CALIFORNIA (Feb. 4) – The California (PA) football program announced its initial recruiting class on Wednesday, which included National Letter of Intent signees, preferred walk-ons and mid-year transfers.
"We are excited about our 2026 recruiting class, not just because of its depth, but the quality of student-athletes we've brought in. Several transfers are already on campus with the program and I can't wait to see everyone compete this fall," said head coach
Gary Dunn. "I also would like to thank our coaching staff, the admissions department and the entire athletic administration for their help in putting this class together."
Additional commitments may be added to this page at later date.
| Name |
Position |
Height |
Weight |
Hometown / High School / Previous School |
| Donovan Biggs |
DB |
5-8 |
175 |
Monroeville, Pa. / Gateway / Grove City (Pa.) |
| William Bigham IV |
OL |
6-4 |
300 |
Webster, N.Y. / Webster Schroeder / Saint Francis (Pa.) |
| Aidan Bilek |
DL |
6-0 |
265 |
Hollidaysburg, Pa. / Hollidaysburg / Saint Francis (Pa.) |
| Terrell Booth |
DB |
5-11 |
180 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. / Serra Catholic / Clarion |
| Kyreese Bradley |
RB |
5-10 |
210 |
Philadelphia, Pa. / Neumann Goretti / Milford Academy |
| Brian Carter |
LB |
6-2 |
200 |
Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown West |
| Kaedyn Daniels |
DL |
6-1 |
245 |
Philadelphia, Pa. / McKeesport |
| Deakyn DeHoet |
WR |
5-11 |
205 |
Waynesburg, Pa. / Jefferson-Morgan |
| Wilfredo Diaz |
LB |
5-11 |
215 |
Miami, Fla. / West Broward / Minot State (N.D.) |
| Rocco Fetzko |
OL |
6-2 |
270 |
Johnstown, Pa. / Bishop McCort |
| Eric Gibson,Jr. |
QB |
6-1 |
205 |
Norfolk, Va. / Maury / Northern Colorado |
| Elijah Hess |
DL |
6-2 |
295 |
Lancaster, Pa. / Penn Manor |
| Khalil Holley |
LB |
6-3 |
235 |
Philadelphia, Pa. / Monsignor Bonner / King's (Pa.) |
| Damien Holloway |
WR |
6-3 |
205 |
Carnegie, Pa. / Chartiers Valley |
| Ray Jackson |
WR |
6-1 |
200 |
Erie, Pa. / McDowell / Clarion |
| Aiden Johnson |
DL |
6-2 |
260 |
Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon / Millersville |
| Cameron Kiersch |
LB |
6-1 |
225 |
Danville, Pa. / Danville / Saint Francis (Pa.) |
| Ryan Konchek |
OL |
6-3 |
265 |
Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown East / Millersville |
| Lane Lambert |
LB |
6-1 |
215 |
Somerset, Pa. / Somerset / Saint Francis (Pa.) |
| Braden Laux |
LB |
6-4 |
225 |
Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon / Eastern Michigan |
| Daniel Lawyer |
OL |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Noah Layhue |
LB |
6-5 |
240 |
California, Pa. / California |
| Elias Lippincott |
LB |
6-2 |
230 |
Jefferson Hills, Pa. / Thomas Jefferson |
| Jaden McCray |
WR |
6-2 |
195 |
Apollo, Pa. / Apollo-Ridge |
| DeJheerit Mellix |
DB |
6-0 |
205 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. / Westinghouse |
| Carlos Morales |
LB |
5-10 |
205 |
Southwest Ranches, Fla. / West Broward / Edinboro |
| Darian Nelson |
DB |
6-1 |
195 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. / Plum / Saint Francis (Pa.) |
| Robert Nettles-Carter |
DB |
6-0 |
175 |
Philadelphia, Pa. / Monsignor Bonner |
| Damar Olds |
WR |
5-10 |
165 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. / Bishop Canevin |
| Jay Pearson |
RB |
6-0 |
210 |
McKees Rocks, Pa. / Sto-Rox / Eastern Illinois |
| Thomas Peveto |
OL |
6-6 |
315 |
Dover, Ohio / Dover / Edinboro |
| Zaire Pollard |
WR |
6-3 |
195 |
Philadelphia, Pa. / Imhotep Charter |
| Jayden Riley |
DL |
5-11 |
290 |
Harrisburg, Pa. / Susquehanna Township |
| Justin Schwartz |
OL |
6-5 |
275 |
Berwyn, Pa. / Conestoga |
| Jordan Smith |
LB |
6-0 |
220 |
Woodlyn, Pa. / Imhotep Charter |
| Micah Smith |
DL |
6-2 |
