Baylor Football Announces Early Signing Class

WACO, Texas -- Baylor football has released its early signing class, featuring 21 athletes, including 16 from Texas, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon by Coach Dave Aranda.

“Very blessed to welcome this talented group of young men and their families into our Baylor Family,” Aranda said. “We are proud of this group and thankful for their passion and commitment to be Baylor Bears. Each player brings a different skill set and presence to our roster. We are excited to have them join us as we compete for championships and help each of these student-athletes achieve their personal goals.”

Baylor signed 21 total athletes in the class, including 10 defensive players, 10 offensive players and one kicker. The Bears added a class-high five linebackers, four wide receivers, welcome four defensive backs, two offensive lineman, two running backs, and singular players at tight end, quarterback and defensive lineman. The class includes five four-star prospects and 16 three-star recruits, and a total of 14 are slated to enroll for the spring semester.

The Bears are currently ranked by 247sports as the third-best class in the Big 12 Conference and No. 35 nationally. It marks the highest ranked class by 247sports since 2018, when Baylor was ranked No. 29 and fourth-best in the Big 12.

“Beyond the gratitude we have for these young men and their families and the steadfastness in their commitment to become Bears, I am thankful for the hard work of our coaching and recruiting staff,” Aranda said. “These folks spend countless hours away from their families, all in a focus of bringing the right combination of players and people into our program. Today is the culmination of their hard work and dedication to this task and I am honored to work alongside them every day.” 

The Bears signed 16 players who played their high school football in the state of Texas. BU also welcomes players who hail from Colorado, Florida, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

“The best high school football, the best players and the best coaches in the nation reside in the state of Texas,” Aranda said. “We are thrilled to bring in 16 more Texas products into our program, a program that is built on the foundation of all the hard work done by the Texas High School Coaches Association in preparing these young men for the next level.”

2025 Baylor Football Signee Bios

Leo Almanza‍ | CB | 6-2, 175 | Trophy Club, Texas (Byron Nelson HS)

High School: Consensus three-star prospect by Rivals, 247, ESPN and On3 at Byron Nelson High School for Coach Travis Price … 247 ranks as the No. 77 cornerback in the nation and the No. 138 prospect in the state … Totaled 29 tackles, forcing a pair of fumbles and recovering two as a senior, adding 45 catches for 720 yards with 10 TDs … Made 38 tackles with four interceptions as a junior, catching 26 balls for 518 yards with nine TDs … Had 30 tackles in 2022 with a forced fumble and fumble recovery … In 2023, was named the District 4-6A Utility Player of the Year while playing as a wide receiver and cornerback … As a freshman, tabbed District Defensive Newcomer of the Year … Also played basketball and ran track & field … Ran 22.04 200-meter and a 10.99 100-meter in 2022 … Son of Leo and Rebekah Almanza.

Rhett Armstrong‍ | PK | 6-5, 195 | Monument, Colo. (Palmer Ridge HS)

High School: Three-star kicking prospect who is rated as the fifth-best kicker in the class by 247sports … Prepped at Palmer Ridge High School for Coach Zach Carlton … On3 rates as a three-star kicker and the ninth-best in the class … A two-star prospect by Rivals.com … As a senior, has made 4-of-5 field goals, with a long of 62, and 51-of-51 in PATs, with a total of 63 points … Was 5-for-6 in 2023, connecting on 69-of-70 PATs, scoring 84 points … As a sophomore, was 3-for-3 in field goals and 54-for-55 in PATs, with a total of 63 points … Had 60 points as a freshman, going 57-for-62 in PATs and 1-for-2 in field goals … Son of Dale and Becky Armstrong.

