UNI Panthers add eight on National Signing Day, class reaches 34

Northern Iowa announced eight National Signing Day high-school additions Feb. 4, bringing the Panthers’ 2026 recruiting class to 34 total additions, a figure that includes earlier transfers and December signees. The program release named the eight high-school signees in its announcement, citing examples OL Hayden Bishop and LB Tate Doggett as part of the group that UNI expects to integrate into the roster over the coming months.

Head coach Todd Stepsis framed the haul as a values-driven collection of prospects that fit the program’s mold. “This incoming class represents what we are building, a team full of talented, driven young men who embody the grit, character, and commitment we demand at UNI,” said Stepsis. “These guys along with the rest of our team are the total package, and we're excited about their potential to make an impact on the field, on campus, and in the community. National Signing Day is just the beginning of our journey together, and we can't wait for this group to join our brotherhood and become champions we know they can be."

The release also included a broader roster update under the heading "Additions to the roster for the 2026 season include:" Will Anderson, QB, 6-2, Bellevue West HS (Nebraska); Joquez Beck, CB, 5-11, Cardinal Ritter College Prep (Missouri); Lamarious Clark, CB, 5-11, Ankeny HS (Iowa); Sam Drexler, WR, 6-1, Dowling Catholic HS (Iowa); Yusif Fofanah, OL, 6-5, Kimberly HS (Wisconsin); Carson Hynes, OL, 6-8, Plainview-Elgin Millville HS (Minnesota); Benton Mohrmann, DE, 6-6, Parkway North HS (Missouri); Max Nelson, OL, 6-6, Stoughton HS (Wisconsin); Brooks Ragland, LB, 6-2, Liberty HS (Missouri); Will Remmert, WR, 5-11, Cedar Falls HS (Iowa); Colt Schipper, OL, 6-4, Waukee HS (Iowa); Jimmy Scott, K, 6-3, Lewis Central HS (Iowa); Jamiir Sloan, WR, 5-11, Kirkwood HS (Missouri); Quinn Street, SAF, 6-0, Osage HS (Iowa); and Drew Thompson, RB, 6-1, Southeast Polk HS (Iowa).

Those names illustrate clear recruiting patterns. Northern Iowa continues to mine in-state talent from Ankeny, Dowling Catholic, Cedar Falls, Waukee and Southeast Polk while also tapping neighboring states such as Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nebraska. The volume of offensive-line prospects listed - Yusif Fofanah, Carson Hynes, Max Nelson, Colt Schipper and example signee Hayden Bishop - points to a deliberate emphasis on beefing up the trenches, a classic FCS formula for improving run blocking and protecting the quarterback as the Panthers seek to control physical matchups in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Special teams and depth also received attention; kicker Jimmy Scott and defensive additions including Joquez Beck, Lamarious Clark and Quinn Street suggest UNI is looking to shore up both return coverage and defensive back depth. The mix of high-school prospects and earlier transfers reflected in the announced total of 34 additions gives coach Stepsis roster flexibility into the spring and fall.

For fans tracking the next steps, UNI’s release directs followers to UNI Football on Facebook, X @UNIFootball and Instagram @unipantherfootball, and to UNIpanthers.com for the full schedule, roster and signings updates. The program also noted offseason staff and academic developments earlier in January, including the hiring of Jeff Jones as Head Football Athletic Performance Coach and Panther academic honors, underscoring that recruiting is one piece of a broader offseason build.

What comes next is confirmation and detail: UNI communications can provide the full list and bios for the eight National Signing Day signees and the complete breakdown of the 34-person class. For supporters, the immediate takeaway is a recruiting class that blends local pipeline talent and regional reach, with particular muscle added up front that could shape the Panthers’ identity in 2026.