Baker Football Announces 2026 Signing Class
BALDWIN CITY – Coming off another competitive season in the Heart South, Baker head coach Miguel Regalado and the BU coaching staff announced the Wildcats' 2026 football signing class.
"This class embodies what we believe in here at Baker," said Regalado. "We want our players and families to be close, and we want them to be serious about their education."
With 37 high school seniors and eight transfers, Regalado expressed that the 2026 class met two primary goals that he and his staff had for his fourth full recruiting cycle - to get bigger and more physical on the line of scrimmage. The entire incoming class comes from Kansas (23) and Missouri (14), and carries a cumulative GPA of 3.28.
Regalado noted that the staff is not yet done recruiting, but wants to extend his thanks to the Baker Admissions and Financial Aid staff for "their tireless efforts in helping this class come together".
Following the addition of this year's class, the 2026 season will mark the first time that all but one member of the team - Sam Heggemann - began their careers at Baker under Regalado.
Baker football begins spring practice on Monday, March 30th and will open the 2026 season on the road at Clarke on September 5th in Dubuque, Iowa.
2026 Baker Football Signing Class
Jayvion Brayden
Linebacker
6'2 237
Kansas City, Kansas
Hutchinson Community College
Jayvion is an athletic and physically talented player that just needs college experience. Jayvion went to Hutch after graduating from Bishop Ward. He's learning the Baker way in the weight room and meeting room this spring and the defensive staff is anxious to see him compete.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15020772/655b9184344a3105306c7be4
Jason Freeman
Defensive Back
6'1 190
Magnolia, Texas
Briar Cliff University
After starting 3 years for Briar Cliff University, Jason joined the Wildcats for a chance to compete for a Heart Conference Championship. Jason was an All-Conference player while playing for Legacy Prep Christian Academy. Jason is the son of Tammie and Ricky Freeman.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11140073/619af55b6899180b24d1e448
John Matzke
Defensive Lineman
6'0 220
Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs High School
John is a very high motor physical defensive lineman that can play inside and outside for the Wildcats in 2026. He has been crushing it in the weight room this spring with coach Kock. Look for John to have an immediate impact on the defensive line room this fall.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14486089/635d6ee04deb630d1c203483
Caleb Perry
Running Back
6'0 220
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Clarke University
Caleb brings immediate credibility with him to Baker after having run for 1019 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Heart Conference for the Clarke Pride in 2025. After the 2025 season Caleb was named 2nd Team All-Conference in the Heart. Caleb is the son of Brandy Perry and Anthony Lyles.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12176536/5e6912575b3c870ab84d8621
TJ Porter
Running Back
5'6 175
Olathe, Kansas
Highland Community College
TJ brings not only experience but athleticism and versatility to the Wildcat running back room in 2026. Coming out of Olathe North, TJ was a Kansas 1st Team All-State selection before going to Highland Community College where he was selected 2nd Team All-Conference in the KJCCC. TJ is the son of Monique Sanchez and Tyjuan Porter.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16603463/655413859a90f20778010cc9
Kahliek Rainey
Quarterback
5'11 175
Kansas City, Kansas
Highland Community College
Kahliek is a dynamic player that is just beginning to touch the surface of his ability. He can do it all on the football field and has adjusted to his new home quickly. Kahliek is learning the offense quickly and coach Regalado is looking forward to seeing him compete this spring. Kahliek is the son of Serena Gunning and Anthony Rainey.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12927291/635f57cc0dcb0d0b680f263b
Cameron Speier
Kicker
6'1 160
Olathe, Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University
With the graduation of Seth Simpson and an open competition for the starting kicker, Cameron has a great opportunity in front of him with the Wildcats in 2026. He's been working hard in the weight room this spring and on the field and the staff looks forward to evaluating him this spring. Cameron is the son of Amanda and Jason Speier.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17745474/67323c444907b00f8223501b
Mikkis Taylor
Defensive Back
