saw action in three games, mostly on special teams … Played seven offensive line snaps against Air Force (10/12) and on special teams against New Mexico State (9/28) and Colorado State (10/26).
 
2023 (Redshirt Freshman, Texas A&M): Did not see any game action.
 
2022 (Freshman, Texas A&M): Redshirted.
 
2018-21 (Paetow High School): Helped team to 2021 state championship … Earned First Team All-State in Class 5A as a senior, a season in which he was also a team captain for head coach B.J. Gotte … Rushed for over 4,000 yards as a senior.
 
Personal: Majoring in psychology … Career goal is to get into coaching.
 
Luis Balli        OL       6-5       291      Fr.       San Benito, Texas                San Benito HS
2022-25 (San Benito High School): As a senior, earned district offensive lineman of the year honors for head coach Daniel Gomez … Part of team leadership council.
 
Personal: Guardians are Elisa and Daniel … Has one brother, Gerardo, and one sister, Melanie … Majoring in business management … Chose UTRGV because of the welcoming culture, the chance to grow, and the way the team is impacting the community … Hobbies include welding, off-roading, listening to music, and late-night drives.
 
Josh Cashiola  DE        6-3       241       Pb.       Houston, Texas Sacramento State / Strake Jesuit Prep
2025 (Redshirt Senior, Sacramento State): Played in first four games before missing the remainder of the season due to injury … Credited with 10 total tackles (three solo) … Posted a six-yard sack against Central Arkansas (9/20) and shared tackles for a loss at No. 3 South Dakota State (8/30) and against Mercyhurst (9/13) … Earned Preseason All-Big Sky honors … Served on leadership council.
 
2024 (Redshirt Junior, Sacramento State): Started all seven games in which he appeared at defensive end … Totaled 23 tackles, including five for a loss and four sacks … Had a season-high six tackles at Fresno State (9/7) and against Eastern Washington (10/12) … Recorded a pair of sacks at Northern Arizona (9/28) and had one against Nicholls (9/14) and at East Texas A&M (9/21) … Led the team with three forced fumbles with two at East Texas A&M and one at NAU … Credited with two quarterback hurries.
 
2023 (Redshirt Sophomore, Sacramento State): Played in all 13 games … Credited with 27 tackles (11 solo), including 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and three quarterback hurries … Tallied seven tackles with two for loss in the win over Northern Arizona (9/30) … Had four tackles with a sack at No. 4 Montana (11/4) … Other sack came against Cal Poly (11/11).
 
2022 (Redshirt Freshman, Fresno City Junior College): Credited with 24 total tackles in nine games … Had at least two tackles in each of final eight games of the season … Set season high with six solo stops, including a sack, against College of the Sequoias JC … Forced a fumble and had a broken up a pass at Sacramento City JC.
 
2021 (Freshman, San Diego): Part of Pioneer League Championship-winning team … Appeared in one game – participating on special teams vs. Valparaiso (10/30).
 
2020-21 (Freshman, San Diego): Earned Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll recognition … Appeared in one game, recording a solo tackle vs. Stetson (4/10).
 
2016-19 (Strake Jesuit Prep): Only played football during his senior year for head coach Klay Kubiak, finishing with 30 tackles, including four for a loss and one sack, two interceptions, and six passes broken up.
 
Personal: Son of Lisa and Jamarion … Father was a running back at Stephen F. Austin from 1993-96 … Has one sister, Joia, and one brother, Ashton … Earned Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies at Sacramento State … Studying music composition … Goals are to play in NFL and become audio engineer … Chose UTRGV because of the coaching staff and the desire to play closer to home … Spent eight week in the spring of 2025 interning at the Roberts Family Development Center tutoring underprivileged children … Hobbies include audio engineering.
 
Walker Diharce  LB        6-2        220       R-So.    San Antonio, Texas        Navarro JC / Tulsa / Johnson HS
2025 (Redshirt Freshman, Navarro Junior College): Earned All-American Second Team and Southwestern Junior College Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors … Appeared in eight games, totaling 64 tackles (30 solo), including 4.0 tackles for a loss of 13 yards, and two passes broken up.
 