290 |
Abbottstown, Pa. / New Oxford / Shippensburg |
| Sean Smith |
OL |
6-4 |
290 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. / Seneca Valley |
| Caden Solomon |
OL |
6-2 |
285 |
York, Pa. / Central York |
| Justus Starks |
DL |
6-1 |
255 |
Aliquippa, Pa. / Aliquippa |
| Colton Stone |
TE |
6-5 |
260 |
Susquehanna, Pa. / Susquehanna / Bloomsburg |
| Brian Tarrant, Jr. |
DB |
5-10 |
165 |
North Versailles, Pa. / Woodland Hills |
| Tristyn Tavares |
QB |
6-0 |
195 |
Irwin, Pa. / Norwin |
| Ethan Thomas |
OL |
6-5 |
320 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. / West Mifflin |
| Gregory Thompson |
QB |
6-3 |
200 |
Norristown, Pa. / Norristown |
| Dylan Turcan |
OL |
6-3 |
310 |
Gibsonia, Pa. / Pine-Richland |
| Tymir Walker |
DB |
6-1 |
185 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. / Woodland Hills |
| Jake Wolfe |
QB |
6-1 |
195 |
McKees Rocks, Pa. / Montour / Robert Morris |
| JJ Work |
LB |
5-11 |
190 |
Alquippa, Pa. / Aliquippa |
Donovan Biggs I DB I 5-8 I 175 I Monroeville, Pa. / Gateway I Grove City (Pa.)
Son of Dennis and Jamille Biggs… has 1 sister, Taylor, who was a member of the Detroit Mercy Track and Field Team from 2018-2023… Played at Gateway under head coach Don Holl… Previously played at Grove City under head coach Andrew DiDonato in 2024…
William Bigham IV I OL I 6-4 I 300 I Webster, N.Y. / Webster Schroeder I Saint Francis (Pa.)
Son of William Bigham III and Carolyn Bigham… has 1 brother and 1 sister… Played at Webster Schroeder under head coach Michael Stumpf… Previously played at Saint Francis under head coach Chris Villarrial in 2025…
Aiden Bilek I DL I 6-0 I 265 I Hollidaysburg, Pa. / Hollidaysburg I Saint Francis (Pa.)
Son of David and Jeanna Bilek… has 1 sister… Played at Hollidaysburg under head coach Homer DeLattre… Previously played at Saint Francis under head coach Chris Villarrial in 2025…
Terrell Booth I DB I 5-11 I 180 I Pittsburgh, Pa. / Serra Catholic I Clarion
Son of Terry Booth and Robin Nixon… has 1 brother and 2 sisters… Played at Serra Catholic under head coach Jose Regus… won a WPIAL Title at 2A in 2021… named to All-PIAA 1st Team at WR/DB in 2021… Previously played at Notre Dame (OH) under head coach Garrett Mack and Clarion under head coach Raymond Monica… appeared in 22 games at Clarion and recorded 98 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 15 pass deflections, and 1 interception…
Kyreese Bradley I RB I 5-10 I 210 I Philadelphia, Pa. / Neumann Goretti I Milford Academy
Son of Maurice Bradley and Marcell Thompson… has 1 brother and 2 sisters… Played at Neumann Goretti & Milford under head coaches Albie Crosby and Bill Chaplick… won the PCL Championship in 2023… named 1st Team All-PCL at LB in 2023 and 2024…
Brian Carter I LB I 6-2 I 200 I Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown West
Son of Brian Carr and Alicia Davis… has 2 brothers and 4 sisters… Played at Downingtown West under head coach Tom Kline… won the Ches-Mont Conference 2 straight years from 2024-2025… won the 6A District 1 Championship in 2024… named to 2 straight All-League 1st Team selections at DL in 2024 and 2025…
Kaedyn Daniels I DL I 6-1 I 245 I Philadelphia, Pa. / McKeesport
Son of Devin and Aryell Simpkins… has 6 brothers and 3 sisters… Played at McKeesport under head coach Matt Miller… named to All-WPIAL 1
st team in 4A at DE in 2024 and 2025…
Deakyn DeHoet I WR I 5-11 I 205 I Waynesburg, Pa. / Jefferson-Morgan
Son of Jay and Krysta Ferencak… has 1 brother and 1 sister… Played at Jefferson-Morgan under head coach Shane Ziats… won the 1A Tri County South Conference in 2024… named to three straight All-WPIAL 1
st Teams from 2023-25 in 1A at WR/DB…
Wilfredo Diaz I LB I 5-11 I 215 I Miami, Fla. / West Broward I Minot State (S.D.)
