News Summary
WKU Football has announced the signing of nine new players for the 2025 class, following a successful December where they secured 14 signees. This robust signing class now totals 41 players, featuring a balanced mix of offensive and defensive talent. The team is focusing on enhancing both its offensive and defensive capabilities, with notable transfers and promising recruits looking to contribute to the Hilltoppers’ revitalized squad. As WKU gears up for the future, fans are optimistic about the team’s potential.
WKU Football Scores Big with 2025 Signing Class
In the charming city of Bowling Green, Kentucky, excitement is in the air as WKU Football proudly announced the signing of nine promising players for the 2025 class on January 2, 2025. This announcement came just a month after the team secured 14 players in December 2024. With these latest additions, the Hilltoppers boost their signing class to an impressive 41 players!
Diverse Talent Across the Board
This year’s signing class shows a thoughtful balance between offense and defense, showcasing the team’s commitment to building a well-rounded squad. Out of the total 41 new signees, 19 are focused on offense, while the defense sees 21 new faces along with one specialist.
In December, fans celebrated the addition of nine defensive players and five offensive players. The latest group of nine features six on the offense and three dedicated to enhancing the defense — a clear strategy for boosting team depth.
New Faces on Offense
Let’s break down the new offensive players, shall we? WKU welcomes:
- La’Vell Wright (R-Sr., 5-11, 208, Austin Peay/Kentucky), a running back who made waves by leading his previous team in rushing with an impressive 609 yards and 5 touchdowns in merely 10 games.
- Kody Epps (R-Sr., 5-11, 188, BYU/Mater Dei HS), a wide receiver with a solid track record that includes 819 yards and 7 touchdowns from 73 receptions, showing he knows how to make big plays count.
- Jackson West (R-Sr., 6-4, 235, Florida State/Huntsville HS), a tight end known not just for his skills on the field but also his academic prowess as he made the All-ACC Academic Team.
- Three offensive linemen: Jemeil Jackson (R-Sr.), Jaylin Rogers (So.), and Max Thurston (So.), all looking to solidify the front line.
Defensive Upgrades
Over on the defensive side, WKU added:
- Eric Etienne (So., 6-1, 305, Norfolk State), ready to bring his strength to the line.
- Dominic Oliver (R-Sr., 6-2, 252, San Diego State) and Montreze Smith Jr. (So., 5-11, 207, Duke), both linebackers eager to make their mark on the defense.
Transfer Strategy Paying Off
This year’s class includes 15 Division I transfers, mixing experienced players from the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) and FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) levels. The latest tranferees include familiar names like Brandon Buckhaulter (R-Sr. WR), John Cannon (R-Sr. K), and Matt Henry (R-Sr. WR). It’s clear that WKU is determined to enhance their roster with a wealth of experience.
Impressive Stats to Boast About
Looking at individual performances, there’s plenty to be excited about. Kody Epps, for instance, was a force at BYU, racking up 459 yards and 6 touchdowns in his standout 2022 season. Meanwhile, La’Vell Wright, with an incredible high school resume that features over 4,296 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns, hopes to continue that success at WKU. Others, like Jayden Gray (R-Sr., 6-2, 260), also add valuable experience with 32 tackles and 5.5 sacks to his name from previous seasons at Louisiana Tech and Iowa State.
A Bright Future Ahead
As WKU Football continues to enhance both their roster and their reputation, this signing class is a testament to their commitment to building a formidable team. With a blend of seasoned transfers and fresh high school talent, the Hilltoppers are gearing up for an exciting future on the gridiron!
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Hilltoppers Announce Signings of 9 Players
- Wikipedia: WKU Hilltoppers
- Kentucky.com: UK Football Article
- Google Search: WKU Football signing 2025
- WKU Sports: Hilltoppers Sign 16 More for 2025 Class
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- On3: Kentucky Football Transfer Portal Signings
- Google Scholar: WKU Football