2024 (Freshman, Tulsa): Redshirted the season.
 
2020-23 (Johnson High School): Named Third Team All-State, Central Texas Defensive Player of the Year, and Class 6A District 28 Defensive MVP after totaling 158 tackles, including 17 tackles for a loss, one interceptions, six forced fumbles and three sacks to lead team to 10-2 record for head coach Theodore Miller as a senior … Posted 107 tackles as a junior … Two-time unanimous first team all-district honoree … For career, finished with 301 tackles, including 25 for a loss, six sacks, one interception, and six forced fumbles … Also competed in track & field and basketball.
 
Personal: Son of Alex and David … Has one sister, Anna Grace, and one brother, Dawson … Cousin is Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes … Majoring in business management with the goals of playing in the NFL and becoming a sports attorney/agent … Chose UTRGV because of the coaches, the team unity, and the amazing fan base … Community service includes volunteering at food banks, building  playgrounds, and giftwrapping holiday gifts … Hobbies include playing the guitar, playing video games, and watching movies.
 
Jacob Gomez             TE       6-3       225      Fr.       Hebbronville, Texas Hebbronville HS
2022-25 (Hebbronville High School): As a senior, recorded 42 pancake blocks, 58 tackles, including seven for a loss and four sacks, four forced fumbles, and five receptions for 164 yards en route to First Team All-District honors while serving as team captain for head coach R.J. Montalvo … A three-time all-academic selection, finished career with 51 pancake blocks and 63 tackles … Also saw time at quarterback as a sophomore and junior, throwing for 812 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 423 yards and four touchdowns … Helped team to bi-district championship as a freshman … Also competed in basketball, serving as captain, baseball, powerlifting, and track & field … Won district and area championships while qualifying for regionals in discus as a junior … Also won district championship in discus as a freshman … Led baseball team to regional finals as a junior … Competed in UIL number sense, mathematics, calculator, one act, and science competitions … President of Library Club … Secretary of Student Council … Member of National Honor Society.
 
Personal: Son of Oralia and Sergio … Has three brothers – Alex, Nathan, and Daniel … Majoring in mechanical engineering with the goal of becoming an engineer for NASA … Chose UTRGV for the opportunity to be part of a growing program that is building something special, the supportive, knowledgeable, and welcoming coaching staff, the strong culture and sense of community at UTRGV, and the impressive facilities … Community service includes local Church events, coaching little league, assisting at food drives, and providing services at a nursing home … Hobbies include working out, deer and dove hunting, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
 
Alex Green     WR      6-0       195      R-So.  Hutto, Texas              Tulsa / Hutto HS
2025 (Redshirt Freshman, Tulsa): Did not see any action.

2024 (Freshman, Tulsa): Appeared in two games, making collegiate debut vs. Northwestern State (8/29).
 
2020-23 (Hutto High School): Started three years at receiver, while also starting senior season at defensive back for head coach Will Compton … Totaled 173 receptions for 3,283 yards and 29 touchdowns during career … Had a 3-star rating from 247Sports and Rivals … Led the state of Texas and was second in the nation for receiving yards as a senior with 2,056 yards and 19 touchdowns on 102 receptions … Two-time first-team all-district selection and District Offensive MVP as a senior … Caught 43 passes for 900 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior … Also an all-district performer in track.
 
Personal: Son of Sarah and Dwayne, the latter of whom played for Sam Houston … Has three older siblings … Majoring in multidisciplinary studies with minors in business administration, management, and communication … Career goal is to run a construction company … Chose UTRGV because of the fan base and winning culture … Community service includes coaching 8u 7v7 football … Hobbies include hanging out with friends, playing pickle ball, and watching movies … Served as manager for high school cheer team, which won at NCA … Began playing football at age four.
 
Jaden Griffin             OL       6-5       300      Fr.       Celina, Texas             Celina HS
2022-25 (Celina High School): Two-time all-district honoree for head coach Bill Elliot … Earned Padilla Poll All-State First Team honors as a senior.
 
Personal: Son of Jennifer and Tristan, the latter of whom played football at Langston … Has one brother, Titian, and two sisters, Zoe and Brielle … Majoring in computer science with the goal of going into cybersecurity … Chose UTRGV because he was made to feel at home … Community service includes a shoe drive twice per year and packing food for those in need … Hobbies include fishing and playing video games.
 
