ABILENE — ACU head football coach Keith Patterson called this recruiting window the most challenging of his career. Still, he would welcome it again in late 2025 into early 2026 because It would mean the Wildcats had again reached the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs and played into December.
The ACU coaching staff packed a lot of recruiting work into a short amount of time because they led a team that won the United Athletic Conference championship, won the first NCAA Division I playoff game in program history, and reached the second round of the playoffs, where they played at eventual national champion North Dakota State on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The early signing date was on Monday, Dec. 2, which didn't leave the coaching staff much time to recruit while preparing for its first two playoff opponents. Not long after its season ended, the offensive staff took two blows when offensive coordinator Rick Bowie and wide receivers coach Steven Thrash left, leaving Patterson two coaches short on the recruiting trail.
Still, they were able to sign six players out of the NCAA Transfer Portal, led by quarterback Stone Earle, who returns home after playing the last three seasons at North Texas (2022 and 2023) and Marshall (2024) after starting his career and playing at ACU for two years (2020 and 2021).
Three key offensive linemen join Earle, filling a big hole on the ACU offense: Kaden Carr (Texas Tech) and Landon and Luke Roaten (Washington State). On the defensive side of the ball, Kortlin Rausaw brings his 6-3, 275-pound frame from North Texas to the ACU defensive line, and hard-hitting linebacker Zion Fonua transfers to ACU from Eastern Michigan after earning All-American honors at Tyler Junior College.
Patterson unveiled those eight transfers and 10 high school additions Wednesday during a press conference at ACU's Wildcat Stadium on National Signing Day. The Wildcats added 18 players to the roster, and Patterson said they would add "10-20 more" players from the transfer portal in May.
"We weren't finished playing until five days after the early signing period, so this has been a very challenging recruiting window, maybe the most challenging of my career," Patterson said. "But we brought in some young men at midyear who will be with us through spring football, and we believe they'll impact our team."
The three offensive linemen should immediately compete for the three open starting spots on the Wildcats' offensive line. ACU lost 6-5, 330-pound center Tay Yanta (transfer to North Texas), 6-4, 305-pound guard Jacob Thielen (graduation), and 6-3, 310-pound guard Alan Hatten (graduation). Their replacements could be Karr (6-6, 320 pounds), and the Roaten twins (Landon is 6-5, 300, while Luke checks in at 6-5, 285).
"We didn't know if we could get bigger on the offensive line than we were last year," Patterson said, "but I think we did. Kaden is a big kid who will be a great fit for us, and the Roaten twins are big, athletic kids who will help us. I'm excited about adding those three guys up front after losing the guys we lost."
Earle will battle last year's backups, Carson Haggard and Quayde Hawkins, for the starting spot in 2025. Haggard stepped into the starting lineup for ACU's first playoff game and helped the Wildcats to a 24-0 win over Northern Arizona as he threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Those quarterbacks will play in the Air Raid system as directed by new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, who joined the ACU staff last week.
Earle played in the system in 2023 under North Texas head coach Eric Morris, who coached with Mike Leach at Washington State in 2012 and then went to Lubbock, where he was the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech from 2013-17.
"The system that Stone played under at North Texas in 2023 is the same one he'll play under here, and that will help him a lot," Patterson said. "The system we're playing will help each one of our guys. We just want them to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers, and I don't know of a better guy to train those guys in how to do that than Graham Harrell."
Defensively, Patterson likes the intensity and versatility to play either inside linebacker or outside linebacker that Fonua will add to the roster and believes Kortlin Rausaw (6-3, 275-pound defensive lineman) will make an immediate impact on the defense.
Three of the high school signees stand out to Patterson: defensive lineman Cuvanti Crawford from Dallas Carter, wide receiver Brady McAdoo from Oklahoma Class 4A runner-up Tuttle High School and defensive lineman Okello Okello from Arlington Bowie.
McAdoo was the Prep Redzone 2024 Fans' Choice Player of the Year in Oklahoma, while Crawford helped the Cowboys to four playoff berths, and Okello terrorized Metroplex quarterbacks as a senior in 2024.
"Brady was one of the top players in Oklahoma," Patterson said. "He'll come here and have a great career because that's how he's wired. I love everything about him as a player.
