There is no doubt the future is bright for Minot State University (MSU) football.

Coming off the best season in the program’s NCAA history, the Beavers bring in a huge and talented Class of 2025 – arguably the team’s best in more than a decade – to continue MSU’s march up the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) standings.

Joining seven transfers who already began class at MSU and were introduced last week, head coach Ian Shields is proud to introduce the incoming freshmen class of 42 recruits, a power-packed group of players featuring ten star student-athletes from right here in North Dakota.

“I’m very pleased with the quality and depth of this 2025 class,” Coach Shields said. “We have addressed all of our needs by position and set ourselves up well for future successes – both short- and long-term. We made a conscientious effort to recruit here in our own backyard – we’re gaining significant traction within the region and that is reflected in this class,” Shields added. “In addition, we have aggressively maintained a national presence that has been critical to our turnaround. The bottom line is we’re bringing in high-character young men from all over who are serious about their education, have the ability and measurables to win the NSIC, and have a sincere passion for the game.”

A recruiting class of 42 new MSU student-athletes who will be freshmen in the classroom and on the gridiron this fall.

A group featuring 9 two-sports athletes as seven of the new Beavers will compete in track and field and two will wrestle.

A group that saw 40 with GPAs above 3.0 and 20 with a GPA of 3.5 or better in high school.

A group featuring the sons of three former MSU players.

A group from 14 states (North Dakota, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Montana, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, Washington, and Alaska) and three Canadian Providences (Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

“I would like to thank our entire staff, led by our recruiting coordinator Mike Famiglietti, for their tireless efforts in bringing in a class that is capable of competing for championships,” Minot State’s coach said. “I would also like to thank our faculty, administration, support staff, and – most importantly – our players for their support and involvement in this process – it takes all of us to get where we’re going.”

Here is a look at the newest members of the Minot State football program:

Khaliel Abdurrahman, a 5-10, 170-pound cornerback from Bottineau HS in Bottineau, North Dakota

Offensively, Khaliel amassed 1,262 yards with 14 touchdowns. Defensively, he had 62 tackles with 1 sack and 9 tackles for a loss along with 2 interceptions and forcing 4 fumbles. He is a 2-time All-Region performer and earned All-State honors this past season. He also holds the Bottineau High School record for receptions in a single season with 52. Khaliel also played hockey, baseball, and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Khaliel is a talented young man from right here in our backyard. We’re excited about Khaliel’s athleticism and upside. He will be a dual-sport athlete here at Minot State.

Taven Backman, a 5-11, 180-pound safety from Minot HS in Minot, North Dakota

Coach Ian Shields comments: Taven brings speed and toughness. We have great familiarity with him being from Minot, and his brother Camden is also on our team. Trevor intends to major in Management and also competed in track and field in high school.

Samuel Benson, a 6-3, 250-pound defensive lineman from Underwood HS in Underwood, North Dakota

Benson made 69 tackles with 6 sacks and 9 tackles for a loss this past season. He also forced a fumble, had an interception, and recovered 4 fumbles. A varsity player all four years, he was named Rookie of the Year as a freshman, most improved defensive lineman, best defensive lineman, and an All-Region offensive lineman as a sophomore, best defensive lineman, All-Region offensive lineman, and All-State 2nd Team defensive lineman as a junior, and to the All-Region Team as a senior. Academically he was named to the Region 4 All-Academic Team and to the President’s list honor roll (3.8-4.0 GPA) all four years. Samuel intends to major in Chemistry and also played basketball in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Samuel is a North Dakota product who really impressed us this past summer at multiple camps. He has a great frame and work ethic; he has a high ceiling on the defensive line.

George Bradley, a 5-11, 240-pound defensive lineman from Standing Rock Community HS in Fort Yates, North Dakota

George had 64 tackles (38 solo, 25 assists) with 5 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss, along with forcing 5 fumbles last season. Geroge also played basketball and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: George is a local product that came to our Big-Man camp and really impressed our staff. He is physical, gives great effort, has a positive attitude, and plays hard.

Graden Buckhanan, a 5-10, 190-pound slot back/safety from Gunnison HS in Gunnison, Colorado

Graden ran for 1,244 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 6 games last season. He was the Western Slope runner-up Player of the Year, Western Slope Returner of the Year, and Intermountain Defensive Back of the Year. Graden ranks 17th all-time in Colorado history in rushing yards per game at 420 ypg. Academically named First Team All-State. Grady intends to major in Corporate Fitness and also played baseball and hockey in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Graden is the younger brother of Sam, our current B-Back, and is a prospect with great position flexibility that could translate to either side of the ball.”