Dax Hebeisen LB       6-1       215      Fr.        Colleyville, Texas       Colleyville Heritage HS
2022-25 (Colleyville Heritage High School): Two-time First Team All-District selection for head coach Jerry Edwards (2023-25) … As a senior, led his district with 125 tackles (11.4 per game) and 16 tackles for a loss and ranked third with three interceptions to go with three sacks, two forced fumbles, and eight quarterback hurries … A two-time captain, finished career with 335 tackles, 45 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, 30 quarterback hurries, six interceptions, 11 passes broken up, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries … Helped team to bi-district finals as a junior and senior and regional finals as a sophomore … Part of area finalist team as a freshman for head coach Kirk Martin (2022).
 
Personal: Son of Bobbie and Steve … Has one brother, Jaggar, who plays football at Rice … Majoring in mechanical engineering with the goal of going into residential or commercial construction … Chose UTRGV because of the amazing coaching staff and community … Community service includes helping Compass Church to provide meals and clothing for those in need … Hobbies include golf, ping pong, pickleball, and video games.
 
Nick Joseph              DL             6-4             250            R-So.        Minneapolis, Minn.   Southwestern College / Drake / Champlin Park HS
2025 (Redshirt Freshman, Southwestern College): Appeared in six games, recording 15 tackles (seven solo), including 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, and one forced fumble … Posted four tackles (three solo), including one for a 1-yard loss, vs. Mt. San Jacinto (9/20) … Recorded career-high five tackles (three solo), including a 7-yard sack and 1.5 tackles for a loss of eight yards, plus a forced fumble at Long Beach (9/13).
 
2024 (Freshman, Drake): Redshirted the season.
 
2020-23 (Champlin Park High School): Played defensive tackle and defensive end, recording 44 tackles, including 11 for a loss and four sacks to go with two forced fumbles as a senior for head coach Nick Keenan.
 
Personal: Son of Ananysia … Majoring in visual communication design with the goal of becoming a graphic designer … Chose UTRGV because the community and atmosphere around the football was very welcoming and made him feel at home … Community service includes feeding hungry children, serving as a big brother, and taking part in food drives … Hobbies include drawing, listening to music, and gaming … A hidden talent is gymnastics, something he excelled at for four years.
 
Malachi Lane  RB       6-0       220      Pb.       San Antonio, Texas    LSU / Smithson Valley HS
2025 (Redshirt Junior, LSU): Appeared in 13 games as part of special teams.
 
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, LSU): Consistent contributor on special teams, appearing in seven games … Played 31 special teams snaps, serving as a starter on LSU's kickoff return unit for final four games of season … Played 19 snaps on kickoff return, seven on kickoff coverage, and five on punt return.
 
2023 (Redshirt Freshman, LSU): Appeared in five games … Recorded first-career carry, rushing for one yard vs. Army (10/21) … Made collegiate debut vs. Grambling (9/9).
 
2022 (Freshman, LSU): Part of team that won SEC West Division … Redshirted the season.
 
2018-21 (Smithson Valley High School): Rushed for 700 yards on 87 carries while scoring nine touchdowns as a senior for head coach Larry Hill … Added 92 tackles, including 12 for a loss, two sacks, six quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one blocked punt, two blocked field goals, and one defensive touchdown … Earned District Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-District and First Team All-Area honors as a senior … Played both running back and linebacker … Team captain last two years … Also competed in track & field.
 
Personal: Son of Tiffany and Jason … Has three brothers, Isaac, Kyle, and Austin, and three sisters, Tiana, Jaisyn, and Alisyn … Planning to take pre-physician assistant classes with career ambition of becoming a physician's assistant after graduating from LSU with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science in May … Chose UTRGV for the opportunity to be closer to home, run the ball, and leave a legacy … Community service activities include volunteering with the Baton Rouge food pantry, repairing bikes and playgrounds, packing purses with necessities for homeless women and leading football clinics … Hobbies include reading, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and traveling to other countries … Loves anime and used to live in Japan.
 