Jackson Blackwell‍ | DL | 6-3, 305 | Lorena, Texas (Lorena HS)

High School: Three-star recruit on the defensive line out of Lorena High School and coached by Kevin Johnson … In 2024, had 33 tackles, eight QB hurries and three sacks … Totaled 56 tackles, 10 for a loss and 2.5 sacks as a junior, with 13 QB hurries … Had 35 tackles and four TFLs with a sack as a sophomore … Named defensive lineman MVP at the Under Armour Camp in March of 2024 … Also a powerlifter who competes in the shot put and discus in track & field … Qualified for regionals in the discus as a junior with a throw of 140-10 …Has powerlifting competition numbers as high as 720 in squad, 500 in bench and 600 in deadlift … Ranked by 247sports as the No. 79 defensive lineman in the nation and the 98th best prospect in Texas … Ranked as a three-star prospect by On3, ESPN and Rivals … Son of Jesse and Jenny Blackwell.

Demetrius Brisbon‍ | S | 5-11, 165 | Tyler, Texas (Chapel Hill HS)

High School: Rated as a three-star prospect by 247sports, ESPN, Rivals and On3 … Prepped at Chapel Hill High School for Coach Jeff Riordan … Threw for 5,500 yards with 74 TDs in his career, also rushing for 4,866 yards and 45 TDs … In 2023, threw for 2,027 yards with 26 TDs and just six interceptions, rushing 161 times for 1,733 yards and 13 scores … Named District MVP as a sophomore, leading Chapel Hill to the state semifinals … Threw for 2,209 yards with 32 TDs, also rushing 140 times for 1,403 yards and 15 TDs in 2022 … In 2021, was named Offensive Newcomer of the Year in the district, helping Chapel Hill to the state semifinals with an 11-4 record … Rushed for 1,357 yards with 16 TDs as a freshman, throwing for 1,001 yards.

Kaleb Burns‍ | LB | 6-0, 220 | Houston, Texas (Cy Falls HS)

High School: Star linebacker out of Cy Falls High School for Coach Chris Brister … Four-star prospect by On3, checking in as the fifth-best linebacker in the nation, the 86th best prospect overall in the nation and the 18th best in Texas … A two-time District Defensive MVP … Rated as a three-star and the 33rd best linebacker nationally by 247sports … ESPN and Rivals both ranked as a three-star prospect … The No. 19 linebacker nationally by Rivals … Senior season in 2024, saw 87 tackles, 18 for a loss, with eight sacks, seven pass break-ups, four fumbles recovered, one fumble forced and two interceptions … As a junior, had 73 tackles, 18.5 for a loss, with six sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception … As a sophomore, totaled 15 tackles in seven games … Also ran track and field, competing in the 100 and 200 meters and the shot put … Son of Joseph Burns and April Crist.

Harrison Cluff‍| OL | 6-4, 295 | Columbia, Miss. (Columbia HS)

High School: Three-star offensive line talent out of Columbia High School for Coach Lance Pogue in Columbia, Miss. … Rated by 247sports as the 83rd best interior offensive lineman in the nation and the 22nd best prospect overall in the Magnolia State … Rated by On3 as a three-star prospect, the No. 33 recruit in the state of Mississippi and the 137th best interior offensive lineman …. Ranked by ESPN as a three-star prospect, rated as No. 25 in Mississippi overall and as the 85th best interior offensive lineman … A three-star recruit by Rivals.com … Son of Craig and Deanna Cluff … Craig serves as the offensive line coach at Columbia.

Chase Collier‍ | WR | 6-1, 167 | Jacksonville, Fla. (The Bolles School)

High School: Standout wide receiver threat from Florida, prepping at The Bolles School in Jacksonville for Coach Matt Toblin … A consensus three-star prospect … Ranked by 247sports as a three-star prospect and as the 154th best wide receiver in the nation … Ranked by ESPN as a three-star recruit … On3 and Rivals ranks as a three-star recruit … Totaled 67 catches for 1,091 yards and 10 TDs over his last three years …Had 32 catches for 571 yards and six TDs as a junior in 2023 … Had 18 grabs for 215 yards and a score as a sophomore … Also starred in track, running five sub-11 second times in the 100m dash as a junior, including a career-best of 10.78, also adding a 21.91 in the 200m and a 51.24 in the 400m … Son of Omar and Gerraca Collier.

