Football | 2/4/2026 7:00:00 AM

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Minnesota State Moorhead football head football coach Steve Laqua and his staff have announced the 2026 Dragon signing class on National Signing Day, February 4.

See below to learn more about the newest additions to Dragon football.
 

Payton Wallen - QB (Royse City, Texas - Ford HS)

Specs: 6-1, 230 pounds

Prep: Was a three-time all-district selection at Ford High School, including two first team nods...passed for 2,200 yards with 18 touchdown passes in 280 attempts...also rushed for 1,050 yards in 200 carries...also competed in basketball, track & field and power lifting. 

Personal: Son of Krista Kastel and Jason Wallen. Majoring in exercise science.


 

Seth Holder - OL (West Fargo, N.D. - West Fargo Sheyenne HS)

Specs: 6-5, 296 pounds

Prep: Played and started in 21 games for West Fargo Sheyenne High School...was a team captain as a senior...was a member of Sheyenne's EDC Championship team in 2024...that team also captured a North Dakota state championship in 2024. 

Personal: Son of Michelle and Dan Holder. Majoring in business administration. 



 

Preston Hanson - TE (Mentor, Minn. - Fertile-Beltrami HS)

Specs: 6-4, 212 pounds

Prep: Started on both sides of the ball for three seasons as Fertile-Beltrami High School...had 35 career receptions for 305 yards and two touchdowns...had 161 career tackles and two interceptions in his career...was named a first team all-conference honoree as a junior...also competed in basketball, baseball and track & field.

Personal: Son of Sarah and Dan Hanson. Undecided major. 

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Jack Julson - WR (Bismarck, N.D. - Bismarck Legacy HS)

Specs: 6-1, 170 pounds

Prep: Was a three-year starter on both sides of the ball for Bismarck Legacy High School...holds four Legacy school receiving records...was a team captain as a senior...was a two-time all-conference selection while earning one all-state nod...was named the WDA Senior Athlete of the Year...also competed in basketball and baseball. 

Personal: Son of Lynette and Shannon Julson. Undecided major. 


 

Dawson Duback - OL (St. Paul, Minn. - Mahtomedi HS)

Specs: 6-3, 265 pounds

Prep: Was a three-year starter along the offensive and defensive lines for Mahtomedi High School...started in 31 career games, earning all-conference honors as a senior...was a team captain as a senior...was a member of Mahtomedi's conference championship team in 2023....also competed in wrestling
 

Personal: Son of Danielle Duback. Majoring in business administration. 

 

Eli Thompson - LB (Grand Forks, N.D. - Grand Forks Central HS)

Specs: 6-2, 212 pounds

Prep: Was a team captain and an all-conference selection for Grand Forks Central High School...played and started in 26 games, making 106 tackles wth 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss...also had five interceptions, two forced fumbles and a pair of touchdowns...also competed in baseball and track & field. 
 

Personal: Son of Andee Meyer and Todd Thompson. Majoring in engineering.

 

Kaisen Nordick - DL (West Fargo, N.D. - West Fargo Horace HS)

Specs: 5-11, 186 pounds

Prep: Made 22 career starts for West Fargo Horace High School, making 124 career tackles with 24 sacks and 16 tackles for loss...forced five fumbles while recovering three...was an all-conference and all-state selection in 2024...was also an all-conference honoree as a senior...was a member of Horace's 2A state championship team in 2024...also competed in baseball.

Personal: Son of Sarah and Jacob Nordick. Majoring in mathematics. 


 

Ian Skari - WR (West Fargo, N.D. - West Fargo HS)

Specs: 5-6, 137 pounds

Prep: Was a two-time all-conference selection at West Fargo High School...was an all-state honoree as a senior while also being named a team captain...has 23 receptions for 216 yards and three scores while also taking 28 carries for 28- yards and four touchdowns...also competed in hockey, track & field and baseball. 
 

Personal: Son of Lisa and Travis Skari. Majoring in business administration.

 

Xavier Banjoko - LB (Pipestone, Minn. - Pipestone HS)

Specs: 6-1, 217 pounds

Prep: Was a two-year team captain for Pipestone High School, earning two all-district selections...collected all-state honors as well...was selected to the Minnesota All-Star game...also competed in wrestling, track & field and baseball....was an all-conference selection in wrestling. 

Personal: Son of Samantha and Daniel Alleckson. Majoring in criminal justice.
 

Carson Quam - DB (Bismarck, N.D. - Shiloh Christian HS)

Specs: 6-0, 190 pounds

Prep: Was a two-time all-region selection for Shiloh Christian High School...set the Shiloh record with 21 tackles in a game...also owns the Shiloh school record for tackles in a season with 110...also competed in basketball and track & field. 

Personal: Son of Lea and Lance Quam. Majoring in finance. 
 

 

Brody Lillo - DB (Esko, Minn. - Esko HS)

Specs: 5-10, 160 pounds

Prep: Started in 15 career games for Esko High School, totaling 84 career tackles...also accumulated over 1,000 all-purpose yards in his career...was a member of two Esko teams that qualified for state...also competed in baseball. 
 