Viliami Makahununiu    OL              6-3              310             R-Sr.          Norman, Okla.              FIU / Oklahoma Baptist / Oklahoma State / Norman HS
2025 (Redshirt Junior, FIU): Did not see any action.
 
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, Oklahoma Baptist): Appeared in all 11 games … Recorded first-career tackle (solo) vs. Southern Nazarene (11/16) … Started in season-high rushing game at Arkansas-Monticello (11/2).
 
2023 (Redshirt Freshman, Oklahoma State): Made collegiate debut in homecoming win over Cincinnati (10/28).
 
2022 (Freshman, Oklahoma State): Redshirted the season … Named OSU's offensive scout team player of the week vs. Texas Tech (10/8) … Made team as walk-on.
 
2018-21 (Norman High School): Three-year starter on offensive line for head coach Rocky Martin after moving from Euless, Texas … Played tackle each of his final two seasons … Named 6A West All-Star, All-Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year, and first team all-conference performer as a senior.
 
Personal: Pronounced [VIL-ee-AH-mee] [MAH-kah-HOO-new-NEE-oo] … Son of Kelly and Alai … Has one brother, Jordan, and two sisters, Bailey and Losaline … Bailey plays volleyball at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma … Losaline plays volleyball at Seminole State College … Majoring in finance with the goal of becoming a financial analyst … Chose UTRGV due to the great community support, amazing facilities, and the desire to build a winning program … Community service activities include helping at a BBQ to raise money for new teammate Frank Medina at 7 Day Addiction shortly after arriving at UTRGV, beautifying Shawnee, Okla., and assisting at a farmers market … Hobbies include playing basketball and sudoku.
 
Reid Mikeska             TE             6-5             255            R-Jr.          Houston, Texas        Florida Atlantic / South Carolina / Bridgeland HS
2025 (Redshirt Sophomore, Florida Atlantic): Appeared in all 12 games … Made lone reception for three yards at Maryland (8/30) … Worked with special teams unit at No. 19 South Florida (10/18).
 
2024 (Redshirt Freshman, South Carolina): Sidelined with an injury throughout much of the campaign … Did not see any game action … Named to SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.
 
2023 (Freshman, South Carolina): Worked with the scout team … Redshirted … Named to SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll … Joined team in spring 2023.
 
2019-22 (Bridgeland High School): Caught 21 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns as a senior for head coach David Raffield … Finalist for Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year and Texas District 16-6A second-team selection as a senior … Played tight end, halfback, and receiver as a junior, catching 24 passes for 229 yards and four touchdowns to help team to an 11-3 record and a Texas 6A D-II regional final … Considered the 183^rd-best player in the state of Texas and the 46^th-best tight end in the country in the 247Sports Composite … Ranked as the 198^th-best player in the Lone Star State and the 59^th-best tight end in the nation according to On3 Consensus … ESPN ranked him as the 86^th-best player in Texas and the 19^th-best tight end in the country.
 
Personal: First name is Matthew … Reid is middle name … Son of Christy and Matt, the latter of whom played defensive end at Virginia … Has two sisters Madi and Kenzie … Majoring in multidisciplinary studies with minors in business administration, psychology, and communication … Chose UTRGV because of the great culture and offense … Enjoys spending time outdoors.
 
Ife Ohalete         DB        6-0      190       R-Sr.     Austin, Texas    Montana State / Blinn JC / Lake Travis HS
2025 (Redshirt Junior, Montana State): Won FCS National Championship … Appeared in two games, recording a solo tackle and forced fumble vs. Weber State (11/8).
 
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, Blinn Junior College): Earned All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference Honorable Mention … Ranked 12^th in NJCAA Division I in tackles per game (8.75) … Appeared in eight games, recording 70 tackles (36 solo), including one for a loss of two yards.
 
2023 (Sophomore, Blinn Junior College): Redshirted the season due to injury.
               
2022 (Freshman, Blinn Junior College): Appeared in nine games, recording 74 tackles (33 solo), including 4.0 for a loss of 23 yards, an 8-yard interception, a fumble recovery, and three passes defended … Earned Spring AD Honor Roll.
 