Edward Griffin‍ | QB | 6-1, 205 | Coppell, Texas (Coppell HS)

High School: Star quarterback at Coppell High School, where he was coached by Antonio Wiley … District 6-A MVP in 2024 … Over two years, threw for 6,360 yards with 81 TDs and just six interceptions on 407-of-553 passing … Added 475 rushing yards with nine TDs in his two-year career … In 2024, threw for 3,253 yards with 41 TDs and just three interceptions, completing 76.8 percent on 182-of-237 passing … Rushed for 327 yards and five TDs as a senior … Helped Coppell to a 12-1 mark and a third-round playoff berth in 2024 … A three-star prospect by 247sports, ranked as the 58th best QB in the class … Ranked by ESPN as a three-star prospect and 51st best among QBs … Three-star QB by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, ranked as the fifth-best QB in the state in the class and the 89th overall prospect … On3 ranks as a three-star prospect and 49th best QB in the class nationally … As a junior, threw for 3,170 yards with 41 TDs and three interceptions, completing 72.8 percent of his passes (230-for-316), while also rushing for four TDs and 211 yards … Led Coppell to a 12-1 mark and a third-round playoff berth in 2023 … Son of Patrick and Adrianne Griffin.

Christopher Johnson‍ | OLB | 6-3, 253 | Rosharon, Texas (Iowa Colony HS)

High School: Three-star edge who starred at Iowa Colony High School for Coach Ray Garza in Rosharon, Texas … Rated by 247sports as a three-star defensive lineman and as the 85th best in the class … Ranked by ESPN as a three-star prospect … Had 42 tackles, nine for a loss and 2.5 sacks in 12 games as a senior … Named the Defensive Lineman of the Year in the district as a junior, going for 59 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, with nine sacks and two fumbles forced … Also competed in track and field, throwing a 43-1 in the shot put and a 106-6 in the discus in 2023 … Has helped Iowa Colony to the state playoffs as a senior.

Ashton Jones‍ | WR | 6-4, 185 | Pearland, Texas (Shadow Creek HS)

High School: A consensus three-star prospect out of Pearland, Texas, and coached by Tyrone Green at Shadow Creek High School … Teammates with future Baylor Bear Jacorey Watson … Three-star recruit by 247sports … ESPN ranks as a three-star prospect and as the 112th best receiver in the class … Rivals ranks as a three-star prospect … Had 24 catches for 429 yards and five TDs as a senior … Had 29 catches for three TDs in 2023 … Totaled two TDs in 2022 on 12 catches as a sophomore … Also competed in the high jump in track and field, with highs of 5-10 in the spring of 2023 … Son of Detric Campbell.

Caden Knighten‍ | RB | 5-10, 206 | Pauls Valley, Okla. (Pauls Valley HS)

High School: Standout running back out of Oklahoma’s Pauls Valley High School and coached by Dusty Raper … A four-star recruit by On3, ranked as the seventh-best recruit in Oklahoma and the 27th best running back nationally … In 2024, rushed for 1,883 yards and added 617 receiving yards, totaling 38 touchdowns … As a sophomore, rushed for 2,278 yards and 35 TDs, also throwing for 820 yards and nine scores … A three-star prospect by 247sports, who is ranked as the seventh-best recruit in Oklahoma and the 24th best running back nationally … A three-star prospected by ESPN and Rivals … “He’s an unbelievable talent. But what had jumped out at me … he’s been a great teammate and a great leader,” Raper said. “At team camp and stuff, if other guys were making plays, he was super excited. He’s a willing blocker, and he does all the little things right.” …The Oklahoma 2-A 100m state champion as a sophomore, running 10.95 in May of 2023 … Son of Tony and Maleaha Knighten.