Personal: Son of Stacey and Brian Lillo. Undecided major. 


 

Ayden Grulke - DL (Neosho, Wis. - Hartford HS)

Specs: 6-1, 228 pounds

Prep: Was a first team all-conference selection for Hartford High School in his senior season...also earned second team all-conference honors as a junior...was named an all-conference honorable mention as a sophomore...also competed in wrestling and baseball. 


Personal: Son of Jamie and Jason Grulke. Undecided major. 
 

Jackson Barth - DL (Bismarck, N.D. - Bismarck St. Mary's HS)

Specs: 6-3, 232 pounds

Prep: Was a three-year starter for Bismarck St. Mary's High School...as a senior, tallied over five sacks and 10 tackles for loss...was a team captain as a senior while also earning all-conference and all-state honors...also competed in basketball. 

Personal: Son of Jessica and Daniel Barth. Majoring in pre-pharmaceutical.
 

Tanner Stech - DB (Ogema, Minn. - Mahnomen-Waubun HS)

Specs: 6-0, 183 pounds

Prep: Was a three-time all-conference honoree at Mahnomen-Waubun High School...was named his team's special teams player of the year three times as well...also competed in baseball. 

Personal: Son of Amber Stech. Majoring in business administration.
 

Zak Koep - OL (Parkers Prairie, Minn. - Parkers Prairie HS)

Specs: 6-7, 277

Prep: Was a team captain as a senior for Parkers Prairie High School...was voted his team's most improved player, going on to earn an all-section nod...was a member of two straight section title teams at Parkers Prairie...also competed in basketball and track & field. 

Personal: Son of Kendra and Josh Koep. Undecided major.
 

Brody Lhotka - DL (Ogema, Minn. - Mahnomen-Waubun HS)

Specs: 6-2, 221 pounds

Prep: Was a three-time all-conference selection at Mahnomen-Waubun High School...made 149 tackles in his prep career, a school record...also scored 132 points on offense, including 16 touchdowns as a senior in 2025...set a single season school record with 49 tackles...also competed in basketball. 

Personal: Son of Tracy and Jesse Lhotka. Undecided major. 
 

Brenden Severson - DL (Detroit Lakes, Minn. - Detroit Lakes HS)

Specs: 6-3, 230 pounds

Prep: Played in eight games as a senior for Detroit Lakes High School, making 31 total tackles with five sacks and two forced fumbles...was an all-district selection for the Lakers as well...also competed in track & field and basketball. 
 

Personal: Son of Kaylin and Greg Severson. Majoring in business administration. 

 

 

Maxx Wittmer - OL (Menomonie, Wis. - Spring Valley HS)

Specs: 6-3, 290 pounds

Prep: Was a two-time all-conference selection for Spring Valley High School...was also a team captain as a senior...did not miss a start during his junior and senior season...also competed in golf. 
 

Personal: Son of Jaime and Kerry Wittmer. Majoring in physical education. 


 

Aiden Samek - RB (West Fargo, N.D. - West Fargo HS)

Specs: 5-8, 161 pounds

Prep: Was a team captain, all-state and all-conference selection at West Fargo High School…tallied 1,857 yards in his prep career, including 1,664 yards on the ground…scored 17 touchdowns in his career as well…as a senior, rushed for 990 yards and 12 touchdowns…also competed in basketball and golf. 
 

Personal: Son of Jana and Edward Samek. Undecided major.


 

Eli Kuempel - WR (New Hope, Minn. - Robbinsdale Armstrong HS

Specs: 6-1, 182 pounds

Prep: Made 32 career starts at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School...had 61 career receptions for 932 yards and 12 touchdowns...as a senior, had six receiving touchdowns and 73 total tackles on defense...was a team captain as a senior...was named an all-conference honoree twice in his prep career....also competed in basketball and track & field. 
 

Personal: Son of Anne and Bryan Kuempel. Undecided major. 

 

Harrison Walker - DL (Mt. Horeb, Wis. - Mt Horeb-Barneveld HS)

Specs: 5-11, 223 pounds

Prep: Was a team captain and an all-conference selection for Mount Horeb-Barneveld High School...made 83 total tackles  with 12 sacks and 17 tackles for loss...was a three-year letterwinner at Mount Horeb/Barneveld.
 

Personal: Son of Rachael and David Walker. Majoring in construction management.


 

Jaxon Narum - DB (West Fargo, N.D. - West Fargo Horace HS)

Specs: 5-10, 173 pounds

Prep: Was a first team all-state honoree as a senior for West Fargo Horace High School...was a three-time all-conference selection as well...made 74 total tackles including 33 solo stops with four forced fumbles...also made 19 receptions for 314 yards and five touchdowns...also competed in basketball and baseball. 

Personal: Son of Jen and Lyn Narum. Majoring in business management. 
 