2021 (Prep Year, St. Thomas Moore School): Played one prep season in Oakdale, Conn.
 
2017-20 (Lake Travis High School): In three varsity seasons, recorded 139 tackles (62 solo), including one for a loss, two interceptions, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles for head coach Hank Carter … In six games as a senior, recorded 20 tackles (10 solo), a 5-yard interception, and four passes defended … In 14 games as a junior, recorded 64 tackles (28 solo), including one for a loss, a 1-yard interception, a forced fumble, and a 53-yard punt return.
 
Personal: Name pronounced [EE-fay] [oh-ha-LAY-tee] … Full first name is Ifeanyi … Son of Christie and Eric … Father, Ifeanyi, played football collegiately at USC and in the NFL with Arizona, Cincinnati, and Washington … Mom competed in gymnastics at Kent State … Has two sisters, Scarlett and McKinley … Majoring in multidisciplinary studies with minors in business administration, sociology, and communication … Chose UTRGV because of the culture and coaching philosophy … Hobbies include hanging out with friends and family, traveling, attending sporting events, and playing video games.
 
Jacorian Perez-Peoples           DL        6-5       294      Fr.        Temple, Texas Temple High School
2022-25 (Temple High School): Played for head coach Chad President as a senior after playing for Scott Stewart … Also competed in wrestling and track & field.
 
Personal: Nickname is JC … Son of Amanda and Jay … Has three sisters, Brooklyn, Kaliyah, and I'leecia, and one brother, Isaiah … Majoring in communication studies … Goal is to become an auto mechanic … Hobbies include weightlifting, comic collecting, playing video games, and reading … Hidden talent is being really good at sewing.
 
Kaileb Peterson        WR      6-2       184      Fr.       Dickinson, Texas                  Dickinson HS
2022-25 (Dickinson High School): As a senior, scored 23 touchdowns on 64 receptions while totaling 1,566 yards for head coach John Snelson … Honors include first team all-district, All-Greater Houston Team, and Houston Touchdown Club Player of the Year finalist … Also competed in track & field.
 
Personal: Son of Kisha and Rodney … Sister, Cailyn, played softball at Mississippi Valley State … Majoring in kinesiology with the goal of getting into coaching … Chose UTRGV because it felt like home … Hidden talent is cooking.
 
Garret Rangel          QB            6-2            198            R-Sr.         Frisco, Texas           Virginia Tech / Oklahoma State / Lone Star HS
2025 (Redshirt Junior, Virginia Tech): Did not see game action.

2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, Oklahoma State): Earned Academic All-Big 12 honors for second straight season … Played in four games (one start) … Completed 17 of 33 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns with one interception … Had 91 rushing yards on nine carries … In lone start at No. 13 BYU (10/18), completed six of nine passes for 51 yards and a touchdown, adding five carries for 77 yards, including a career-long 54-yard carry but suffered an injury on that play that sidelined him for the remainder of the season … Completed four of five passes against West Virginia (10/5) for 75 yards and a touchdown. Had a season-long 43-yard completion for a touchdown in that game.
 
2023 (Redshirt Freshman, Oklahoma State): A first team Academic All-Big 12 honoree … Saw action in five games (one start) … Part of a rotation through the first three games of the year that saw three quarterbacks split time evenly … Completed 17 of 32 pass attempts for 172 yards and two touchdowns, adding six carries for 21 yards … Threw an 11-yard touchdown pass in the season-opener vs. Central Arkansas (9/2) and 16-yard touchdown at Arizona State (9/9) … Had a season-long completion of 30 yards against UCA, finishing the game with a season-best 118 passing yards, completing 10 of 15 pass attempts.
 