6'0 202
Kansas City, Missouri
Van Horn High School
Mikkis is an athletic 200lb athlete that is going to get a lot of reps this spring in the back end for the Wildcat defense. His body is already beginning to change after a month in the weight room with coach Kock and coach Pauley is looking forward to watching his development. Mikkis is the son of Christina and Mikkis Taylors Sr.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14964636/651591860dbfbd097466f246
Alex Allison
Linebacker
5'11 180
Weston, Missouri
West Platte High School
Alex is an instinctive player that knows how to get ball carriers to the ground. Alex has 136 tackles in his senior year to go along with 12 tackles for loss. For his career, Alex had over 350 tackles and was a 1st Team All-District and All-Conference selection and was voted 2nd Team All-State in 2025. Alex is the son of Bobbie and Matthew Allison.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18413057/69612ee230611a4d4f80c82d
Cam Arnold
Kicker
5'9 190
Savannah, Missouri
Savannah High School
Cam will leave Savannah High School as one of the most decorated kickers in its history. Cam was selected as a 1st Team All-State, All-District and All-Conference kicker in 2025. He was also voted the 2025 Special Teams Player of the Year. Cam is the son of Sara and Kyle Arnold.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18395370/68ff0c7fad5c89f57c954c33
Hunter Barnhart
Defensive Lineman
6'2 210
Baldwin City, Kansas
Baldwin High School
Hunter is a high motor player that helped lead the resurgence of Baldwin Bulldog football in 2025. Hunter tallied 43 total tackles in his senior season with 23 of those being solo. His constant hustle also brought him a forced fumble along with one recovered and garnered him an Honorable Mention All-League recognition. Hunter joins teammates Jackson Rood and Jake Stevanus in Baldwin City next season. Hunter is the son of Angela and Mark Barnhart.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17715484/690251ca0d2241dbb09452bc
Leeland Barth
Offensive Lineman
6'2 285
Olathe, Kansas
Olathe North High School
Leeland is an incredibly talented big man. Leeland led the Eagles offensive line in 2025 and his postseason honors just keep coming. He was an All-Sunflower Team selection. Leeland was selected to the Shrine Bowl and Kansas vs Missouri All-Star game. Leeland is the son of Heather Nick.
https://x.com/i/status/1996631688252977377
Jaxon Becker
Wide Receiver
6'0 175
Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence High School
Jaxon can bring explosiveness to the Baker offense, having averaged over 14 yards per reception in 2025. Jaxon had 32 receptions for 456 yards and 4 touchdowns in route to an All-State selection after his senior season and a spot in the Kansas vs Missouri All-Star Game. He will join his teammate Turner Juelsgaard in Baldwin City next season. Jaxon is the son of Emily Gillespie and David Becker.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18676376/6910d0166266919891330096
Logan Bennett
Defensive Lineman
6'2 235
Grain Valley, Missouri
Grain Valley High School
Logan had an incredible senior campaign for the Eagles in 2025. He was a 2nd Team All-State selection and named to the KMZU Dream Team. For his career, Logan is a three-time 1st Team All-Conference and two-time 1st Team All-District player. Logan is the son of Kim Bennett.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16607315/69629348e166c81cc23332be
Wyatt Bice
Offensive Lineman
6'3 255
Belle Plaine, Kansas
Belle Plaine High School
Wyatt brings athleticism to the Baker offensive line, and his best football is ahead of him. Wyatt was a Co-Captain for the Dragons in his senior season and was named a Blue-Grey All-American after the 2025 season. Wyatt is the son of Jamie and Joshua Mills.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20315340/68e2c20a4141c44d988f797f
Jake Chandler
Wide Receiver
5'11 160
Butler, Missouri
Butler High School
Jake put up some incredible numbers in 2025. He was second on the team in rushing with 628 yards and led the Bears in receptions (26), receiving yards (480), and total Touchdowns (12). Jake was selected as a 1st Team All-District, All-Conference receiver and defensive back. Jake is the son of Kacey and Wade Chandler.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17978462/68f6ff16d919868e1ed3c6af
Cage Crabill
Offensive Lineman
6'1 255
Eudora, Kansas
Eudora High School
