Arizona State Early Signing Day Tracker: Every Player Coming to the Program in 2026
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TEMPE -- Early signing day is officially here for the Arizona State Sun Devils - as it is for the remainder of the Big 12 and the country at-large.
The Sun Devils have made strides to improve their standing in the national scope in recent days, and they seek to continue to add to a solid group of talent that is set to officially sign to the program today - Arizona State covers all the necessities associated with the day below.
Full List of 2026 Early Signees
Name | Position | Height/Weight | High School | Hometown | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jake Fette | QB | 6'1", 190 | Del Valle | El Paso, TX | Unanimous four-star |
Cardae Mack | RB | 5'9", 210 | Atascocita | Humble, TX | Four-star (Rivals, 247), three-star (ESPN) |
Julian Hugo | EDGE | 6'4", 240 | Steele | Cibolo, TX | Four-star (ESPN, 247), three-star (Rivals) |
Jarmaine Mitchell | OT | 6'8", 320 | JUCO (Copiah-Lincoln C.C.) | Lutcher, LA | Unanimous four-star (JUCO) |
Landen Anderson | DL | 6'5", 247 | Santa Fe | Edmond, OK | Unanimous three-star |
Hayden Vercher | TE | 6'4", 220 | Thousand Oaks | Thousand Oaks, CA | Four-star (Rivals, ESPN), three-star (247) |
Kirtland Vakalahi | DL | 6'5", 260 | JUCO (New Mexico Military Institute) | Australia | Unanimous three-star (JUCO) |
Cortavious Tisaby | OT | 6'5", 250 | South Oak Cliff | Grand Prairie, TX | Unanimous three-star |
Zeth Thues | S | 5'11", 155 | Liberty | Peoria, AZ | Unanimous three-star |
Landen Miree | TE | 6'3", 215 | Princeton | Cincinnati, OH | Unanimous three-star |
DaQuwan Dunn | CB | 6'1", 172 | Richardson Berkner | Richardson, TX | Unanimous three-star |
Marques Uini | IOL | 6'-2.5", 280 | Copperas Cove | Copperas Cove, TX | Unanimous three-star |
Mason Marden | LB | 6'3", 215 | Ladue Horton Watkins | St. Louis, MO | Unanimous three-star |
Jalen Williams | CB | 6'0", 160 | Kell | Marietta, GA | Unanimous three-star |
Siosaia Lapuaho | OT | 6'4", 300 | Garden City C.C, Garden City, KS | Sandy, UT | Unanimous three-star |
Cooper Reid (Flipped commitment) | WR | 6'4", 180 | Dripping Springs | Dripping Springs, TX | Unanimous three-star |
Oscar Aguilar | LB | 6'1", 220 | Downey | Downey, CA | Unanimous three-star |
Sinei Tengei | EDGE | 6'2", 235 | Westwood | Mesa, AZ | Unanimous three-star |
Niniva Nicholson | IOL | 6'3", 285 | Santa Margarita Catholic | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA | Unanimous three-star |
Davis Kinney (Flipped to ASU) | S | 6'0", 185 | Fort Bend Travis | Richmond, TX | Unanimous three-star |
Position-by-Position Breakdown
The offensive line and defensive line were both major points of emphasis in this class - eight signings were made on both sides of the trenches this cycle.
The immediate impact these recruits will provide is unknown, as the majority of key contributors during the 2025 season already had playing experience at the collegiate level. However, the Sun Devils are set to face ample roster turnover, so the strategy might shift a bit in the upcoming season.
Above all, the biggest point of focus was if the recruit profiled as a culture fit. In the words of coach Dillingham, the program motto is "be a good person, make good decisions, and have more fun working harder than anyone in the country." While talent is certainly important, the coaching staff actively seeks out players that both fit the system and actively want to be a representative of the Arizona State program.
Offense
QB Jake Fette is the crown jewel of this recruiting class - the El Paso native has been committed to play in Tempe since September of 2024. The gunslinger accounted for 87 passing touchdowns and 42 rushing scores over three seasons as the starting player at the position.