2022 (Freshman, Oklahoma State): Played in four games (three starts) while maintaining a redshirt … Finished the year with 711 passing yards and four touchdowns, completing 59 of 115 pass attempts … Despite his limited games, his passing yardage total ranked as the third-most among Power Five true freshmen, the eighth-most among FBS true freshmen, and the most among Big 12 true freshmen … Saw first playing time in the win over Arkansas Pine Bluff (9/17) … Next playing time came six games later when he made his first career start at Kansas (11/5), a game in which he completed 27 of 40 pass attempts for 304 yards and two touchdowns. The 304 passing yards ranked as the seventh most by a freshman in program history, the most by a freshman quarterback since 2012, and the second most by a Cowboy true freshman making his first career start … Added 14 yards on the ground against the Jayhawks to bring his yards of total offense to 318 … Next playing time came three games later in a start against West Virginia (11/26), a game he finished with 178 passing yards on 18-of-42 passing … Started the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against Wisconsin (12/27), passing for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including an 84-yard touchdown on a screen pass which marked OSU's longest play from scrimmage all season.
 
Lone Star High School: Played for coach Jeff Rayburn … Completed 594-of-862 passes for 9,333 yards and 101 touchdowns during his high school career … Completed 127-of-187 passes for 2,049 yards and 24 touchdowns against just three interceptions as a senior … Added 138 rushing yards and a touchdown as a senior … Earned offensive MVP honors in 2020 and 2021 … The 2019 offensive newcomer of the year and an all-state honorable mention selection … Also competed in basketball and track and field … Selected for the National Honor Society and helped at food banks … An early enrollee who was rated as a four-star prospect, according to ESPN and 247Sports … A member of the ESPN300, coming in as the No. 282 overall prospect in the nation … ESPN ranked him as the No. 46 overall player in Texas … A unanimous selection as one of the top 25 quarterbacks in the nation, as ESPN ranked him No. 14, 247Sports ranked him No. 23 and Rivals had him at No. 25.
 
Personal: Son of Christy and Jerry … Majoring in kinesiology.

Jackson Regan         RB       5-11     205      Fr.       New Braunfels, Texas          Canyon HS
2022-25 (Canyon High School): Listed as 3-star prospect by 247 Sports … Three-time all-district and two-time first team honoree … Finished career with 4,018 all-purpose yards, including 3,227 rushing yards, and 47 touchdowns in 28 games for head coaches Sean McAuliffe (2024-25), Nate Leonard (2023), and Travis Bush (2022), the latter of whom is the current head coach at UTRGV … Though limited to four games as a senior, still ran for 854 yards and seven touchdowns after earning Sports Illustrated Preseason All-State Honorable Mention … Racked up 2,072 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior while earning First Team All-State and First Team All-Area honors … Totaled 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore en route to Team Offensive MVP honors.
 
Personal: Son of Heather and James … Has one sister, Haley … Majoring in business with the goal of running his own business … Originally signed with Utah State but was let out of his commitment after Utah State's offensive coordinator took a job with Utah … Chose UTRGV because of the opportunity to develop as a person and a player, the strong community service by the program, the core values, and the fan support from the Valley … Hobbies include working out, playing video games, and going to Church, where he serves as a small group leader.

Agustin Renteria            LS        6-0        250       R-So.    Pharr, Texas      Texas Lutheran / PSJA North HS
2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not compete in intercollegiate athletics in the fall before joining the team in the spring.
 
2024 (Freshman, Texas Lutheran): Redshirted the season.
 
2020-23 (PSJA North High School): Recorded 55 pancake blocks, two tackles, and a forced fumble in 13 games at right guard as a senior for head coach Marcus Kaufmann … Played long snapper as a junior while posting six tackles and two forced fumbles.
 
Personal: Son of Christi and Agustin … Has one sister, Carolina … Majoring in health science … Goal is to become a physical therapist … Chose UTRGV to come back home and represent the 956 … Hobbies include working on cars and installing audio systems … Enjoys playing the trumpet.
 
Anthony Santoscoy  DL       6-5       270      R-Sr.   San Juan, Texas       UTSA / PSJA HS
2025 (Redshirt Junior, UTSA): Did not compete with the team.
 
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, UTSA): Earned American Conference All-Academic … Part of team that won Myrtle Beach Bowl … Did not see any action.
 
2023 (Redshirt Freshman, UTSA): Part of team that won Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl … Did not see any action.
 
2022 (Freshman, UTSA): Enrolled in Spring 2022 and worked out with team while taking a redshirt.
 
2017-20 (PSJA High School): Two-year starter for head coach Lupe Rodriguez … Recorded 14 tackles, including seven solo stops and two sacks, in three games in 2020.
 