Kamauryn Morgan‍ | OLB | 6-4, 230 | Dallas, Texas (South Oak Cliff HS)

High School: Consensus four-star recruit out of Dallas South Oak Cliff High School for Coach Jason Todd … Rated by On3, 247sports, ESPN and Rivals as a four-star recruit … 247 ranks as the 17th best prospect in Texas and the 29th best edge prospect nationally … ESPN ranks as a member of the top-300, checking in No. 263 … Attended Red Oak High School prior to South Oak Cliff … In 2023, had 61 tackles, 14 TFLs, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles … As a sophomore at Red Oak, had 24 tackles, eight TFLs and five sacks … Son of Ronnie Morgan and Amber Frazier … Also played basketball … Father played basketball at Louisiana Tech.

Bo Onu‍ | S | 6-0, 195 | Carrollton, Texas (Hebron HS)

High School: Standout safety at Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas, for Coach John Towels III … Consensus three-star recruit … Three-star prospect by 247sports, ranked as the 59th best safety in the country … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star recruit and as the No. 56 safety in the nation … Ranked by On3 and ESPN as a three-star … ESPN tabs as the 51st best safety recruit … Has 60 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three pass break-ups, one interception, one forced fumble and returned a kickoff for a TD as a senior … As a junior, totaled 29 tackles, including three for a loss, with three interceptions and three fumbles recovered … Named First-Team All-District as a junior … As a sophomore in 2022, was named District Newcomer of the Year … Also a standout in track and field, running a 11.38 in the 100m as a junior, and owned a 20.725 long jump as a sophomore … Son of Bo and Silvia Onu.

Matthew Parker‍ | OL | 6-7, 295 | Flowood, Miss. (Jackson Prep HS)

High School: Standout offensive tackle at Jackson Prep in Flowood, Miss., for Coach Doug Goodwin … Consensus three-star recruit … Tabbed by Rivals as the No. 18 prospect in Mississippi and as a three-star recruit … A three-star recruit by 247sports and ranked as the No. 24 prospect in the state … ESPN and On3 each ranked as a three-star prospect … Son of Adrienne Parker.

Colin Peacock‍ | S | 6-1, 207 | Gunter, Texas (Gunter HS)

High School: Standout safety at Gunter High School for Coach Jake Fieszel … Ranked by 247sports, On3, ESPN and Rivals as a three-star prospect … On3 ranks as the 85th best safety recruit in the nation … As a senior totaled 45 tackles with five interceptions, 10 pass break-ups, three tackles for a loss, returning two interceptions for touchdowns … Has added 22 catches for 464 yards and eight TDs as a senior … A two-time state champion has Gunter in the state playoffs in 2024 … As a junior, had seven catches for 212 yards, with four going for TDs … Rated by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star recruit and the 10th best safety prospect in the state … Also plays basketball and track & field … Ran an 11.22 100m as a junior and is also competing in Gunter’s 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays, with each finishing in the top four at the Texas 3A State Championships in 2023 … Son of Casey and Melina Peacock.

Trent Spence‍ | LB | 6-2, 220 | Spring, Texas (Klein Collins HS)

High School: Star linebacker at Klein Collins High School and Coach Adrian Mitchell … A consensus three-star prospect … Three-star prospect by 247sports, On3, ESPN and Rivals … Named First-Team All-District as a sophomore, collecting 50 tackles, nine for a loss with 3.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble caused … Brother, Brad Spence, is a sophomore linebacker at Arkansas, owning 50 tackles through 11 games in 2024, including an 11-tackle effort at Mississippi State … The son of Yashika Oglesby and Armand Spence.

