DELAND, Fla. – Coming off the first season of the Mike Jasper era, Stetson Football continued to build toward the future on National Signing Day, announcing a strong group of mid-year additions along with its early 2026 high school signees on Wednesday.
The newest class reflects the next step in the program's growth following a season that marked the beginning of a new chapter in DeLand. In year one under Jasper, the Hatters showed progress on the field while laying the foundation for sustained success, and Wednesday's additions continue that upward trajectory by addressing immediate needs and strengthening long-term depth across the roster.
The mid-year offensive group brings experience and versatility to key positions. Quarterback Tom Von Grote arrives from North Texas, adding FBS experience and competition under center. The Hatter backfield welcomes DJ Manns, a West Palm Beach, Florida native transferring back to his home state from Valparaiso, while the receiving corps adds multiple experienced options in James Penley (College of DuPage), Kai Pruitt (UTEP), and Landon Farco (Arkansas), a trio that brings a mix of size, speed, and experience to the perimeter.
On the defensive side, Stetson added depth and physicality throughout the front seven and secondary. Defensive linemen Casey Bending (College of DuPage), Caleb Larson (Valencia HS), and Kaiel Stewart (Ferris State) bolster the interior, while edge defenders Joseph Doston (Copiah-Lincoln CC) and Marshall Hefner (Tulsa) bring athleticism and pass-rushing potential. Linebacker Cayden Homan joins the Hatters from Santa Rosa Community College, adding range and experience to the middle of the defense.
The secondary sees an influx of talent with the additions of Dayne Rose (LA Valley College), Jamo Jean (Concordia–St. Paul), Dre'Monti Jackson (CSU Pueblo), and Kyle Clayton (Alabama), providing depth, versatility, and experience across multiple positions. On special teams, long snapper Gavin Hall transfers from Towson, adding stability and consistency.
Stetson also secured a promising group of early 2026 high school signees from talent-rich regions across the country. The offensive additions include running backs Chase Bonta (Jamestown, N.Y.), Lovensky Blanchard (Fort Myers, Fla.), and Ollie Howell (Cullman, Ala.), along with wide receivers Vahn Arzoumanian (IMG Academy) and Landon Green (Venice HS), and quarterback Braxton Howard (Hollow Rock–Bruceton Central).
Defensively, the 2026 class features defensive backs Anthony "AJ" Casseus (Coral Glades HS), Alex Eldredge (Parrish Community HS), and Mack Gaddis (Jefferson HS), along with linebacker Bryan Sardinas (Taylor County HS). Up front, the Hatters added size and physicality on the defensive line with Byron White (Park Vista Community HS), Cole Wetherington (Venice HS), Alex Schafer (Merritt Island HS), and Jack Talley (Riverdale Ridge HS), a Thornton, Colorado native who adds another long-term developmental piece in the trenches.
"We are excited to add some phenomenal young men, not only to our program, but to the entire Stetson family and the community of DeLand," Jasper said. "Our focus was to address immediate needs that were discovered in my first season here, while also adding young men who fit the program and can continue to build on the foundation established in year zero. There is so much promise as we continue building this program into a success on and off the field."
With spring football approaching, the newest Hatters represent the next phase of growth as Stetson Football continues to build momentum under Jasper's leadership.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