Personal: Son of Leticia and Ricardo … Has one brother, Ricky, and one sister, Gabby … Majoring in kinesiology … Chose UTRGV for opportunity to come home to the Valley.
 
Kaeandre Sayles       WR      6-3       165      Fr.       Killeen, Texas                        Ellison HS
2022-25 (Ellison High School): Recorded 34 receptions for 860 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior for head coach Danny Servance.
 
Personal: Son of Marquita and Kevin … Majoring in kinesiology … Hobbies including playing pickup ball.
 
Henry Schouten LB        6-1        220       Gr.        Englewood, Fla.             Bentley / Lemon Bay HS
2025 (Redshirt Junior, Bentley): Ranked third in NCAA Division II at 12.2 tackles per game … Earned Don Hansen All-American, NCAA Elite 100, All-Super Region 1 Second Team, All-New England, and All-NE10 First Team honors … Appeared in 10 games, recording 121 tackles (52 solo), including 7.0 tackles for a loss of 22 yards and 2.0 sacks for seven yards, an interception, five basses defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery … Posted seven games of 10+ tackles … Recorded 15 tackles (four solo) and a fumble recovery for eight yards vs. Assumption (11/8) … Posted 14 tackles (five solo), including 2.5 tackles for a loss of 12 yards and 1.5 sacks for six yards, plus a 9-yard interception, two quarterback hurries and two passes broken up, at Saint Anselm (11/1) … Recorded career high-tying 17 tackles (seven solo) vs. Pace (10/25) … Posted 10 tackles (three solo) at American International (9/27) … Recorded 11 tackles (six solo), including one for a. loss of two yards, vs. Franklin Pierce (9/20) … Posted 12 tackles (four solo) at Bryan (9/13) … Recorded 16 tackles (10 solo), including one for a loss of three yards, vs. West Chester (9/6).
 
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, Bentley): Earned All-NE10 First Team and All-New England honors … Ranked third in NE10 with 94 tackles in conference play … Appeared in 10 games, recording 103 tackles (59 solo), including 13.5 tackles for a loss of 42 yards and 5.5 sacks for 31 yards, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery … Posted career-high 2.0 sacks for 10 yards among nine tackles (five solo) at Franklin Pierce (11/9) … Recorded 17 tackles (career-high 11 solo), including 1.5 tackles for a loss of four yards, vs. American International (10/19) … Posted 10 tackles (seven solo), including 1.5 for loss of two yards, at Assumption (10/12) … Recorded 13 tackles (six solo) vs. New Haven (10/2) … Posted career-high 19 tackles (eight solo), including an 11-yard sack, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble vs. Southern Connecticut State (9/20) en route to D2football.com National Defensive Player of the Week honors.
 
2023 (Redshirt Freshman, Bentley): Appeared in two games, recording a 10-yard rush in collegiate debut vs. Southern Connecticut State (9/23).
 
2022 (Freshman, Bentley): Earned Northeast-10 Academic Honor Roll recognition … Redshirted the season.
 
2021 (East Coast Prep School): Competed in prep year in Great Barrington, Mass.
 
2017-20 (Lemon Bay High School): As a senior, was captain of both the football and weightlifting teams … First-team All-State honoree, first-team Englewood Sun, Herald Tribune Player of the Year honoree, team's Defensive Player of the Year, Team MVP, and Second Team All-Area as senior for head coach Don Southwell … Placed sixth in Florida Class 1A state championships as well as first in the 1A regionals and 1A districts … Member of Senior Hall of Fame.
 
Personal: Son of Julie and Michael … Father ran track at Ohio State … Has one brother, Sam, and two sisters, Halie and Amelia … Pursuing a Master of Business Administration with the goal of becoming an entrepreneur … Earned Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bentley … Chose UTRGV because of the atmosphere and the desire to be a contributing member to a winning culture … Hobbies include fishing, watching movies, and learning new things.
 
Jaydon Smith WR      6-0       198      R-So.   Ingleside, Texas         North Texas / Ingleside HS
2025 (Redshirt Freshman, North Texas): Did not see any action.
 