Son of Sandra Blanco… Played at West Broward under head coach Brian McCartney… Previously played at Edinboro under head coach Jake Nulph from 2022-2024… appeared in 24 games and recorded 246 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles… named to the PSAC West All-Conference 1st Team at LB in 2024… named a D2CCA 2nd Team All-American after leading all of Division 2 football in tackles with 150 in 2024.
Rocco Fetzko I OL I 6-2 I 270 I Johnstown, Pa. / Bishop McCort
Son of Robert and Kelly Fetzko…has 1 brother and 1 sister… Played at Bishop McCourt under head coach Tom Smith… won a LHAC championship in 2025 with Bishop McCourt … named an All-LHAC Honorable Mention for OL/DL in 2025… 2-time District 6 champion and 2024 PIAA semifinalist as a member of the baseball team…
Eric Gibson, Jr. I QB I 6-1 I 205 I Norfold, Va. / Maury I Northern Colorado
Son of Eric and Charity Gibson… has 1 sister… Played at Maury under head coach Dyrri McCain… won a VHSL State Title at 5A in 2019… named to the VHSL All-State 1st Team in 5A at QB in 2019… Previously played at LSU under Ed Orgeron and Brian Kelly from 2021-22, Monterey Peninsula College under head coach Ronnie Palmer from 2023-2024, and University of Northern Colorado under head coach Ed Lamb in 2025… appeared in 12 games for Northern Colorado, throwing for 2,533 yards and 11 touchdowns…
Elijah Hess I DL I 6-2 I 295 I Lancaster, Pa. / Penn Manor
Son of Joel and Kely Hess … has 4 brothers and 4 sisters ... Played at Penns Manor ... named first-team all section at offensive line and defensive line ... earned Class 6A honorable mention all-state
Khalil Holley I LB I 6-3 I 235 I Philadelphia, Pa. / Monsignor Bonner I King's (Pa.)
Son of Barbara Thomas… has 2 brothers and 4 sisters… his brother Khaliq currently plays football at King's College (PA)... Played at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast under head coach Jack Muldoon… Previously played at King's College (PA) under head coach Mike Cebrosky in 2025… appeared in 9 games and recorded 23 tackles, 4 ½ tackles for loss, and 4 sacks…
Damien Holloway I WR I 6-3 I 205 I Carnegie, Pa. / Chartiers Valley
Son of Rahmad Holloway and Carmen Vasquez… has 1 brother and 4 sisters… Played at Chartiers Valley under head coach Steve Spence… named to back-to-back All-WPIAL 1
st Teams in 2A and 4A at WR in 2024 and 2025…
Ray Jackson I WR I 6-1 I 200 I Erie, Pa. / McDowell I Clarion
Son of Justin and Deandra Ward… has 1 brother and 1 sister… His brother Nashawn was a member of the California Vulcans Football Team from 2021-2024… Played at McDowell under head coach Bo Orlando… Previously played at Clarion under head coach Raymond Monica from 2022-2025… appeared in 27 career games for the Golden Eagles and recorded 56 receptions for 950 yards and 8 touchdowns…
Aiden Johnson I DL I 6-2 I 260 I Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon I Millersville
Son of Blair Johnson and Tara McBride… his father Blair was a member of the California Vulcan Football Team in 1989… has 2 sisters… Played at Belle Vernon under head coach Matt Humbert… won back-to-back WPIAL Championships and PIAA State Titles at 3A with Belle Vernon in 2022 and 2023… named MVP in the 2022 PIAA State Championship game… named to the All-WPIAL 1st Team in 3A at DL in 2023… Previously played at Millersville under head coach J.C. Morgan and Brian Ferguson from 2024-2025… appeared in 9 games and recorded 11 tackles… named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete in 2025…
Cameron Kiersch I LB I 6-1 I 225 I Danville, Pa. / Danville I Saint Francis (Pa.)