 

Calan Pilon - LB (Plymouth, Minn. - Robbinsdale Armstrong HS)

Specs: 6-2, 206 pounds 

Prep: Was a three-year starter for Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, playing in 30 career games...made 147 tackles during his prep career, including 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks...was a team captain while also earning all-conference honors...was named all-district and district defensive MVP...also competed baseball, basketball and track & field. 

Personal: Son of Breanne and Casey Pilon. Majoring in construction management. 
 

Parker Rode - DB (New Richmond, Wis. - New Richmond HS)

Specs: 6-0, 182 pounds

Prep: Was a team captain as a senior at New Richmond High School...made 13 starts as a senior, tallying 40 takles, 14 pass breakups, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception...also competed in track & field. 
 

Personal: Son of Kelsey and Jake Rode. Undecided major. 


 

Alex Meece -DL (Fargo, N.D. - Fargo Davies HS)

Specs: 6-2, 233 pounds

Prep: Was a two-year starter for Fargo Davies High School...was an all-conference selection and all-state honoree for the Eagles as a senior...was a team captain as a senior as well...also competed in track & field. 

Personal: Son of Teresa and Tim Meece. Undecided major. 
 

 

Nate Streit - WR (Avon, Minn. - Holdingford HS)

Specs: 6-3, 178 pounds

Prep: Was a team captain and all-conference selection at Holdingford High School...tallied single season school records in receiving yards (1,005) and receptions (62) as a senior...tallied 1,215 receiving yards for his career with 13 touchdowns...played in 35 career games with 26 career starts...also competed in basketball and baseball. 

Personal: Son of Erin and Dale Streit. Undecided major. 
 

 

Logan Kleist - LB (Eagle Lake, Minn. - Mankato East HS)

Specs: 6-0, 207

Personal: Was a versatile player for Mankato East High School, playing in 16 career games...made 105 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in those 16 games...also rushed for 650 yards and 12 touchdowns in his varsity career...was a team captain and a two-time all-city and all-district selection...also competed in wrestling and track & field. 
 

Prep: Son of Kristina and Alan Kleist. Majoring in finance.

Parker Hunter - LB (Menahga, Minn. - Park Rapids HS)

Specs: 6-3, 185 pounds

Prep: Was a three-time all-section and all-district linebacker for Park Rapids High School...was a team captain as a senior...named his team's defensive MVP three consecutive seasons...as a senior, tallied 92 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and three sacks...also dangerous on offense as senior, rushing for 463 yards and three scores...also competed in basketball, baseball and track & field. 
 

Personal: Son of Dana and Travis Hunter. Majoring in education. 


 

Gary Holloway - DB (Maple Grove, Minn. - Osseo HS)

Specs: 5-8, 155 pounds

Prep: Was a three-year varsity starter at Osseo High School...was a two-year team captain as Osseo...was named an all-conference honorable mention selection despite only playing in four games...led Osseo in interceptions in those four games...also competed in e-sports. 
 

Personal: Son of Holli Wilson. Majoring in exercise science. 


 

Bryce Bangasser - OL (Sioux Falls, S.D. - Brandon Valley HS)

Specs: 6-2, 274 pounds

Prep: Played and started in 23 career games for Brandon Valley High School...was an all-state honorable mention selection...earned two all-conference nods in his career...also competed in track & field, basketball and powerlifting. 
 

Personal: Son of Lori and Mike Bangasser. Majoring in construction management. 

 

Elliot Reed - K (Oshkosh, Wis. - Oshkosh West HS)

Specs: 6-0, 190 pounds

Prep: Made 18 career starts at kicker for Oshkosh West High School...made 21 of 23 PATs while also making 12 field goals with a school record of 49 yards...was a team captain as a senior and was a two-time all-conference selection. 
 

Personal: Son of Amy and Greg Reed. Undecided major.


 

Asher Hanzal - WR (Chandler, Ariz. - Valley Christian HS)

Specs: 6-2, 181

Prep: Played in 35 career games for Valley Christian High School, tallying 132 receptions, 2,302 yards and 35 touchdowns...racked up over 800 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior...was a first team all-region and all-state selection...earned all-region and all-state honors as a sophomore as well...also competed in basketball. 
 

Personal: Son of Stacey and Trent Hanzal. Undecided major. 

 

JJ Dunlap - WR (Moorhead, Minn. - Moorhead HS)

Specs: 5-6, 128 pounds

Prep: Started in 33 career games for Moorhead High School...tallied 15 touchdowns in his prep career while being named an all-conference honorable mention twice...also competed in track & field and basketball. 
 

Personal: Son of Jessica Dunlap. Undecided major. 

Isaac Olson - OL (Andover, Minn. - Spring Lake Park HS)

Specs: 6-2, 266 pounds

Prep: Made 17 career starts at Spring Lake Park High School, including 11 starts at defensive tackles...made 30 total tackles with two sacks and 12 quarterback hurries...also competed in track & field. 
 

Personal: Son of Jennifer Oliver and David Thompson. Majoring in exercise science.