Kendale Cade, a 5-10, 175-pound wide receiver from Casa Grande Union HS in Casa Grande, Arizona

Kendale was a two-time First Team All-Region selection, Casa Grande’s 2024 Team MVP, and earned All-State honorable mention honors. Kendale also ran track and field and twice competed in state in the 4×100 relay and in the 100 meters.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Kendale is a playmaker out of Arizona that brings tremendous ball skills and speed (10.8 seconds 100 in the meters as a junior) to the WR position. A dual-sport athlete, he has a bright future here in the Magic City.

Gage Cavanaugh, a 6-0, 190-pound quarterback from Ore City HS in Ore City, Texas

Gage ran for 521 yards and 10 touchdowns while also passing for 768 yards and 7 more TDS last season for Ore City as he was a unanimous 1st Team All-Conference pick at quarterback and also earned Academic All-District honors. Gage intends to major in Exercise Science and also played baseball, basketball, tennis, and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Gage is a 5-sport athlete from East Texas who can do it all; he’s a dual-threat quarterback who has been highly productive in a similar style of play. He’s tough and talented, which is a good combination.

Nick Cook, a 6-0, 270-pound offensive lineman from Bishop James Mahoney in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Nick was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year last season. Nick intends to major in Criminal Justice and also wrestled in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Nick is a legacy athlete as his dad played at Minot State, and he is one of three Canadians in this class. Nick will bring quality depth to our offensive line.

Samuel Eddy, a 6-5, 220-pound tight end from Rock Springs HS in Rock Springs, Wyoming

Samuel had 54 tackles with 13 sacks, an interception return for a touchdown, and 9 pass breakups as he earned All-Conference honors this past season. Samuel intends to major in Physical Therapy and also played basketball and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Our lone Wyoming recruit in this class, Sam is an athletic and explosive big kid with some length. His best football is in front of him and he will develop into a great one.

Christian Faletoi, a 6-1, 210-pound linebacker from Anchorage West HS in Anchorage, Alaska

Coach Ian Shields comments: Christian is an outstanding linebacker who we anticipate doing great things. He was the State Defensive Player of the Year in Alaska as a senior. He flies around the field and plays with an edge.

Jaden Ferguson, a 6-1, 270-pound offensive lineman from Centennial HS in Burleson, Texas

Coach Ian Shields comments: Jaden is an outstanding offensive lineman prospect out of Burleson, Texas. He has great feet, is athletic, tough, quick, and plays at a low pad level. Jaden is a dual-sport athlete and a district wrestling champion.

Tristen Fitzpatrick, a 6-2, 190-pound wide receiver from Blue Ridge HS in St. George, Virginia

Tristen is a two-time All -BRAC Conference player, a two-time All-State player, and a two-time All-Central Virginia player.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Tristen is a big wide receiver who has speed and physicality out of Virginia. With development and commitment he could really turn into something special.

Jaden Fox, a 5-10, 210-pound B-back from Key West HS in Key West, Florida

Jaden rushed for 2,004 rush yards and 22 touchdowns on offense and had 50-plus tackles and 2 interceptions this past season. Jaden was named Monroe County Player of the Year, to the FHSAA 3A All-State Team, and was named a Scholar Athlete. Jaden intends to major in Health and Sports Management and also wrestled and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Jaden was one of the most productive running backs in Florida this past season as he rushed for more than 2,000 yards in coach John Hughes’ Conch-Bone offense at Key West. Jaden is fast and physical with a GPA over 4.0.

Ngonkra Fuangunyi, a 5-11, 195-pound slot back from Empire HS in Tucson, Arizona

Ngonkra rushed for 1,177 yards with 11 touchdowns and a 7.3 yard per carry average as he was named the Region Offensive Player of the Year in Tucson for football and was a 1st Team All-Region. He also was the 3A Conference Player of the Year in soccer and a 1st Team All-Conference and All-Region performer. Ngonkra intends to major in Chemistry and also played soccer and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Ngonkra is a talented running back from Arizona with excellent speed and size. He is a three-sport athlete who ran track (11.0 seconds in the 100 meters) and played soccer (Empire HS’s leading goal scorer).

Deacon Gackle, a 6-0, 220-pound linebacker from Fairview HS in Fairview, Montana

Deacon had 122 total tackles with 90 solo tackles and is a two-time All-State player and a two-time State Champion. Academically he was named All-State all four years. Deacon intends to major in Finance and also played basketball and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Deacon is another legacy athlete as his dad, Derek, played at Minot State. A 2-time State Champion out of Fairview, Montana, he is an explosive and strong linebacker from Carson Cayko’s hometown.