Played at Danville under head coach Carl Majer… Previously played at Saint Francis under head coach Chris Villarrial in 2025… appeared in 8 games and recorded 14 tackles…
Ryan Konchek I OL I 6-3 I 265 I Doningtown, Pa. / Downingtown East I Millersville
Son of Eric and Jennifer Konchek… has 1 sister… Played at Downingtown East under head coach Michael Matta… won the Ches-Mont Conference in 2023… Previously played at Millersville under head coach J.C. Morgan from 2024-2025…
Lane Lambert I LB I 6-1 I 215 I Somerset, Pa. / Somerset I Saint Francis (Pa.)
Son of Travis and Kristin Lambert… has 1 brother… Played at Somerset under head coach Jeff Urban… won 2 straight LHAC Titles as a member of the baseball team in 2023 and 2024… named to the PIAA All-State 1st Team in 3A at OF in 2023… Previously played at Saint Francis under head coach Chris Villarrial in 2025…
Braden Laux I LB I 6-4 I 225 I Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon I Eastern Michigan
Son of Brian and Michelle Laux… has 1 sister… Played at Belle Vernon under head coach Matt Humbert… won back-to-back WPIAL Championships and PIAA State Titles at 3A with Belle Vernon in 2022 and 2023… Previously played at Eastern Michigan under head coach Chris Creighton…
Noah Layhue I LB I 6-5 I 240 I California, Pa. / California
Son of Jason and Janae Layhue… has 2 brothers… His brother Jake is a current member of the California Vulcan Football Team… He played at California under head coach Ed Woods… won 2 Tri County South Section Championships in 2023 and 2025… named to 2 straight All-WPIAL 1st Team's in 1A at OL/DE in 2024 and 2025… named to All-State 1st Team in 1A at DL by the PFN Coaches in 2025… led all of PIAA with 19 sacks in 2025…
Elias Lippincott I LB I 6-2 I 230 I Jefferson Hills, Pa. / Thomas Jefferson
Son of Herb and Denise Lippincott… has 2 sisters… Played at Thomas Jefferson under head coach Bill Cherpak… Previously attended Northern Virginia…
Jaden McCray I WR I 6-2 I 195 I Apollo, Pa. / Apollo-Ridge
Son of Arthur McCray Jr. and Jennifer McCray… has 1 brother and 2 sisters… Played at Apollo-Ridge under head coach John Skiba… named to All-WPIAL 1
st Team in 2A at WR and OLB in 2025… placed 1
st in 2A at the WPIAL Championships for javelin…
DeJheerit Mellix I DB I 6-0 I 205 I Pittsburgh, Pa. / Westinghouse
Son of Kenya Venson and DeJanee Mellix… has 4 brothers and 2 sisters… His brother Amaree currently plays football at Waynesburg… Played at Westinghouse under head coach Donta Green… won 3 straight City League Championships from 2022-2024… named to 2 All-WPIAL 1st Teams in the City League at LB/S in 2024 and 2025…
Carlos Morales I LB I 5-10 I 205 I Southwest Ranches, Fla. / West Broward I Edinboro
Son of Carlos Morales and Jenny Buron… has 1 brother and 2 sisters… Played at West Broward under Brian McCartney… won back-to-back 4M District 14 Championships in 2022 and 2023… named to All-Broward County 2nd Team at LB in 2023… Previously played at Edinboro under head coaches Jake Nulph and Matt Scott from 2024-2025… appeared in 11 games and registered 57 tackles, 3 ½ tackles for loss, and 1 interception…
Darian Nelson I DB I 6-1 I 195 I Pittsburgh, Pa. / Plum I Saint Francis (Pa.)
