WILBERFORCE, Ohio — Central State Football announced the addition of its 2026 recruiting class, a group that reflects the program's continued commitment to building through academic excellence, in-state relationships, and physical roster development.
The combined freshman and transfer classes represent a major step forward for the Marauders in both talent acquisition and culture. The true freshman class produced a 3.1 average GPA, underscoring an emphasis on academic accountability and high-character student-athletes. Multiple signees bring all-state recognition, while others arrive with proven production and significant developmental upside.
A central priority in this cycle was strengthening recruiting pipelines across Ohio, and the results are clear. A large portion of the class hails from Ohio high schools, reinforcing the program's commitment to building a strong in-state foundation in one of the best recruiting states in the country.
From a roster construction standpoint, Central State addressed key areas of need, particularly in the trenches. More than 20 total players were added across the offensive and defensive lines, providing increased size, depth, and competition. The quarterback room gained added competition and long-term stability, while the running back room added two developmental pieces. The wide receiver corps welcomes three new playmakers, and two tight ends enhance offensive versatility.
On defense, the secondary saw seven additions to improve coverage depth and competitive balance. Special teams also received a boost with four specialists added to strengthen a critical phase of the game.
The transfer class adds immediate experience and proven production, including several all-conference caliber performers who raise the competitive floor of the roster and provide leadership for a young team.
Overall, the 2026 recruiting class sets a strong cultural and competitive tone as Central State continues to build a roster of smart, fast, physical football players focused on long-term program growth.
The 2026 class features several high-impact signees and transfers who bring both proven production and high-level pedigree to Wilberforce.
On the offensive line, Marquis Whipple (Glenville HS, OH) arrives as a three-star prospect from one of Ohio's most respected high school programs. Whipple brings physicality, length, and competitive toughness to the trenches and projects as a foundational piece for the Marauders' offensive front.
In the secondary, Jaylen Burrell (St. Frances Academy, MD) joins the Marauders as the No. 23 ranked player in the state of Maryland. A three-star safety from Baltimore powerhouse St. Frances Academy, Burrell brings elite competition experience, physicality, and coverage ability. Chose the Marauders over several high profile power four programs.
At quarterback, Arvell Nelson (Glenville HS, OH) is a two-time state champion who chose Central State over Kent State and Youngstown State. Nelson brings winning pedigree, leadership, and long-term upside to the quarterback room.
Special teams received a major addition with Kofi Adubofuor (Cincinnati, OH), who broke both district and Lakota West High School records with a 56-yard field goal. One of the top kickers in Ohio with consistent touchbacks, Adubofuor selected Central State over Ohio University and Southern Miss.
Offensively, Daequan Lindsey (Columbus East HS, OH) provides an athletic, versatile presence at tight end. Lindsey's combination of size, movement skills, and pass-catching ability enhances the Marauders' offensive flexibility.
The transfer class adds immediate impact and experience across multiple position groups.
Defensive back Deon Rebers (West Texas A&M) comes from a Division II power program and brings physical coverage ability and collegiate experience to the secondary.
Along the defensive line, Jay Morrow (Austin Peay) adds size, strength, and FCS-level experience, helping solidify depth and rotation in the trenches.
Up front on offense, Ashton Allman (Campbell University) brings massive size at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, along with FCS college-tested strength and physicality.
At quarterback, Moe Williams (Sussex County CC) arrives as the No. 7-ranked JUCO quarterback in the nation, providing dynamic playmaking ability and immediate competition.
Joining him is Jackson Wasik (Kentucky Christian University), who averaged over 300 passing yards per game, threw for 29 touchdowns, and earned Co-Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference quarterback honors in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
True Freshman Class of 2026
Quarterbacks
Arvell Nelson — Glenville HS (OH)
Marlin Engram — Akron East HS (OH)
Running Backs
Amari Davison — Robbinsdale Cooper HS (MN)
Kaleb Jenkins — Columbus Area HS (OH)
Wide Receivers
Jaysen Quartey — KIPP Columbus (OH)
Emmanuel Towns — Linden McKinley (OH)
Tight Ends
Daequan Lindsey — Columbus East HS (OH)
Laterrian Spencer — DuPont Manual HS (KY)
Offensive Line
Evan Gooden — Cass Tech (MI)
Brandon Bell — Westerville North HS (OH)
Logan Hayes — Canton McKinley HS (OH)
Marquis Whipple — Glenville HS (OH)
Danny Curry III — Bedford HS (OH)
Antonio Stowers — Cleveland Rhodes HS (OH)
Makai Maddrey — Walnut Ridge HS (OH)
Noah Mitchell — St. Frances Academy (MD)
Defensive Line / Edge
Karmello Williams — Glenville HS (OH)
Nasir Harmon — Westland HS (OH)
KenYae Garland — St. Frances Academy (MD)
Harrison Bradley — River Valley HS (OH)
Sherwin Armistead — Beechcroft HS (OH)
Te'shun Bosley — KIPP Columbus (OH)
Linebackers
Carson Kinnaird — Bath HS (OH)
Jonathan Spikes — Benedictine HS (OH)
Defensive Backs
Jordan Reed-Davis — Hilliard Bradley HS (OH)
Darion Matlock — Columbus East HS (OH)
Jaylen Burrell — St. Frances Academy (MD)
Lee'Sean Saunders — Walnut Ridge HS (OH)
Trayon Williams — Massillon HS (OH)
Du'shun Bosley — KIPP Columbus (OH)
Specialists
Kofi Adubofuor — Kicker — Cincinnati (OH)
Cameron Harmon — Long Snapper — Willard HS (OH)
Mid-Year Transfer Class
Quarterbacks
Jackson Wasik — Kentucky Christian University
Moe Williams — Sussex County CC
Wide Receiver
Chase Yerman — University of the Redlands
Offensive Line
Willie Morton Jr. — Brevard College
Ashton Allman — Campbell University
Henrique Smith — Fort Valley State
DeAndre Copeland — Bethel University
Defensive Line
Luca Kerridge
Jay Morrow — Austin Peay
Nehemiah Alexander — Judson University
Linebacker
Jahkeyleon Baker — Judson University
Defensive Back
Deon Rebers — West Texas A&M
Specialists
John Link — Iowa Central CC
Carson Goulet — Wittenberg University