Mason Haertel, a 6-0, 210-pound slot back/B-back from Brighton HS in Brighton, Utah

Coach Ian Shields comments: Mason is a big, fast, physical running back out of Utah who can really run (11.0 seconds in the 100 meters). Mason is a very versatile player who will make an impact here at Minot State.

Ben Hagan, a 6-1, 210-pound linebacker from Plentywood HS in Plentywood, Montana

Offensively, Ben ran for 782 yards on 151 carries with 12 touchdowns and 3 2-point conversions, and caught 28 passes for 454 yards and for 6 touchdowns. As a kick returner he had 19 returns for 348 yards and a touchdown and returned 4 punts for 69 yards. Defensively he had 74.5 tackes, including 39 solo tackles, with 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 forced fumble. He earned 2nd Team All-Conference Offense and Defense honors as a junior team captain, and earned All-State honors, 1st Team All-Conference offense and 2nd Team All-Conference honors as a senior team captain. Ben set the Plentywood High School record for most points scored in a game with 36 points and became just the 5th player in school history to score over 100 points in a season with 104 as a junior and 120 as a senior. Academically, Ben earned All-State honors in football, basketball, and track and field all four years. Ben intends to major in Sports Management and also played basketball and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Ben is another kid from Montana who we see with upside. He’s tough, has good size, runs well; Ben could really develop into something special.

Jordan Hernandez, a 5-10, 190-pound slot back from Alexander HS in Alexander, North Dakota

Jordan amassed 1,350 total yards of offense and scored 20 touchdowns for Alexander. He is a 4-time All- Region Second Team selection, was All-State his senior season, and named Athlete of the Year for Region 6 as a senior. Academically he also was named to the honor roll. Jordan intends to major in Business.

Coach Ian Shields comments: We saw Jordan multiple times on the camp circuit this past summer, he has the tools to be an excellent slot in our offensive system.

Dylan Huber, a 6-4, 260-pound defensive lineman from Minot HS in Minot, North Dakota

Dylan had 19 tackles (6 solo and 13 assists) with 4 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss this past season. Dylan was named an All-State player 2023 and 2024, and an All-WDA player in 2023 and 2024. Dylan intends to major in Entrepreneurship and also played basketball and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Dylan is a local product who was a very high priority for us to keep here at home. He has the size, athleticism, and power to be an impact performer.

Luke Johnston, a 6-4, 260-pound defensive lineman from Jesuit HS in Carmichael, California

Luke had 20 tackles in 5 games this past season. Luke intends to major in Business and also played rugby in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Luke is a long and athletic defensive lineman who will compete. We’re excited to get the Johnston twins out of Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California.

Wade Johnston, a 6-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Jesuit HS in Carmichael, California

Wade was named All-SFL Honorable Mention this past season. Wade intends to major in Business and also played rugby in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Wade is a big and athletic offensive lineman who loves to compete. We’re excited to get the Johnston twins out of Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California.

Vila Jozama, a 6-1, 180-pound safety/cornerback from Fort Lauderdale HS in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Offensively, Vila had 248 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns, rushed for 385 yards with 6 touchdowns, and 415 passing yards with 5 touchdowns. Defensively, he added 39 tackles with 6 interceptions, returned 2 for touchdowns, and forced 2 fumbles. Vita was named Team MVP, led the team in interceptions, touchdowns, and tackles. Vila intends to major in Business Administration and also competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Vila is a very long, fluid, and athletic defensive back out of South Florida. He has a high upside; he will be a tremendous addition to our secondary.

Messi Kalenda, a 6-3, 260-pound defensive lineman from East Grand Forks HS in Grand Forks, Minnesota

Messi played in 11 games and was named to the All-Section Team this past season. Messia also played basketball and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: We worked with Messi at multiple camps this past year and were impressed with his traits. He is a hard worker, explosive, tough, coachable, and bright. He threw the shot 52 feet, as well, at East Grand Forks.

Samuel Larson, a 6-2, 315-pound offensive lineman from Bismarck HS in Bismarck, North Dakota

Samuel was a North Dakota AAA All-State selection this past season. Samuel intends to major in Finance.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Samuel is another home-grown North Dakota kid. Sam is a force up front on the offensive line with size, strength, and aggression. He projects as a guard in our system who will play with force and change the line of scrimmage.

Nicholas Lauc, a 6-1, 265-pound offensive lineman from Shakopee HS in Shakopee, Minnesota

Nicholas intends to major in Accounting.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Nicholas will have a smooth transition to our offensive style coming from Shakopee High School’s flexbone. He is athletic, quick, physical, sudden at the point of attack, and plays well in space.