Son of Stephanie Nelson… Played at Plum under head coach Matt Morgan… named to 2 All-WPIAL 1st Teams at 5A for ATH and LB in 2023 and 2024… Previously played at Saint Francis under head coach Chris Villarrial in 2025… appeared in 5 games and recorded 11 tackles and 1 pass defended…
Robert Nettles-Carter I DB I 6-0 I 175 I Philadelphia, Pa. / Monsignor Bonner
Son of Anthony Nettles and Roberta Carter… has 2 brothers and 2 sisters… Played at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast under head coach Jack Muldoon… won the PIAA 4A State Title in 2024…
Damar Olds I WR I 5-10 165 I Pittsburgh, Pa. / Bishop Canevin
Son of Damon and Marissa Olds… has 2 sisters… Played at Bishop Canevin under head coaches Richard Johnson and Rod Steele…
Jay Pearson I RB I 6-0 I 210 I McKees Rocks, Pa. / Sto-Rox I Eastern Illinois
Son of Brenden Pearson and Najla Benson… has 1 brother and 1 sister… Played at Sto-Rox under head coach LaRoi Johnson… named to All-WPIAL 1st Team in 2A at RB in 2021… named Co-MVP of the Three Rivers Conference in 2021… Previously played at Eastern Illinois under head coach Chris Wilkerson from 2023-2025… appeared in 26 career games and recorded 733 all-purpose yards and 1 touchdown…
Zaire Pollard I WR I 6-3 I 195 I Philadelphia, Pa. / Imhotep Charter
Played at Imhotep under head coach Devon Johnson… won back-to-back 6A Public League championships in 2024 and 2025… member of Imhotep's PIAA 5A State championship in 2023…
Thomas Peveto I OL I 6-6 I 315 I Dover, Ohio / Dover I Edinboro
Son of Dan and Jennfier Peveto… has 1 brother… Played at Dover for head coach Dan Ifft… Previously played for Edinboro under head coach Jake Nulph… appeared in 8 games…
Jayden Riley I DL I 5-11 I 290 I Harrisburg, Pa. / Susquehanna Township
Son of Jon Riley and Toni Annibali… has 3 brothers and 1 sister… His brother Isiah played football at Millersville from 2024-2025… Played at Susquehanna under head coach Joe Headen… selected to All-State 2nd Team by PFN Coaches in 4A at DT in 2025… named to 2 straight ALL-MPC 1st Team's at DL in 2024 and 2025…
Justin Schwartz I OL I 6-5 I 275 I Berwyn, Pa. / Conestoga
Son of Jamie Schwartz and Melanie Moore… has 1 brother and 1 sister… Played at Conestoga under head coach Scott Gee… named All-Central League 2
nd Team at DL and All-Central League Honorable Mention at OL in 2025…
Jordan Smith I LB I 6-0 I 220 I Woodlyn, Pa. / Imhotep Charter
Son of Chubb Smith and Jamyla Carlton… has 1 brother and 1 sister… Played at Imhotep under head coach Devon Johnson… won back-to-back 6A Public League championships in 2024 and 2025… member of Imhotep's PIAA 5A State championship in 2023…
Micah Smith I DL I 6-2 I 290 I Abbottstown, Pa. / New Oxford I Shippensburg
Son of Gerald and Alma Smith… has 2 brothers and 4 sisters… Played at New Oxford under head coach Jason Warner… won 2 York-Adams 2 Conference titles in 2022 and 2023… named YAIAA 1st Team at OL and DL in 2022 and 2023… YAIAA district champion as a member of the competitive cheerleading team… Previously played at Shippensburg under head coach Mark Maciejewski from 2024-2025… appeared in 10 games and recorded 8 tackles and 1 fumble recovery…
Sean Smith I OL 6-4 I 290 I Pittsburgh, Pa. / Seneca Valley
Son of Frederick and Linda Smith… has 1 sister… Played at Seneca Valley under head coach Don Barclay…