Michael Turner‍ | RB | 6-0, 200 | North Richland Hills, Texas (Richland HS)

High School: Star running back at Richland High School and coached by Ged Kates … Consensus four-star running back …  Rated by 247sports as a four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 13 running back in the country and the 32nd best prospect in Texas … Ranked by On3 as a four-star prospect, checking in No. 19 among running backs … Ranked by Rivals and ESPN as a four-star recruit … As a junior, rushed for 1,668 yards with 23 TDs for 7.83 yards per carry, also adding 16 catches for 131 yards and two TDs … Named First-Team All-District as a sophomore … Rushed for 849 yards with 12 TDs on 8.49 yards per carry, adding four catches for 45 yards … As a freshman in 2021, rushed 28 times for 180 yards and two scores, adding 94 yards on 11 catches … “Michael has always looked like a grown man, but in his junior season, he played like one," Kates said. "His ability is through the roof, but I’m just as proud of his giving heart and the kind of teammate that he has become.” … Also competed in track & field, running the 4x100 relay in April of 2024 … Son of Dominique Jones and Michael Turner Sr.

Jacorey Watson‍ | WR | 5-10, 175 | Pearland, Texas (Shadow Creek HS)

High School: Standout wideout from Pearland, Texas, where he was teammates with future Baylor Bear Ashton Jones, with the duo coached by Tyrone Green … Consensus three-star recruit … A three-star prospect by 247sports, ranked as the 79th best wide out in the nation and the 72nd best prospect in Texas … Ranked by On3, Rivals and ESPN as a three-star recruit … Threw for 850 yards with 10 TDs and three interceptions in 2023, also rushing for four TDs on 157 yards … In 2022, threw for 952 yards with 13 TDs and five interceptions, rushing for four TDs and 158 yards, catching 24 balls for 323 yards and eight TDs … As a freshman had 21 catches for 243 yards with one TD, averaging 40 yards on three kickoff returns … Also ran track & field … Son of Carey Watson and Danielle Love.

Brody Wilhelm‍ | TE | 6-5, 215 | Austin, Texas (Austin Westlake HS)

High School: Standout tight end at powerhouse Austin Westlake High School and coach Tony Salazar … Consensus three-star prospect … Totaled 36 grabs for 553 yards and a career-high nine TDs as a senior in 2024 … Three-star prospect by 247sports … Ranked by On3, ESPN and Rivals as a three-star prospect … ESPN tabs as the 66th best tight end prospect nationally … As a junior, had 39 catches for 663 yards and seven TDs … Has helped Westlake to the state playoffs as a senior … Son of Don and Kelly Wilhelm.

Taz Williams‍ | WR | 6-0, 190 | Red Oak, Texas (Red Oak HS)

High School: Star wide receiver is a four-star recruit by Rivals out of Red Oak High School and coached by Melvin Robinson … Suffered a season-ending injury early in 2024 but totaled 15 catches for 151 yards and two TDs in two games …As a junior, had 80 catches for 1,251 yards and 14 TDs … Had 31 catches for 582 yards and five TDs as a sophomore, also taking a 78-yard rush to the house … Rivals ranks as a four-star recruit, No. 54 in the state and No. 60 at wide out … Ranked as a three-start prospect by 247sports and tabbed as the 57th best prospect in the state and the 57th best wide receiver in the nation … ESPN ranks as a three-star recruit, No. 65 in the state and No. 67 at WR … Tabbed by On3 as a three-star … Also ran track and played basketball, totaling a 200m time of 22.42 in the spring of 2024 … Ran the first leg of Red Oak’s silver medal relay team in the 4x200.

Ke’Breion Winston | LB | 6-1, 200 | Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster HS)

High School: Consensus three-star linebacker out of Lancaster High School, playing for Coach Leon Paul III … Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247sports, including as the No. 134 linebacker in the nation … Had 142 tackles, 12 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception as a senior … Ranked by On3, ESPN and Rivals as a three-star prospect … Tabbed by ESPN as the 86th best linebacker in the nation … Helped Lancaster to a regional final appearance as a junior … Totaled 111 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior, earning First-Team All-District honors … Son of Keon and Jennifer Winston.