CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah Football proudly introduces its 2026 Early signing class, the first wave of future Thunderbirds who will help launch the program into a new era as SUU returns to the Big Sky Conference this July. This year's group combines high-level high school talent, proven junior college performers, and physically imposing prospects across every position.

Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"This class represents the competitive edge and toughness required to win in the Big Sky. We focused on athletes who play hard, play smart, and have the grit to elevate our program. Every young man in this class brings something unique, and we're excited to get them to Cedar City."

2026 Southern Utah Football Signees

Offensive Line

Gabe Ofisa – 6'3, 305 | Herriman, Utah | Alta HS | Snow College
 A seasoned, battle-tested lineman who uses power and leverage to dominate the interior. Ofisa brings maturity and physicality from one of the nation's top junior college programs.

Alema Malieitulua – 6'2, 300 | Riverton, Utah | West HS
 A rugged, road-grading lineman with a reputation for finishing blocks. His strength and aggressiveness make him a natural fit for SUU's physical style of play. Malieitulua will join the T-Birds following a mission.

Elijah Ae – 6'5, 290 | Simi Valley, Calif. | Royal HS | Moorpark JC
 A long, athletic edge protector who moves exceptionally well for his size. Ae's frame and footwork give him high developmental upside as a Big Sky-caliber tackle. Ae has just returned from serving a mission in South America and is ready to get back onto the gridiron. 

Colin Raibert – 6'5, 251 | Poway, Calif. | Poway HS
 A technically sound lineman with impressive mobility and discipline. Raibert brings a balanced skill set that translates well to both run and pass protection.

Quarterback

Lee Norman III – 6'2, 180 | La Mesa, Calif. | Helix HS
 A sharp, accurate passer with natural athletic instincts. Norman excels at extending plays and brings a calm presence to the offense.

Specialist

Joseph Neubecker – 6'1, 185 | Troy, Mich. | Athens HS | Garden City CC
 The big leg with JUCO experience, Neubecker will be a difference maker in the field position battle. Neubecker has a knack for placing the ball inside the 20-yard line when needed. 

Defensive Line

Isaiah Blinkinsop – 6'1, 220 | Sparks, Nev. | Spanish Springs HS
 A relentless edge rusher with outstanding pursuit and motor. Blinkinsop thrives on disruption and brings energy to the defensive front.

Colten Swanson – 6'5, 245 | Chandler, Ariz. | Perry HS | Western New Mexico
 A long, powerful defensive end with collegiate experience and the ability to set the edge. His size and range give him major upside.

Zevon Shipman – 6'1, 290 | Morgantown, W.Va. | Morgantown HS
 A stout, forceful interior lineman who excels at clogging gaps and demanding double teams. Shipman adds serious strength to the T-Bird trenches. Shipman is fresh from helping his team to a West Virginia State title in the state's highest classification.

Khalil Rucker – 6'4, 250 | La Verne, Calif. | Damien HS
 An explosive, physical defensive tackle who generates push off the line. Rucker's combination of size and athleticism makes him a tough matchup inside.

Zihyon Walters – 6'4, 194 | Phoenix, Ariz. | Tempe HS
 A rangy, high-upside defensive end with outstanding burst. Walters' length and speed create havoc for opposing offenses.

Linebackers

Khaleb Hampton-Purifoy – 6'3, 215 | Berkeley, Calif. | Berkeley HS | Laney College
 A dynamic, athletic linebacker with JUCO production and instinctive play recognition. Hampton-Purifoy brings versatility and physicality to the middle of the field.

Will Little – 6'3, 197 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Brighton HS
 A fluid, sideline-to-sideline defender with strong tackling ability. Little's football IQ and effort make him a high-ceiling addition to the linebacker corps.

Jayden Scott – 6'1, 200 | Murrieta, Calif. | Vista Murrieta HS
 A tough, downhill linebacker with speed to match. Scott is known for his physicality and his ability to diagnose plays quickly.

Defensive Backs

Zack Jackson – 6'2, 207 | Gardnerville, Nev. | Douglas HS
 A long, rangy defender with excellent ball skills. Jackson's frame and athleticism make him a matchup problem for opposing receivers. Jackson will defer enrollment to serve a mission. 

John Owen Whistler – 5'11, 188 | Denton, Texas | Guyer HS
 A disciplined, hard-nosed safety from one of Texas' premier programs. Whistler plays with confidence, communication, and strong tackling technique.

Ty Pringle – 5'10, 175 | Manti, Utah | Manti HS
 A fast, instinctive defensive back with smooth coverage ability. Pringle brings consistent production and competitive fire.

Colton Lauffer – 6'1, 180 | Peoria, Ariz. | Sandra Day O'Connor HS
 A savvy, athletic cornerback who excels in both man and zone coverage. Lauffer has great timing and ball awareness.

Kaden Williams – 5'10, 185 | Chandler, Ariz. | Basha HS
 A physical, aggressive defensive back who tackles with authority. Williams' toughness sets the tone in the secondary.

Antonio Para – 5'9, 185 | Goodyear, Ariz. | Desert Edge HS
 A confident, explosive defender with quick feet and strong instincts. Para's versatility allows him to contribute to multiple coverage looks.

A Class Built for the Big Sky Era

The 2026 signing class delivers diversity in talent, size, geography, and experience. Combined, the group brings physicality, speed, and long-term potential as the Thunderbirds begin their journey back into the Big Sky Conference.

"We're building a roster that can compete immediately and develop long-term," Fitzgerald added. "This class lays the foundation. We can't wait to get them on campus."

Southern Utah will return to the field in the fall of 2026 as the program enters a new chapter in one of the most competitive conferences in the FCS.

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