AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific University football announced its 2026 signing class Wednesday, adding a balanced group of student-athletes that brings experience, athleticism, and leadership across all position groups.
The class features a mix of transfers and incoming first-year students, including seasoned collegiate contributors, multi-sport standouts, and high-character competitors who align with the Cougars' culture on and off the field.

Defensive Backs

Austin Abrahams | DB | Valley Christian HS
A former quarterback and All-Ironwood League First Team selection, Abrahams brings football IQ and competitiveness to the secondary.
"Austin is a smart football player… with a relentless work ethic and someone who truly embodies our culture at APU," said DBs coach Thomas Webb.

Donovan Beckom | DB | Cathedral HS / Fort Hays State
A lockdown corner who earned All-League First Team honors, Defensive MVP recognition, and recorded seven interceptions at Cathedral HS.
"Donovan brings experience, leadership, and a true competitor's mindset," Webb said.

Cade Campos | DB | Del Oro HS
A multi-sport athlete currently competing in track, Campos adds speed and discipline.
"He brings competitiveness and athleticism that will translate to the field," Webb said.

Tommy Chance | DB | Cal Lutheran / Oakdale HS
A decorated multi-sport athlete and team captain at Oakdale HS, Chance earned multiple league MVP and DPOY honors.
"Tommy is an athletic defensive back with a very high ceiling," Webb said.

Aldo Olweny | DB | Arkansas–Pine Bluff / Grossmont College
Recorded 34 tackles and one interception in seven games as a freshman at Grossmont College.
"Aldo brings great length, experience, and energy that lifts everyone around him," Webb said.

Defensive Line

A.J. Diaz | DL | Western New Mexico / Tustin HS
An explosive and versatile lineman.
"AJ brings passion, energy, and a high motor to our defensive line room," said DL coach Tony Torres.

Marko Luera | DL | New Mexico / Glendora HS
A physically strong lineman who played both sides of the ball in high school.
"Marko's toughness and commitment to faith, family, and community make him an immediate impact," said
Bo Beatty.

Aaron Montes | DL | Cal Lutheran / Eleanor Roosevelt HS
A physical presence with an aggressive style of play.
"Aaron brings a welcome edge and high-tempo energy," Torres said.

Ryan Pastran | DL | La Verne / Pasadena City College
A veteran lineman with collegiate experience.
"Ryan adds immediate explosiveness and leadership," Torres said.

Linebackers

Jedi Gbaja-Biamila | LB | Mt. San Jacinto / New Lutheran
A dynamic athlete with elite physical tools.
"His combination of speed, power, and maturity will make him a force," Beatty said.

Jeshua Hennerty | LB | Rowland HS
A Defensive Player of the Year and All-CIF SS selection.
"Jeshua is a leader and excellent communicator," said LB coach Joey Hartnett.

Dane Schultz | LB | Troy HS
A high-character defender with developmental upside.
"We're excited about Dane's growth and impact," Hartnett said.

Offensive Line

Louie Aguilar | OL | East Los Angeles College / Garfield HS
A veteran lineman with extensive experience.
"Louie is an incredibly hard worker who adds valuable experience," said OL coach Mark Pasquarella.

Michael Juarez | OL | Lake Erie / Pasadena City College / St. Genevieve
Helped PCC win an American Division Championship Bowl in 2024.
"Michael's leadership and work ethic will help establish our culture," Pasquarella said.

Aren Monk | OL | University of Jamestown / Capital HS
A center with versatility and long-term potential.
"Aren adds flexibility and upside to our offensive line," Pasquarella said.

Quarterbacks

Sawyer Bray | QB | Classical Academy HS
2024 Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Pacific League selection.
"Sawyer's work ethic and football knowledge will benefit our program," said head coach Mark Speckman.

Miguel Larios | QB | Chadron State / Victor Valley College / Hesperia HS
A veteran quarterback with college experience.
"Miguel adds leadership and explosiveness to our offense," Speckman said.

Brandon Valencia | QB | East Los Angeles College / John Muir HS
An athletic quarterback with game experience.
"Brandon's positive attitude and love for the game make him a great fit," Speckman said.

Running Backs

Quitten Chandler | RB
A physical runner with elite pad level.
"His toughness and low center of gravity make him difficult to defend," said RB coach Craig Robbins.

CJ Zackery | RB | Cal Lutheran / La Mirada HS
A multi-sport athlete and Scholar Athlete Award recipient.
"CJ's versatility and conference familiarity will be valuable," Robbins said.

Tight Ends

Scott Clark | TE | Redlands / LA Valley College / Alhambra
A physical, veteran tight end.
"Scott brings toughness and versatility to our offense," Robbins said.

Colton Gray | TE | Glendora HS
Also appeared in five games for APU men's basketball as a true freshman.
"We're excited about Colton's athleticism and leadership," said AJ Parnell.

Javan Johnson | TE
A multi-sport athlete and campus leader.
"Javan's leadership and background add value to our program," Parnell said.

Wide Receivers

Noah Elhardouzi | WR | Lawrence University / Redondo Union
A dynamic playmaker with strong character.
"Noah brings value on and off the field," said WR coach Dakota Ridgeway.

Tyler Fogg | WR | Rose-Hulman / Canyon Hills
An explosive athlete with elite speed.
"Defenders will have a hard time keeping up with Tyler," Ridgeway said.

Sean O'Rourke | WR | Golden West College
A high-IQ receiver with strong academic and athletic traits.
"Sean exemplifies what we want in a student-athlete," Ridgeway said.

The Cougars' 2026 signing class reflects Azusa Pacific's commitment to building a competitive, disciplined, and values-driven program as the team prepares for the upcoming season.