INDIANA, Pa. — IUP head football coach
Paul Tortorella and the Crimson Hawks coaching staff will announce members of the program's 2026 recruiting class on National Signing Day, Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Student-athletes will be announced on IUP football social media channels, including X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram. Biographical information will be posted on IUPAthletics.com as National Letters of Intent are confirmed and verified in accordance with NCAA compliance regulations.
The class will join four midyear transfers, adding depth to a strong returning roster heading into the 2026 season.
Coach Tortorella 2026 Recruiting Class Statement
"I am happy to welcome the 2026 recruiting class to Hawk Nation . As the landscape in recruiting changes , it is crucial that you can impress recruits with great academics and tradition that is second to none like we possess here at IUP . This group will be play a big part in replacing the 24 student athletes who finished their eligibility this past season . ALL IN !!"
Follow
For coverage of the IUP football program, follow the Crimson Hawks on X (Twitter) and Instagram @IUPfootball and online at IUPAthletics.com.
Kenny Akintoye
DE | 6-1, 224 | York, Pa | Southwestern High School
- Varsity Team Captain - Defensive Line, All-County Finalist
- Top YIAA Defensive Line Selection
- Distinguished Honor Roll
- Member of Future Business Leaders of America & FBLA State Qualifier
Highlights
Ankeem Benson
DL | 6-1, 255 | Trainer, Pa. | Chichester
- 3 All Delco Valley
- 1x Eastern PA
- 1x All State
Highlights
Gavin Easter
DB | 5-10, 156 | Erie, Pa. | Cathedral Preparatory School
- Football All District
- Football All-Region Defense
- Football All-Region Offense
- Randy E. Faipler Leadership Award
- Track All State
- Track State Qualifier
- Track All-Region
- Track All District
- 3x Tri Athlete
Highlights
Austin Harr
OL | 6-1, 284 | Hollidaysburg, Pa. | Hollidaysburg
- Captain of the Football Team
- Offensive MVP
- First Team All-Conference
- Altoona Mirror All-Star
Highlights
Ryan Messina
QB | 6-4 226 | Elizabeth, Pa. | Elizabeth Forward
- 3x 1st Team All-Conference Player
- 2025 Offensive Player of the Year
- 2x Conference Champion
Highlights
Dwayne Morgan
DB | 6-0, 179 | York, Pa. | Central York
- 1st Team All State
- 2x 1st Team All County
Highlights
Jayden Rosenberger
OL | 6-2 294 | Leechburg, Pa. | Leechburg Area
- 2x All Conference Linemen
- 2x All Valley OL
Highlights
Rakhi Seville
RB | 5-9, 174 | Harrisburg, Pa | Susquehanna Township
- 1st Team All-Conference RB
- 4 Year Varsity letter men
- 1x Conference Champ
Highlights
Jovian Smith
TE | 6-1, 189 | Bethel Park, Pa. | Bethel Park
- 3 Year Varsity Starter & Letterman for Football
- 3 Year Basketball Letterman
Highlights
Lukas Stead
TE | 6-4, 234 | Wilkinsburg, Pa. | Taylor Alderdice
- 1x Team All Section Baseball
- 3x All City League TE
- 1x 1st Team All City Basketball
- Basketball City League Player of the year 2024-2025
Highlights
Jayden Ware
WR | 5-11, 165 | Exeter Township, Pa. | Exeter Township
- 1st Team All-State 5A (DB)
- 1st Team Offense (WR and KR) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2
- 1st Team Defense (DB) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2
- DB of the Year in Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2.
Highlights
Grady Whartnaby
DE | 6-4, 230 | Upper Chichester, Pa. | Chichester
- 7th in the Class Academically
- 1st Team All Del-Val 2024 & 2025
- 2nd Team All Del-Co TE & DE 2025
- Captain
Highlights
Marcus Burkley Jr.
LB | 5-11, 201 | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Shady Side Academy
-Team Captain
- 3x All Conference
- Sotak Award Recipient
- 200 Tackles, 37 TFLS, 5 FF, 22.5 Sacks, 3 Fumble Recoveries, and 1 Blocked Punt
Highlights
Nathan Carothers
DL | 6-2, 323 | Carlisle, Pa. | Carlisle
- Most Improved 2023
- Defensive MVP 2024
- Team MVP 2024
- All Conference DT 2024
- Danny Ziegler Award 2025
Highlights
Trevor Lee
DL | 6-0 289 | York, Pa. | York High
- 1st Team All County
- Team Captain
- Honor Roll Student
Highlights
Ethan Rhodes
LB | 5-11, 200 | Hollidaysburg, Pa. | Hollidaysburg
- Presidents award for maintain GPA over 3.8
- 3 Year Varsity Letterman
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Part of three consecutive undefeated seasons
Highlights
Jayden Shaffer
DE | 6-1, 233 | New Castle, Pa. | New Castle
-Parkway Conference Player of the Year
-Bill Fralic Award Winner
-Four-Year Starter
Highlights
Carter Strayer
DL | 6-4, 245 | Mount Pleasant, Pa. | Mount Pleasant
- 1st Team & 2nd Team All-Conference
- Varsity Team Captain
- Received Schools best football player scholarship award, called Anto Scholarship
Highlights
Connor Todd
TE | 6-2, 220 | Laplata, Md. | St Mary's Ryken High School
- 2x WCAC Metro division Champion
- 3x All Conference TE
- 3 Year Varsity Captain
- National Honors Society Member
Highlights