Cardae Mack is a fast-rising recruit that is set to play running back for the Sun Devils after playing quarterback in high school. The incoming member of Shaun Aguano's room has run for 4,837 yards and 60 touchdowns in three seasons of varsity football.
Cooper Reid is the lone receiver that is set to sign in the upcoming class, which likely signifies that the program trusts the players already in place - or are going to aggressively target the transfer portal. Hayden Vercher and Landen Miree are tantalizing tight end prospects, but AJ Ia figures to be taking on a major role after playing sparingly as a freshman.
NOTE: Reid flipped to TCU on Wednesday morning.
The offensive player that presents the most immediate upside is none other than Jarmaine Mitchell, the number one overall junior college transfer that flipped from Georgia to ASU on Tuesday. He figures to instantly be a starting player at one of the two tackle spots. Siosaia Lapuaho also has potential to be a starting tackle after committing to play for the Sun Devils over the summer.
Defense
The crown jewel of the class on the defensive side of the ball is certainly Julian Hugo, a Texas native who has worked his way up to being considered a four-star off of the edge. Hugo has potential to contribute early, as the top four players on the rotation this season are set to depart, although JUCO transfer Kirtland Vakalahi has potential to jump into the equation, while returning talents such as Albert Smith III are in line for larger roles as well.
Mason Marden is the lone LB signee to the 2026 class - the St. Louis native has been committed since May and has remained steadfast in that commitment. Marden likely slots in as a redshirt candidate, as Zyrus Fiaseu and Martell Hughes are serious contenders to be starting players next season, while redshirt freshman Isaiah Iosefa has many fans in the building in his own right.
DaQuwan Dunn and Jalen Williams are two of the more under-appreciated players in this class - both are at the cornerback position. They may not contribute in 2026, but CB coach Bryan Carrington has built a track record of developing players at this spot.
Zeth Thues is the lone safety signed in this class. Although Myles "Ghost" Rowser and potentially Xavion Alford are departing the program, DC/S coach Brian Ward has ample talent at his disposal at the position. Adrian "Boogie" Wilson will likely be a full-time starter next season, while Montana Warren might move back to his natural safety spot.
Top Commitments in the Class
- Jake Fette is frequently tabbed as a top-10 quarterback in this class. He received offers from several SEC foes, as well as Big 12 rivals such as Houston, Texas Tech, Baylor, and TCU. Fette has been committed to Arizona State since last September and has never seemed interested in flipping his pledge elsewhere. The unknown future of Sam Leavitt complicates Fette's immediate impact, although the talented four-star will fit nicely into Marcus Arroyo's pro-style/spread offense hybrid.
- Cardae Mack is considered a top 25 running back in the upcoming class. He, much like Fette, saw expansive interest from powerhouse SEC and Big 12 programs. Mack committed to Arizona State on April 27, took visits elsewhere - including Texas Tech, and remained as a pledge. Mack will likely sit behind Raleek Brown and Kyson Brown next season, although there isn't much reason to believe that the incoming freshman won't be a key contributor in 2027.
- Julian Hugo committed to Arizona State on April 10 - less than a week after visiting. Much of Hugo's interest came from west coast schools, as USC, Utah, and Colorado also vied for his services. Hugo figures to be a strong fit within Brian Ward's aggressive scheme and should fit in nicely with DL coach Diron Reynolds, who is universally loved by players.
Jake Fette
(QB) – (Del Valle, Texas)
Star Rating: ★★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 11
Notable Offers: Texas Tech, Ole Miss, LSU
Strengths: Strong arm, ability to make throws at different arm angles, impressive play extending ability, protects the ball at a high level.
Fette profiles in a similar manner to Sam Leavitt as a system fit, being a strong-armed QB with impressive mobility.
Enrollment status: Expected to be early enrollee.