"Okello gives us tremendous depth at the edge spot and great flexibility," Patterson said. "He can get after the quarterback and could make an impact. I really like Cuvanti. He's twitchy and long and a super kid. He's got a skillset that will remind our fans of (former NCAA Division II All-American and ACU Sports Hall of Fame member) Aston Whiteside. He's a guy who will impact the quarterback. He has a chance to be special."
Abilene Christian Football 2025 Signees
TRANSFERS
Kaden Carr: OL, soph-RS, Tr, 6-6, 320, Canadian, Texas (Lubbock-Cooper HS / Texas Tech) – Transfers to ACU after two seasons at Texas Tech under coach Joey McGuire. … Did not see any game action in 2024, but was named the Red Raiders' offensive scout team player of the week following their win over North Texas. … Redshirted his freshman campaign with his lone appearance coming in Texas Tech's Independence Bowl victory. … Consensus three-star prospect by the likes of 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN and On3. … Ranked as the No. 38 offensive guard in the country and the No. 94 player in the state of Texas by ESPN. … Listed as the No. 7 offensive guard in the state of Texas by Dave Campbell's Texas Football .… Four-year varsity letterwinner in high school … Led Lubbock-Cooper High School to the area round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs his senior season … Named a candidate for the final ballot of Whataburger Super Team presented by Dave Campbell's Texas Football. … Recognized as an All-District 2-5A second-team honoree on the offensive line. … Previously starred at Amarillo High School for his first three prep seasons. … The Sandies were a playoff team in each of his three varsity seasons. … Was a first team All-District 2-5A selection as an offensive lineman as a junior and played on both sides of the ball as a defensive end early in his high school career before concentrating on the offensive line beginning with his junior year. … Also participated in basketball during prep career, earning first team all-district honors as a junior. Full name is Kaden David Carr. … Born in Amarillo to parents Chad and Lori Carr. … Middle child of three with an older brother, Tyler, and younger brother, Brayden. … Tyler spent three seasons on the Texas Tech football team from 2017-19 as both a defensive lineman and a tight end.
Dallas Dudley: WR, jr, Tr, 6-2, 185, Flower Mound, Texas (Marcus HS / North Texas) – Transfers to ACU after two seasons at North Texas and one season at Oklahoma. … Appeared in two games in 2024 and recorded a tackle on special teams against Wyoming. … Did not see game action in 2023. … Played in one game for the Sooners in 2022 with an appearance in the Red River Rivalry versus Texas. … Attended Marcus High School. … Unanimous first team all-district selection as a senior after catching 75 passes for more than 1,200 yards. … Son of former Ohio State tight end, 1996 first-round NFL draft pick and Super Bowl XXXVII champion Rickey Dudley.
Stone Earle: QB, sr, Tr, Keller, Texas (Birdville HS / ACU / North Texas / Marshall) – Earle returns to ACU after spending his first two collegiate seasons (2020 and 2021) with the Wildcats. He started seven games in 2021 before an injury cut his season short. … He transferred to North Texas, where he played in 2022 and 2023 before playing at Marshall in 2024. … He was the starter for Marshall, starting the first five games for the Thundering Herd before an injury knocked him out of action for a team that eventually won the Sun Belt Conference title. … He completed 65 of 120 passes for 673 yards and seven touchdowns with only two interceptions at Marshall. … He was the starter against eventual national champion Ohio State on Sept. 21, 2024, completing 16 of 21 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown and rushing for 23 yards on 12 carries. … Earle played in four games with two starts for the Mean Green in 2023, completing 22 of 40 passes for 274 yards, four scores and four interceptions to go along with 16 rushes for 70 yards. … He appeared in four games at North Texas in 2022, completing 5 of 8 passes for 45 yards and one touchdown, while rushing 18 times for 110 yards and one touchdown. … He saw action in nine games with six starts for ACU in 2021 before suffering an injury, connecting on 101 of 154 passes for 1,216 yards and 13 touchdowns with four interceptions. … He also carried the ball 37 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. … He played in two games with one start as a freshman in 2020, going 21 of 33 through the air for 173 yards and a touchdown, and carrying the ball 13 times for 20 yards. … He was a team captain at Birdville High School under coach Lon Holbrook. … Earle earned all-district accolades in 2019 as a senior as he led the Hawks to a 9-4 record. … He passed for 2,526 yards, and 36 touchdowns alongside three rushing scores. … Earle passed for 2,742 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior to go with five rushing scores.