Caden Solomon I OL I 6-2 I 285 I York, Pa. / Central York
Son of Donnell and Brandi Solomon… has 3 brothers and 1 sister… Played at York Central under head coach GerryYonchiuk… won 4 straight York-Adams 1 Conference titles from 2022-2025 … named aYork-Adams All-County 1
st Team member at OL in 2025…
Justus Starks I DL I 6-1 I 255 I Aliquippa, Pa. / Aliquippa
Son of Aaron Starks and Vicki Taylor… has 3 sisters… Played at Aliquippa under head coach Mike Warfield… won 3 WPIAL 4A Titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025 and a PIAA 4A State Championship with Aliquippa in 2023…
Colton Stone I TE I 6-5 I 260 I Susquehanna, Pa. / Susquehanna I Bloomsburg
Son of Bronson and Tammy Stone… has 2 brothers… Played at Susquehanna under head coach Kyle Cook… Previously played at Bloomsburg under head coach Frank Sheptock from 2024-2025…
Brian Tarrant Jr. I DB I 5-10 I 165 I North Versailles, Pa. / Woodland Hills
Son of Brian Tarrant Sr. and Melissa Tarrant… His father Brian Sr. and cousin Cam were both members of the California Vulcans football team from 1996-2000 and 2017-2022 respectively… has 1 sister… Played at Woodland Hills under head coach Brian Tarrant Sr. … won back-to-back 5A Big East Conference Championships in 2024 and 2025… was named 2nd Team All-Conference at DB in 2024…
Tristyn Tavares I QB I 6-0 I 195 I Irwin, Pa. / Norwin
Son of John and Lacie Tavares… has 1 brother… Played at Norwin under head coach Mike Brown… named 1st Team All-WPIAL QB at 5A in 2023 and 6A in 2025… Norwin's record holder in single season passing yards, single season passing touchdowns and single game passing touchdowns…
Ethan Thomas I Pittsburgh, Pa.
Son of Jason Smith and Jenifer Thomas ... has 2 sisters ... Played at West Mifflin under head coaches Rod Steele and BJ Pug
Gregory Thompson I QB I 6-3 I 200 I Norristown, Pa. / Norristown
Son of Charles Thompson and Larene White… has 2 brothers and 4 sisters… Played at Norristown under head coach Joseph Milligan…
Dylan Turcan I OL I 6-3 I 310 I Gibsonia, Pa. / Pine-Richland
Son of Ozkan and Natalie Turcan… has 1 brother and 1 sister… Played at Pine Richland under head coach Jon LeDonne… won a 5A WPIAL Championship in 2024…
Tymir Walker I DB I 6-1 I 185 I Pittsburgh, Pa. / Woodland Hills
Son of Tyrone and Tiffany Jenkins… has 3 brothers and 1 sister… Played at Woodland Hills under head coach Brian Tarrant Sr. … won back-to-back 5A Big East Conference Titles in 2024 and 2025… named to the All-WPIAL 1
st Team in 5A at DB in 2024…
Jake Wolfe I QB I 6-1 I 195 I McKees Rocks, Pa. / Montour I Robert Morris
Son of Johnathon and Dana McGarry… has 1 brother and 2 sisters… his sister Jordyn played basketball at W&J in 2024… Played at Montour under head coach Lou Cerro… named to PIAA All-State and All-WPIAL 1st Teams in 4A at QB in 2023… scored over 1,000 career points as a member of the basketball team… Previously played at Robert Morris under head coach Bernard Clark… appeared in 7 games and threw for 183 yards and 1 touchdown…
JJ Work I LB I 5-11 I 190 I Aliquippa, Pa. / Aliquippa
Son of Earl and Kristal Work… has 4 brothers and 2 sisters… Played at Aliquippa under head coach Mike Warfield… won a WPIAL 4A Championship with Aliquippa in 2025… named to the All-WPIAL 1
st Team in 4A at RB in 2025…
