SAN MARCOS– As of Wednesday evening, the Texas State Bobcats’ 2026 recruiting class ranks No. 2 in the Pac-12 and No. 61 nationally, according to 247Sports. Boise State currently leads the Pac-12 at No. 51 nationally.
National Signing Day for college football is Feb. 4, but Wednesday marked the opening of the early signing period, giving prospects a three-day window to sign their national letters of intent.
Texas State football signed the best recruiting class in program history Wednesday morning, announcing 19 signees for the Bobcats. Texas State struck gold with several high-level recruits — none bigger than the highest-rated player ever to commit to Texas State: four-star Kilgore wide receiver Lakeyleon “Key” Graves.
Head coach G.J. Kinne was able to land Graves by telling him he could become the Pac-12’s version of Travis Hunter next season. The comparison isn’t far-fetched. Graves showcased his versatility during his senior season at Kilgore, playing wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback, safety and edge rusher, while also returning punts and kickoffs.
Graves chose Texas State over Houston, Missouri and Wake Forest. At the time of his commitment in September, he was ranked as the nation’s No. 30 overall player.
“Key is obviously the headliner of the class,” Kinne said. “I really believe he’s a top-five player in the state. He doesn’t come off the field. It was really cool to go watch him play — offense, defense, punt return, kickoff — he really does everything.”
Kinne admitted he was excited when Graves committed but wasn’t fully confident the Bobcats would be able to retain him through signing day due to the heavy national attention he received.
“Early in the process I told the staff I didn’t know if we’d be able to hold onto him,” Kinne said. “He’s one of the top five players in the state. We just kept recruiting him. He’s not on social media a lot, he’s not on his phone much, and that helped us — but that didn’t stop other programs from coming after him. When he signed today, I felt a lot of relief. A lot of work went into getting that kid.”
Kinne credited his East Texas ties — where he played high school football — and Texas State’s family-oriented atmosphere as major factors in Graves’ decision. During Texas State’s bye week, Kinne traveled to East Texas to watch Graves play in person and meet his mother and family members.
Other Key Commitments
Xavier Warren, athlete, Georgetown — Speedy two-way playmaker who can line up at both wide receiver and cornerback. Texas State jumped on him early because of his elite athleticism and versatility. Three years ago, Kinne said a player like Warren would not have considered Texas State — now he’s a Bobcat with a chance to contribute early.
Cullen Thompson, defensive lineman — The highest-rated defensive lineman Texas State has ever signed. Elite burst, twitch and pass-rush instincts. Early enrollee who arrives in the spring. Needs to add weight, but his upside is enormous. Held offers from Baylor, UTSA, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, UNLV, Louisiana and Arkansas State.
Jussiah Ali, defensive tackle, Trinity Valley Community College — A San Antonio native and one of the top JUCO defensive linemen in the country. Quick first step and explosive play style similar to Tavian Coleman. His commitment surprised many due to the volume of offers he held.
Nathan Baudry, defensive end, Garden City Community College — A raw but high-motor defender from France who has not been playing football long. High ceiling and JUCO standout with strong developmental upside.
Terrance Brown, offensive lineman, Killeen Shoemaker — A powerful interior offensive lineman projected as a guard. Attended multiple Texas State games and built a strong relationship with the staff during the recruiting process.
Cameron Christian, defensive lineman, Kilgore — Graves’ teammate. Shorter in stature but dominates on the defensive line. One of the most impressive defenders Kinne evaluated while recruiting Graves.
Russell Crawford, tight end, Marshall — Big, athletic tight end with receiver-like movement. Developmental prospect originally from East Texas.
Dameon Crowe, wide receiver, Richardson — Speedy receiver from North Texas who adds explosion to the perimeter.
Darius David, linebacker, San Marcos (via San Antonio) — One of the most underrated defenders in this class. Poised to be a day-one rotational player with starter potential.
Jayden Flournoy, athlete, Burleson — Long, athletic defender who originally committed to North Texas before flipping to Texas State.
Dameon Crowe, wide receiver, Dallas-Fort Worth — Small but electric playmaker and highlight-reel receiver with big-play ability.
Juntavious Harris, running back, Euless Trinity — Elite speed back who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in just six games. Texas State’s top running back target in this cycle due to his vision, speed and return ability.
Teagan Lindsey, offensive lineman — True developmental prospect with high upside at the collegiate level.
Jayden Luckett, defensive back, California JUCO — High-ceiling defensive prospect with great length and wingspan. One of the top JUCO recruits in California.
Blake McLane, wide receiver, Frisco Emerson — Long-bodied wideout who excels on screens and deep routes. Ranked highly at Nike camps.
Eric Perkins, offensive lineman, Marshall — Big frame and long wingspan. Strong developmental lineman who can grow into his body at the college level.
Amari Smith, offensive lineman, Northwest Mississippi Community College — Originally signed with Mississippi State out of high school. One of the top-ranked JUCO offensive linemen in the country.
Easton Webb, quarterback, Sand Springs, Oklahoma — Also committed to Oklahoma State for baseball. Texas State stayed on him early and now gives him the opportunity to play both football and baseball in San Marcos.
Braylon Young, defensive lineman, Denton — Athletic defensive front prospect with strong growth potential.
Wide receiver Blake McLane and offensive lineman Eric Perkins were among those who officially signed during the early window.