Cage led the Cardinals to a 9-2 record in 2025. He is a 1st Team All-State offensive lineman and was selected Player of the Year by Lawrence Journal World. Cage is a two-time 1st Team All-Frontier offensive lineman and was just named to the 2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl Team as well as the Kansas vs Missouri All-Star Game. Cage is the son of Betsy and Aaron Crabill.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17764179/691fa6e798559ebf51333e82
Liam Crooks
Wide Receiver
5'11 180
Kansas City, Missouri
Winnetonka High School
Liam is a well-rounded receiver that will catch tough balls in traffic and be a physical blocker when called upon. Liam is two-time All-Conference wide receiver and will be joining his teammate Dominic Hargraves in Baldwin City next season. Liam is the son of Nicole and Daniel Crooks.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17755669/6944d621484bcb6e1f9ba256
Davontae Davis
Wide Receiver
5'10 165
Kansas City, Kansas
Bishop Ward High School
With 21 receptions for 446 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2025, Davontae shows his ability to play in the slot and in space. His senior campaign also made him a 3A Honorable Mention All-State selection. Davontae is the son of Ashley Andrews and Steve Davis.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18580082/6907fc210c02cc788e720b9a
Wyatt Earnest
Offensive Lineman
6'3 255
Wellington, Missouri
Wellington-Napoleon High School
Wyatt led the Tigers to an impressive 9-3 record in 2025. In his senior season, he did not allow a sack on his quarterback, Jonny Hampton, who will be joining Wyatt in Baldwin City next season. Wyatt is a two-time All-Conference and All-District selection. He will join teammate Jonny Hampton in Baldwin City next fall. Wyatt is the son of Jamie and Keith Katchmarik.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15314411/69394f2eaa03e32e25420643
Kade Eastwood
Tight End
6'3 205
Drexel, Missouri
Drexel High School
Kade will bring versatility to the Baker offense in 2026. He is physically gifted and can line up in different positions for the Wildcats. Kade was a 1st Team All-State and All-District running back in 2025 in addition to being an Academic All-State selection. He was also a two-time All-Conference and All-District linebacker for Drexel. Kade is the son of Sheila and Tim Eastwood.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17818073/68e88af799002312007bef7f
AJ Gallegos
Wide Receiver
5'9 160
Topeka, Kansas
Shawnee Heights High School
AJ has an impressive resume that includes over 1800 career receiving yards and school record 19 touchdowns. AJ also has the school record for receiving yards in a game with 223 and receptions in a game with 12. He is a 1st Team UKC selection and Honorable Mention All-State player in 2025. AJ is the son of Elisa and Al Gallegos.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17812836/691d2d9fac7978a6741908ed
Jonny Hampton
Quarterback
6'2 185
Wellington, Missouri
Wellington-Napoleon High School
After an incredible senior year that included 42 touchdown passes to only 2 interceptions, Jonny was named to the KMZU Dream Team and selected as the KMZU Offensive Player of the Year. He is a three-time All-Conference and All-District player and was named 2nd Team All-State in 2025. Jonny joins his teammate Wyatt Earnest in Baldwin City next year. Jonny is the son of Mindy and Andy Hampton.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15314401/692f9b64534259fcb9f76049
Dominic Hargraves
Linebacker
5'11 185
Kansas City, Missouri
Winnetonka High School
Dominic is a long and rangy player that also lined up on the edge for the Griffins in 2025. After his senior season, Dominic was named 2nd Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-District. He will be joining his teammate Liam Crooks in Baldwin City next season. Dominic is the son of Sonya Thompson and Darelle Hargraves.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18167903/690d1df304385dee79f70905
Grayson Hart
Defensive Lineman
6'1 195
Republic, Missouri
Republic High School
Grayson is a physical defensive end that never slows down while he's playing football. With 51 total tackles and 37 solo tackles he led the Tigers to a 9-3 record and for the second year in a row he was selected All-Region and All-Conference. Grayson also is a Academic All-State performer in the classroom. Grayson is the son of Sarah and Justin Hart.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18331045/6936e742c36afc16b651380e
Devan Heady
H-Back
6'0 217
Galena, Kansas
Galena High School
Devan will bring experience to the Wildcat running back room in 2026. He has spent time at Independence Community College as a linebacker and is looking forward to competing at H-Back and hoping to make an impact on the Baker Special Forces Units next season. Devan is the son of Heather and Craig Heady.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15139171/65441df3e985480a48ffedc8