Zion Fonua: LB, jr-RS, Tr, 6-1, 250, Euless, Texas (Euless Trinity HS / Eastern Michigan) – Transfers to ACU with two years of eligibility after playing at Eastern Michigan under coach Chris Creighton in 2024. … He Played two seasons at Tyler Junior College under coach Tanner Jacobson. … Made six tackles through the Eagles' first four games, recording three tackles and a quarterback hurry versus Saint Francis. … Earned first team all-conference and Junior College All-American honors with the Apaches in 2023. … Totaled 94 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and one forced fumble in his junior college career. … Attended Trinity High School in Euless under coach Chris Jensen. … Tallied 110 tackles and five sacks as a senior. … Named first team all-district and District Defensive MVP while being tabbed to the all-state team. … His full name is Zion Hilamani Fonua … He has four brothers, Blaze, Hex, Pippen and Fine, and two sisters, Faleaka and Nirvana.
Brenton "BK" Jackson: RB, sr, Tr, 5-11, 215, Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS / North Texas / East Texas A&M) – Transfers to ACU after one season at East Texas A&M and three seasons at North Texas. … Compiled 87 carries for 431 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Lions in each stat in 2024. … Rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries against Grambling. … Caught 15 passes for 104 yards while appearing in each game as a redshirt junior. … Played in eight games at North Texas in 2023, primarily on special teams. … At North Texas in 2022, Jackson carried the ball 10 times for 52 yards in five games. … He made his collegiate debut against UTSA with a pair of carries in 2021. … Rated a three-star prospect out of Ridge Point High School by 247Sports Composite. … Rated by 247Sports as the No. 89 running back in the class of 2021 and No. 229 prospect in Texas. … Rushed for 1,459 yards and 17 touchdowns on 242 carries and caught 14 passes for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns in three varsity seasons. … Had 192 carries for 1,179 yards and 18 touchdowns in 11 appearances during his senior season, helping the Panthers to the 6A Division I state quarterfinals.
Kortlin Rausaw: DL, jr-RS, Tr, 6-3, 275, Wylie, Texas (Wylie HS / North Texas) – He transfers to ACU with two years of eligibility after playing at North Texas from 2020-23. … He racked up 33 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks for the Mean Green. … He collected a pair of tackles against ACU in 2023. … Tallied 18 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and half a sack in 14 games in 2022. … He was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN coming out of Wylie High School in Dallas. … 247Sports Composite ranked him as the No. 219 player in the state of Texas and the No. 86 strong-side defensive end in the nation. … Two-time first-team all-district selection. … Three-time letterwinner and accounted for 112 total tackles in three varsity seasons. … Appeared in 11 games as a senior, accounting for 53 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, four sacks, six quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. ... As a junior, returned his only career interception for a touchdown. … Also lettered in basketball and track and field. ... President of Wylie High School's Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter.
Landon Roaten: OL, jr-RS, Tr, 6-5, 300, Tomball, Texas (Tomball HS / Washington State) – Transfers to ACU after three seasons at Washington State under coach Jake Dickert. … Appeared in seven games for the Cougars in 2024, primarily on special teams. … Made his collegiate debut against Northern Colorado in 2023 and was named Scout Team Player of the Week following a win over Colorado. … Did not see the field in 2022, but was named Scout Team Player of the Week after a win over Idaho. … Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN and 247Sports out of Tomball High School. … Rated the No. 55 guard in the country by ESPN. … Rated No. 62 among Houston's Hot 100 prospects. … Named to All-District 15-6A First Team and All-VYPE Second Team as a senior.
Luke Roaten: OL, jr-RS, Tr, 6-5, 285, Tomball, Texas (Tomball HS / Washington State) – Transfers to ACU after three seasons at Washington State under coach Jake Dickert .… Did not appear in a game in 2022 or 2024. … Made his collegiate debut in 2023 in a win versus Northern Colorado. … Named a three-star recruit by 247Sports out of Tomball High School. … Rated one of Houston's Hot 100 prospects. … Named to All-District 15-6A first team as a senior.