RJ Livingston, 6-0, 195-pound safety from Buchholz HS in Gainesville, Florida

RJ had 80 tackles with 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, and he forced 2 fumbles. RJ also was named to the honor roll at Buchholz. RJ intends to major in Biology Pre-Med and also competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: RJ is a quality safety who could compete early. He is a 4.0-plus GPA student from Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida, one of the better programs in the region. This guy is a “ballplayer.”

Jett Lundeen, a 6-1, 190-pound quarterback/athlete from Bishop Ryan HS in Minot, North Dakota

Jett threw for 2,096 yards and 35 touchdowns this past season and added 471 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns for Bishop Ryan. Jett is a 3-time All-State performer, a 4-time All-Region performer, and a Midco game ball winner. Academically he is a 4-time Highest Honor award winner. Jett intends to major in Business and also played basketball, baseball, and golf in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Jett is a talented, multi-sport athlete from Bishop Ryan High School who we’re thrilled has “stayed home.” He is a dual-threat quarterback who also adds some position flexibility. He adds value as an athlete and competitor.

Ryan Lynch, a 6-0, 240-pound defensive back/linebacker from Cypress Springs HS in Cypress Springs, Texas

Ryan was named the District Defensive MVP this past season.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Ryan is a force up front on defense. He will make a difference here with his quickness, power, agility, and tenacity on the defensive line. Ryan also wrestled and competed in track and field in high school.

Kai Nguyen, a 6-2, 315-pound offensive lineman from Patricia E. Paetow HS in Katy Texas

Kai was a 1st Team All-District performer and is a two-time Academic All-District award winner.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Kai is an interior offensive line from Katy, Texas who is highly regarded. He is big, athletic, physical, has loose hips, and is a finisher.

Logan Nibbelin, a 6-2, 270-pound offensive lineman from Naples HS in Naples, Florida

Logan is a 1st Team All-Conference performance who also earned All-State honorable mention honors this past season. He had the strongest 3 lift in Naples history and is the first 4-year starter in Naples High School history.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Logan is an extremely powerful, athletic, explosive offensive lineman who power cleans 390 pounds and has good size. He has played in a similar style at Naples and loves the taste of football.

Julian Prime, a 5-11, 212-pound slot back/B-back from Edgewater HS in Orlando, Florida

Julian scored 14 touchdowns and averaged 6.8 yards per carry this past season. He also was named to the A/B honor roll. Julian intends to major in Business Management and also competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Julian has been a productive running back at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, a very strong Florida football factory. Julian has the ability and size to play either slot or B-back.

Kevin Reyes, a 6-0, 260-pound offensive lineman from Fleming Island HS in Fleming Island, Florida

Kevin is a 1st Team All-County center, All-District performer, and was named the NFT-Jax Lineman of the Week. Kevin also is a two-time weightlifting state champion, and an All-State wrestler. Academically, he is a member of the National Honor Society, an AICE Graduate, captain of the Top 7 Marine Science Competition Team in Florida, and a 4-year member of the Honor Roll. Kevin intends to major in International Business and also wrestled and competed in weightlifting in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Kevin is a unique talent on the offensive line. He projects as a center in our system. He is powerful, exceptionally quick, and appropriately violent and nasty. Kevin also was undefeated as a heavyweight wrestler.

Alex Roberts, a 6-0, 180-pound slot back from Kennewick HS in Kennewick, Washington

Alex amassed 1,480 total yards of offensive, is a three-time All-Conference performance, and a two-time team Offensive MVP. He also holds the Kennewick High School record in the 100 meters. Alex intends to major in Computer Science and also competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Alex is a dynamic and talented running back out of Kennewick, Washington. He has the unique combination of size and speed (10.8 seconds in the 100 meters as a junior) we are looking for at slot.

Tyree Rogers, a 6-1, 220-pound linebacker from Cimarron-Memorial HS in Las Vegas, Nevada

Tyler had 90 tackles with 4 sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown this past season. He was named an All-Desert League Inside Linebacker this past season, was the 2023 and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, and earned the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders Impact Player Award. Academically he maintained a 3.0 GPA throughout high school. Tyree intends to major in Marketing and also wrestled and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Tyree is one of the more sought-after recruits we’ve signed in this class; a talented linebacker out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Tyree has the size and ability to make an impact early in his career.