Lane Hoekman
Running Back
5'8 170
Abilene, Kansas
Abilene High School
After a productive senior season Lane was selected as a NCKL 1st Team running back as well as being named as an Honorable Mention to the Wichita Eagle and Sports in Kansas All State Team. With 987 yards rushing along with 7 touchdowns, he was also named an Honorable Mention on the Sports in Kanas Top 100 Seniors. Lane is the son of Annie and Kevin Hoekman.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17801634/6918aca71e12c59908ccd269
Haydon Hull
Quarterback
6'2 165
Ottawa, Kansas
Ottawa High School
Over the last two seasons Haydon has thrown for over 3,300 yards and rushed for over 800 yards to go alone with 54 touchdowns. He has twice been named 1st Team All-Frontier and was an Honorable Mention All-State player in 2025. Haydon joins teammates Chase Myers and Tobias Thompson in Baldwin City next season. Haydon is the son of Mallory and Eric Hull.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18312803/691cc03d12181f06cdda9968
Turner Juelsgaard
Defensive Back
5'11 170
Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence High School
Turner fits right into coach Pauley's system having played for Jason Thoren at Lawrence. In 2025 he had 54 total tackles and 36 of them were solo to go along with 3 pass breakups and 1 interception. Turner will join his teammate Jaxon Becker in Baldwin City next season. Turner is the son of Jane and Joel Juelsgaard.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/19870888/Turner-Juelsgaard
Gage Lee
Quarterback
6'3 190
Olathe, Kansas
Olathe South High School
Gage threw for 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025 and rushed for an astounding 1,327 yards with 20 rushing touchdowns. He was named Honorable Mention All-Sunflower League. Gage will bring much needed explosive play capabilities to the Wildcat offense. Gage is the son of Lisa and Chet Lee.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17726547/68f915625877e9adb3c634fb
Aden Leftwich
Defensive Lineman
6'1 223
Lansing, Kansas
Lansing High School
After an impressive senior campaign Aden was named 1st Team All-State as well as All-Conference. He is a member of Top 100 Seniors in Kansas Football and a State Powerlifting Champion in 2025 and is on track to repeat in 2026. He was also selected for the Kansas vs Missouri All-Star Game. Aden is the son of Jenn and Ian Leftwich.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17787998/6932177e55262ab8c7b8ede8
Micah Mayer
Linebacker
5'11 210
Goddard, Kansas
Goddard High School
Micah is relentless in his pursuit of the football on defense. With 71 total tackles including 50 solo tackles in 2025 he was an All-Conference selection and will be a great addition to LBU. Micah is the son of Melissa and Jason Mayer.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18136799/692104939c5a3b782949257a
Marquez McCant
Wide Receiver
6'1 190
Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Excelsior Springs High School
Marquez is a very gifted athlete. Coach Regalado believes we've only seen the beginning of his ability. Quez is a two-time All-Conference wide receiver but also an All-Conference quarterback. Marquez is the son of Jada Smith.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14922781/6906a15a463a680a36e80b95
Garrett Metcalfe
Defensive Back
5'9 155
Grantville, Kansas
Perry-Lecompton High School
Garrett is an instinctive player with a nose for the football and has posted some impressive numbers in his time with the Kaws. 90 total tackles with 66 of them being solo to go along with 5 pass deflections and 3 interceptions made Garrett an Honorable Mention All-League defender in 2025. Garrett is the son of Carla and John Metcalfe.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18152496/691d085dda75fadc20157139
Chase Myers
Linebacker
5'10 195
Ottawa, Kansas
Ottawa High School
Chase is a physical All-Area performer as well as a 2nd Team All-League linebacker for the Cyclones. He has been a team captain for Ottawa since he was a sophomore. After the 2025 season, Chase was named an Honorable Mention All-State player. He joins teammates Haydon Hull and Tobias Thompson in Baldwin City next year. Chase is the son of Lisa and Robert Myers.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17872710/69504fefd44564ced1320b69
Parker Olson
Offensive Lineman
6'3 285
Gardner, Kansas
Gardner-Edgerton High School
