The Emporia State football team announced a 36-member signing class on national signing day Wednesday. The class includes nine players from the state of Kansas. 25 signees are high school players while 11 transfers are heading to Emporia. The Kansas signees include:
Rylan Crowell, defensive back/athlete, Emporia – Second Team All-Centennial League running back, All-State Honorable Mention at defensive back for the Spartans.
Kasen Parsons, linebacker, Osage City – Three-time All-State selection at linebacker for Indians. 1st Team All-Flint Hills League quarterback and punter with over 6,000 total offensive yards in his career.
Brady Alonzo, offensive lineman, Chanute – First Team All-State and All-SEK on offensive and defensive line.
Callen Barta, defensive back, Topeka – Transfers from Kansas State for his sophomore season. Two-time All-State at Seaman High School.
Tycen Biering, offensive lineman, Goddard – Transfers from Hutchinson CC for his junior season. Played for two Blue Dragon teams that made runs to NJCAA national championship game winning one.
Carter Hajek, running back, Seneca – Three-time Class 2A Offensive Player of the Year (Eagle) and the state all-time record holder for career touchdowns and second in state history for career rushing yards at Nemaha Central High School.
Cooper McGowen, linebacker, Ellsworth – First Team All-NCAA at tight end and linebacker as junior and senior with 160 career tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks with 475 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
Jordey Pierce, stinger back, Arkansas City – Four-time All-State honoree and was Second Team All-AVCTL DII as senior for Bulldogs with 5,666 yards passing and 43 touchdowns while running for over 900 yards on the ground with 13 rushing scores.
Ty Willits, defensive back, Maize – First Team All-AVCTL DI for Eagles with 35 tackles, two interceptions and 20 pass breakups as senior. All-State on basketball court and led Maize to third place state finish as junior.
The class also includes wide receiver Teaguen Collins, the younger brother of current Hornet Trenden Collins, and quarterback Carter Ricke, the younger brother of current Hornet Caden Ricke and former Hornet Chase Ricke.
The coaching staff will further detail the class at its Signing Day Bash Wednesday night at Champions Landing. Head coach Garin Higgins says its the best way to get excited for Hornet football in 2026.
The event is open to the public with a social hour beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a short program to review the class beginning at 6:45 p.m.