Xavier Sanders, a 6-1, 175-pound cornerback from Pinnacle HS in Phoenix, Arizona

Xavier was a 1st Team All-Conference performer who received 12 NCAA Division II offers.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Xavier is a talented cornerback out of Phoenix; he is long, athletic, physical, confident, and loose. Xavier was a highly recruited young man who saw the vision of what we’re building here at Minot State.

Brant Stead, a 6-0, 190-pound quarterback from Harry Ainlay HS in Edmonton, Alberta

Coach Ian Shields comments: Brant is a dual-threat quarterback out of Edmonton who led his team to a National Championship in Canada. He is a competitive and dynamic multi-sport athlete with tools who ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at our camp. Brant intends to major in Marketing and also wrestled and competed in track and field in high school.

Matthew Su’a, 6-0, 205-pound linebacker from Cimarron-Memorial HS in Las Vegas, Nevada

Matthew ran for 391 yards and 8 touchdowns, threw for 648 yards with 4 touchdowns, and had 418 receiving yards with 4 touchdown catches. He earned First Team All-League honors at fullback and as a punter, was a 2nd Team Offensive Player of the Year, and earned honorable mention honors at quarterback. Matthew also was named to the AB honor roll. Matthew intends to major in Business and also bowled, played basketball and volleyball in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Matt is another exciting Las Vegas prospect who will be a fine addition to our linebacker room. Matt has tremendous instincts and a high football IQ; it will be fun to see him develop here.

Logan Thompson, a 5-10, 170-pound wide receiver/safety from Berthold HS in Berthold, North Dakota

Offensively, Logan had 95 carries for 771 yards and 10 touchdowns as he averaged 8.16 yards per carry. He also caught 11 passes for 138 yards and 3 touchdowns with a 12.55 yards per catch average. Also a kick-returner, he had 4 kick returns for 64 yards and 4 punt returns for 112 yards. Logan finished the past season with 1,085 all-purpose yards. Defensively, he had 82 tackles with 8 tackles for a loss with 1 interception, 1 safety, broke up 6 passes, forced 2 fumbles, and recovered 2 fumbles. He was named Berthold’s Season MVP, is a two-time Offensive MPV, a two-time All-Conference and All-Region performer, and earned All-State honorable mention honors. Academically he also Highest Honors all four years. Logan intends to major in Biology and also played basketball, baseball, and competed in track and field in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Logan is another local product who we’re excited is joining the program. He has great position flexibility and has been well developed by Coach Paul Rudolph.

Tiago Tillock, a 6-2, 290-pound offensive lineman from Huron Heights Secondary School in Keswick, Ontario

Tiago was named the 2024 offensive line MVP at Huron Heights and named 1st Team all-Ontario in 2023 and 2024. Tiago intends to major in International Business and also played rugby in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: Tiago is a big and talented offensive lineman who has the size and skill-set to play any of the five positions up front. Has played in the flexbone at Huron Heights in Keswick, Ontario, so he’s been well prepared.

Haven Wade, a 6-2, 285-pound offensive lineman from Dawson County HS in Glendive, Montana

Haven had 16 tackles with 2 sacks in 10 games on defense, and offensively he was named All-State at guard and earned 1st Team All-Conference honors. He also was named 2nd Team All-Conference at defensive tackle, selected for the 2025 Montana Shrine Game, and was the varsity captain. Academically, he earned Academic All-State honors all four years and was named Valedictorian of Class of 2025. Haven intends to major in Exercise Science and also played basketball in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: We’re fired up Haven has finally signed; he has been committed for quite some time after seeing him in camps this past summer. Haven is a big, physical, and powerful offensive lineman who will get after it.

Justin Williams, a 6-1, 190-pound quarterback/athlete from Klein Forest HS in Houston, Texas

Coach Ian Shields comments: Justin has elite athleticism and speed. He has played quarterback, defensive back, and returner at Klein Forest High School in Houston, Texas. He also is an outstanding track athlete (10.8 seconds in the 100 meters, 21.6 seconds in the 200 meters as a junior). Justin is a potential difference-maker here in the Magic City.

Drew Zwak, a 5-10, 200-pound linebacker from Bishop Ryan HS in Minot, North Dakota

Drew had 100 tackles, including 50 solo tackles, had 1 sack and 10 tackles for a loss this past season. He is a three-time All-Region performer and earned All-State honors once. Academically he has earned Highest Honors four times, has been named to the Dean’s List, and earned Academic All-State honors all four years. Drew intends to major in Biology and Business Management and also wrestled and played baseball in high school.

Coach Ian Shields comments: A Magic City product out of Bishop Ryan High School, Drew is a tough and physical presence who has played both linebacker and fullback. He also is an outstanding wrestler who will be a dual-sport athlete here at Minot State.