After an unbelievable run with the Trailblazers that included two State Championships, Parker is staying close to home with the Wildcats in 2026. Parker was a 2nd Team All-Sunflower League selection as well as an Honorable Mention All-State in 2025. He was also recently named a Kansas Shrine Bowl participant. Parker is the son of Christy and Hunter Olson.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18379999/6927bb02ee61bcc452236b70
Mason Pahmahmie
Offensive Lineman
6'2 280
Hoyt, Kansas
Royal Valley High School
Coach Regalado made offensive lineman that are big and physical, a major part of this recruiting class and Mason Pahmahmie fits that mold. He's an Honorable Mention recipient whose best football is ahead of him. Mason is the son of Andrea and Landon Keim.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18301270/6728ea4e6b236b5c50a4531c
Evan Peters
Wide Receiver
5'11 165
Overland Park, Kansas
Shawnee Mission North High School
After a productive senior year, that saw him catch 38 balls for 615 yards and 3 touchdowns, Evan was named Honorable Mention All-Sunflower League in 2025. Evan was also an accomplished track runner for the Bison competing in high hurdles, 100-meter dash, long jump and the 4x4. Evan is the son of Bridget and Matt Peters.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18236090/6913803cbc2272d60c02fb49
Jackson Rood
Wide Receiver
5'11 170
Lawrence, Kansas
Baldwin High School
Jackson was a huge part of the turnaround for the Bulldogs this season. He was their big play threat with 22 receptions for 434 yards and 5 touchdowns which included 19.7 yards per reception. He was named 2nd Team All-Frontier Conference, Honorable Mention All-State and All-Area Honorable Mention by the Lawrence Journal World. He will join teammates Hutner Barnhart and Jake Stevanus in Baldwin City next season. Jackson is the son of Trish and Zaq Rood.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18874578/6900e42372554d600e1d99d6
Kory Serocki
Defensive Back
6'1 180
Salina, Kansas
Salina Central High School
Kory absolutely loves the game of football. In two years starting for the Mustangs, he's tallied 54 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss and a 2025 State Championship. Kory is the son of Bryan Serocki.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18116694/692c5854733bfca19ff7eaee
Gage Smith
Defensive Lineman
6'4 235
Hardin, Missouri
Hardin Central High School
Gage is the high motor, physical defensive lineman that coach Pauley loves to play with. He was selected All-Conference and All-District after his senior season. Gage also led the state in tackles for loss with 31 in 2025. Gage is the son of Marie and Travis Smith.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17028554/69926ca79a77a9714594d64b
Jake Stevanus
Offensive Lineman
6'4 240
Baldwin City, Kansas
Baldwin High School
Jake is another upfront piece of the Baldwin Bulldog turnaround. In 2025, Jake was a team captain for the Bulldogs and was selected Honorable Mention All-League in the Frontier Conference for the second year in a row. He will join his teammates Hunter Barnhart and Jackson Rood in Baldwin City next season. Jake is the son of Allison and Gary Stevanus.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17715480/690fa661c47b2257b011f18f
Jackson Taylor
Defensive Back
5'9 180
West Plains, Missouri
West Plains High School
Jackson showed in 2025 that he is an all-around good football player by being selected as a 1st Team All-Area, Conference, All-District and All-Region running back. He was also named a 2nd Team All-Area defensive back and returner. Jackson is the son of Tabby and Rodney Wade.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18325795/6924b55b381e2f0f3900e1ec
Dakota Thompson
Tight End
6'2 190
St. Louis, Missouri
William Chrisman High School
Dakota is a player that is just getting started in his football career. He's physical at the point of attack in his run blocking and shows the ability to be an effective receiver when targeted. He has a great frame and will develop well with hard work in Baldwin City. He is the son of Ashley Kendall and in the care of Christine and Greg McGhee.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16430229/68e2c38c8b66bd76c5475e96
Tobias Thompson
Defensive Lineman
6'0 230
Ottawa, Kansas
Ottawa High School
Tobias could play on either side of the ball at 230 pounds. He is a two-time 2nd Team All-League and an Honorable Mention All-State selection. In addition to being named 1st Team All-Area in 2025 he was an Honorable Mention Top 100 Seniors in Kansas selection as well. He will join teammates Chase Myers and Haydon Hull in Baldwin City next fall. Tobias is the son of Amy Adams and Tyler Thompson.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17872711/69445e443e7520734578d875
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