Hayden Vercher
(TE) – (Thousand Oaks, California)
Star Rating: ★★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 20
Notable Offers: Arizona, Texas Tech, Utah
Strengths: Phenomenal frame, large catch radius, ability to separate in open field, naturally explosive athlete.
Vercher appears to be in the same vein of a former ASU TE such as Jalin Conyers, possibly with hints of current freshman AJ Ia as well.
Enrollment status: Unclear
Julian Hugo
(EDGE) – (Cibolo Steele, Texas)
Star Rating: ★★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 41
Notable Offers: Texas Tech, Arizona, USC
Strengths: Strength, motor, well-rounded - including as a run supporter.
Enrollment status: Unclear
Cortavious Tisaby
(Position) – (South Oak Cliff, Texas)
Star Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 57
Notable Offers: Oregon, Missouri, Arizona
Strengths: Long wingspan, nimble, high IQ.
Enrollment status: Unclear
Zeth Thues
(S) – (Liberty, Arizona)
Star Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 113
Notable Offers: Tennessee, Wisconsin, Kansas State
Appears to be a strong schematic fit with DC Brian Ward, and should eventually serve in a role similar to Adrian "Boogie" Wilson or Myles "Ghost" Rowser.
Enrollment status: Unclear
Sinei Tengei
(EDGE) – (Westwood, Arizona)
Star Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 132
Notable Offers: Boise State, BYU, Iowa State
Enrollment status: Unclear
Siosaia Leni Lapuaho
(OT) – (Garden City CC)
Star Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 4
Notable Offers: Arkansas, Kansas State, Iowa State
Enrollment status: JUCO transfer
DaQuwan Dunn
(CB) – (Richardson Berkner, Texas)
Star Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 82
Notable Offers: Texas Tech, Houston, Iowa
Enrollment status: Unclear
Jarmaine Mitchell
(OT) – (Copiah-Lincoln C.C, Louisiana)
Star Rating: ★★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 1
Notable Offers: Georgia, Colorado, Arkansas
Enrollment status: JUCO transfer
Cardae Mack
(RB) – (Atascocita, Texas)
Star Rating: ★★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 22
Notable Offers: Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Houston
Should fit in seamlessly into Shaun Aguano's RB room, profiles similar to current star Kyson Brown as well-rounded back that has solid long speed.
Enrollment status: Unclear
Jalen Williams
(CB) – (Kell, Georgia)
Star Rating: ★★★ (247Sports), Position Rank: No. 119
Notable Offers: BYU, Cincinnati, Texas A&M
Enrollment status: Unclear
Recruiting Surprises, Flips & Misses
- Ronald Derrick was the first flip from the Sun Devils elsewhere. The three-star defensive lineman de-committed on Monday night and committed to Northwestern on Tuesday morning.
- Cooper Reid opted to flip his commitment from Arizona State to conference rival TCU on Wednesday morning. The Sun Devils are without a receiver commit for the class for the time being.
- Brian Ward and Bryan Carrington sought out three-star safety Davis Kinney - who was previously committed to Northwestern. They succeeded, as the talented prospect committed to play in Tempe early this morning.
Historical Context & Class Ranking
Arizona State ranks 33rd in the nation according to ON3, 37th per 247, and 37th on ESPN. They rank 4th in the Big 12 according to ON3, 6th on 247, and 6th on ESPN.
The quality of this class is significantly higher than that of previous classes under Dillingham - particularly in terms of four-star and high-level three-star players that have committed. This certainly looks to be the most impactful class that has been brought in since the 2023 one that yielded talents such as C.J. Fite, Keith Abney II, and Montana Warren
ASU Recruiting Classes Under Dillingham | Overall National Rank (247 Sports) |
|---|---|
2023 | 37 |
2024 | 43 |
2025 | 60 |
2026 | 37 |
Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on why the bright future of the football program isn’t dimmed by the loss to Arizona here.
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Kevin Hicks is an Arizona State alumni and now serves as the Arizona State Beat Writer On SI.