HIGH SCHOOL
Jackson Austin: RB, fr, HS, 5-10, 185, Lubbock, Texas (Lubbock-Cooper HS) – Was one of the top dual-threat players in the Panhandle before a lower leg injury cut his senior season short. … In three games for the Pirates, he ran for 516 yards and five touchdowns on 77 carries, and caught seven passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. … He punted twice (55 yards and 65 yards), and had three tackles on defense. … As a junior, he was a second team Big-School Super Team selection by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
Paul Blair: DL, fr, HS, 6-2, 245, Dallas, Texas (South Oak Cliff HS) – Reached the UIL 5A-Division II state title game in each season of his high school career, winning Class 5A Division II state championships in 2021 and 2022. … He totaled 130 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and nine sacks over his senior and junior seasons. … Tallied 69 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and six sacks in 2024.
Cuvanti Crawford: DL, fr, HS, 6-4, 225, Dallas, Texas (Dallas Carter HS) – Totaled 76 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 10 sacks over the past two seasons. … Collected 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2024. … Named the K104 FM Beast of the Week as a senior after a 10-tackle performance versus Lincoln with seven tackles for loss and five sacks. Recorded 46 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks in his junior year. … Led the Cowboys to the playoffs in each of the past four seasons.
John Gill: TE, fr, HS, 6-4, 225, Houston, Texas (Homeschooled) – Part of a team that captured back-to-back National Homeschool Football Association (NHFA) national championships in 2023 and 2024 with the Tomball Christian Warriors homeschool program. … As a senior, he caught 16 passes for 262 yards and five touchdowns.
Cayven Hull: DL, fr, HS, 6-3, 295, Wichita Falls, Texas (Wichita Falls Legacy HS) – Two-time selection to Times Record News Red River 22 all-star team. … Garnered second team all-district recognition as a senior with 61 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. … Competed at Hirschi High School for his first three seasons of high school before spending his senior campaign at Legacy High School. … Helped the Huskies reach the state semifinals in 2021.
Nathan Humphrey: OL, fr, HS, 6-4, 280, Argyle, Texas (Argyle Liberty Christian HS) – Starter for two-time state champion at Liberty Christian High School in 2023 and 2024. … Three-year starter for the Warriors, leading team to a 36-3 record during those three seasons. … He was coached by former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. … A two-time all-district selection, he was also an Academic All-State honoree.
Brady McAdoo: WR, fr, HS, 6-0, 180, Tuttle, Oklahoma (Tuttle HS) – He was named Prep Redzone Oklahoma's 2024 Fans' Choice Player of the Year and the District 4A-2 Player of the Year after Tuttle High School reached the state championship game. … Caught 38 passes for 779 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior, and carried the ball 26 times for 168 yards and five scores. … A two-way standout, he also amassed 49 tackles and four tackles for loss with two interceptions on defense. … McAdoo returned four punts for touchdowns on special teams … He also served as the Tigers' punter, with 27 punts going for an average of 38.6 yards.
Okello Okello: DL, fr, HS, 6-1, 245, Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS) – Tallied 129 tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks across his high school career. … A unanimous All-District 8-6A selection as a senior with 51 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, one pass breakup and two fumble recoveries.
Christian Oku: CB, fr, HS, 6-0, 170, Midwest City, Oklahoma (Carl Albert HS) – Played on both sides of the ball for the Titans at cornerback and wide receiver. … Collected 21 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup as a senior. … He also caught 10 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown on offense. … Oku recorded eight tackles and intercepted a pass as a junior, and caught seven passes for 181 yards and a score. … Carl Albert went undefeated in 2023 and 2024, and has won three straight Oklahoma Class 5A state championships.
Sutton Peck: OL, fr, HS, 6-4, 320, Abilene, Texas (Wylie HS) – Local product from Wylie High School that reached the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. … Helped lead Abilene Wylie to a District 2-5A Division II championship in 2024, a 9-2 finish and an appearance in the area round of the state playoffs. … He was a first team all-district selection at center as a senior.
