After a frustrating 4-8 campaign that snapped a streak of three consecutive FCS playoff appearances, Idaho’s path forward has become unmistakably clear: rebuild through recruiting. On Wednesday, the Vandals took their biggest step toward that reset, signing 20 newcomers during the opening day of the early signing period. So far, 19 high school prospects and one junior college transfer will be donning the black and gold next fall.
The group is already being recognized as the best recruiting class in program history, the top class in the Big Sky Conference and the second-highest rated across the entire FCS, according to 247Sports. As of this week, Idaho’s class ranks ahead of 26 FBS programs. For a program aiming to rebound quickly under head coach Thomas Ford Jr., the addition of talented prospects arrives at exactly the right time.
“I couldn’t be more fired up about our 2026 class,” Ford said in an Idaho Athletics press release. “We developed deep relationships with these student-athletes and their families, some of which have spanned over two years. We are not only bringing in high-level athletes, but also high-character young men.”
Coming off his first season as the head coach of the Vandals, Ford made clear from the start that reloading the roster would be the top priority as the team figures out a plan of attack to rebound next season. Ford is widely regarded as an elite recruiter, and this year’s class is a prime example of the impact that Ford’s recruiting can have on a program. The class is loaded with highly touted prospects and stocked with players who held significant competing offers, including from Power Four programs.
Of Idaho’s 20 signees, 17 were rated as three-star prospects. Running back Kenny Golston, tight end JJ Homuth, offensive lineman Kingston Kerkhoff and linebacker Tau Mareko held Power Four scholarship offers before choosing Idaho. Half of the class had FBS offers.
Kerkhoff, a 6-foot-6 tackle from Tacoma, Washington, is the highest-rated recruit in the class. Golston, a powerful 216-pound running back who was the top-ranked back from Oklahoma, chose Idaho over Missouri, Indiana, Oregon and Washington State, among others. Mareko, a top linebacker from Lakes High School in Washington, also turned down offers from Boise State and Hawaii.
“This class has multiple prospects that had FBS offers but chose Idaho because they value our culture and the relationships we’ve built,” Ford said. “The future of Vandal football is very bright, and I won’t be surprised to see some of these guys battling for playing time next fall.”
Idaho also fended off several Big Sky rivals. Twelve signees had offers from other conference schools, including Montana State, Eastern Washington, Sacramento State and Northern Arizona.
Half of the class comes from the Pacific Northwest, continuing Idaho’s effort to keep regional talent close to home. Six hail from Washington, and two come from Idaho.
Local additions include Eagle wide receiver Dom Wolthuis and Boise linebacker Nash O’Kelley.
Quarterback Blitz McCarty and offensive lineman Jace Winchester become the first Colorado signees on the current roster. Edge rusher Nui Meyers joins Titus Ringor as the only two Hawai‘i-born players on the team.
Ford made clear that improving the offensive line is a long-term priority, which is represented by four three-star linemen in the class. Defensively, the Vandals signed three linebackers. Mareko, Landon Schrom and Geovoney Burks each bring size and high-end speed.
Several signees posted standout track and field times in high school. Schrom ran an 11.05 100-meter and a 22.62 200-meter. Burks ran a 4.65 40-yard dash and a 22.40 200-meter, among the fastest times in the class at his position.
The Vandals’ disappointing 2024 season created immediate urgency, but Wednesday’s signing class provided a much-needed spark within the Idaho program.
“I’m proud of our coaching staff for building the top class in the Big Sky,” Ford said. “We’re bringing in players who believe in what Idaho football can become. The future is very bright.”