2024 (Freshman, North Texas): Did not see any action while redshirting.
 
2020-23 (Ingleside High School): National record holder for single-season receiving touchdowns (39) … Earned Dave Campbell's Texas Football 4A Player of the Year, Academic All-State selection, THSCA 4A Super Elite team, District 2-4A Most Valuable Player, DCTF Whataburger Super Team, Small Town MaxPreps All-American, and Texas HS Football 4A Wide Receiver of the Year finalist honors as a senior for head coach Travis Chrisman … Tied the single-season high school national record with 39 touchdown catches in 2023 … Posted 1,789 receiving yards on 82 catches as a senior … Ranked as a three-star prospect by On3, 247, Dave Campbell's and ESPN … On3 ranked him as the No. 144 player in Texas and No. 118 WR … Ranked as the No. 110 player in Texas and No. 65 athlete by 247Sports … Dave Campbell's tabbed him as the No. 94 player in the state and the No. 15 WR in Texas … Played first three seasons for head coach Hunter Hamrick … Also a standout on the track & field team, for whom he was a regional qualifier in the high jump, triple jump, and long jump.
 
Personal: Son of Nicole and James, the latter of whom played college basketball … Has brother named Jordan … Majoring in environmental science with the goal of becoming a marine biologist … Hobbies include bowling, videos games, and cooking.
 
DJ Shaw         DB       5-11     170      R-Jr.    Austin, Texas             West Texas A&M / Manor HS
2025 (Redshirt Sophomore, West Texas A&M): Recorded 39 tackles (27 solo), including 2.0 tackles for a loss, and seven passes broken up in 12 games … Posted six tackles (two solo) and two passes broken up vs. Angelo State (11/15) … Recorded career-high seven tackles (four solo) and one broken up pass vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (11/1) … Posted career-high six solo tackles, including one for a loss of two yards, at UT Permian Basin (10/25) … Recorded five tackles (four solo), including one for a loss of one yard, vs. Eastern New Mexico (10/18) … Posted career-high three broken up passes with three tackles (two solo) vs. Colorado School of Mines (9/4).
 
2024 (Redshirt Freshman, West Texas A&M): Appeared in nine games, registering 13 total tackles (five solo), including half a tackle for a loss … Tallied six pass breakups … Recorded season-high five tackles at Eastern New Mexico (10/19) … Broke up pair of passes against Texas A&M-Kingsville (11/2) and Midwestern State (11/9).
 
2023 (Freshman, West Texas A&M): Recorded tackle in lone contest vs. Angelo State (10/28).
 
2019-22 (Manor High School): All-District 25-6A honoree for head coach James Keller … Registered 58 total tackles and three interceptions as a senior.
 
Personal: First name is Dy'cques … Son of Tamra Washington … Majoring in kinesiology.
 
Marek Wojno     DL        6-4        255       Jr.        San Diego, Calif. San Diego Mesa College / Horizon HS
2025 (Sophomore, San Diego Mesa College): Earned Third Team All-American and First Team All-Conference honors … Appeared in 10 games, recording 33 tackles (15 solo), including 9.5 tackles for a loss of 47 yards and 5.0 sacks for a loss of 38 yards, and three fumble recoveries for 93 yards … Recorded career-high 8.0 tackles (one solo) at Mt. San Antonio (9/6).
 
2024 (Freshman, San Diego Mesa College): Appeared in nine games, recorded 12 tackles (10 solo), including 2.5 tackles for a loss of 10 yards and half a sack for four yards, two pass broken up passes and one fumble recovery … Recorded season-high three tackles (all solo) vs. Grossmont (9/28).
 
2020-23 (Horizon High School): As a senior, recorded 23 tackles for head coach Andy Litten.
 
Personal: Son of Joanna and Wojciech … Majoring in multidisciplinary studies with minors in business administration, management, and marketing … Career ambition is to be a cartographer working in national parks … Chose UTRGV because of the weather and the belief that he can further elevate his game here … Community service includes bagging food for the needy and providing earthquake relief in San Diego … Took part in FCA, chess club, and ukulele club at San Diego Mesa … Hobbies including mountaineering and side quests … A fun fact about him is that he speaks Polish.

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