Northern Arizona University (NAU) football is making waves with its 2026 transfer portal class. 247Sports has ranked this group No. 3 in the FCS.
Head coach Brian Wright built this class by targeting players who once left Arizona but decided to return home. The roster now features athletes from NAIA, Division II, FCS, and FBS.
NAU focused on both the offensive and defensive lines, adding size, athleticism, and speed. There’s a real buzz around how these changes could shake up the season.
This article dives into the details of NAU’s 2026 transfer portal class. We’ll highlight key players who might make a difference this year.
The Strategic Approach Behind NAU’s 2026 Transfer Class
Coach Brian Wright took a deliberate approach in building this class. He and his staff specifically brought back Arizona natives who left for opportunities elsewhere.
This move strengthens the team and deepens its connection with the community. The Lumberjacks signed players from all over the collegiate landscape—NAIA, Division II, FCS, and FBS.
Community Engagement
These new additions have already started getting involved with community service in Flagstaff. Wright wants his athletes to be more than just players; he wants them to be positive influences locally.
NAU’s Dual Success: High School and Transfer Rankings
NAU stands out as the only FCS program with both a top-three transfer class and a highly ranked high school signing class. Their high school class sits at No. 2 in the FCS, according to 247Sports.
This kind of recruiting shows NAU can attract talent from just about anywhere. It’s a big part of what makes the program interesting right now.
Focus on Offensive and Defensive Lines
During the transfer portal window, NAU brought in 23 student-athletes. Nine play offense and 14 play defense.
Of those, 11 are linemen. This heavy focus on the trenches should help build a stronger, more competitive team for the season ahead.
Key Players in NAU’s 2026 Transfer Portal Class
Let’s take a look at some of the standouts in this transfer class:
- Shoes Brinkley – Safety from Philadelphia, Pa. Brinkley started all 12 games at McNeese in 2025, led the team with 81 tackles, and made the Phil Steele Southland All-Conference Third Team.
- KT Carter – Offensive lineman from Laveen, Ariz. Carter spent three seasons at Hawai’i, appeared in five games in 2025, and was a top offensive tackle out of Desert Edge HS.
- Jonathan Coar – Running back from Colorado Springs, Colo. Coar played 10 games at San Bernardino Valley College in 2025, racked up 865 yards and six touchdowns, and earned unanimous SCFA Pacific League First Team honors.
- Matthew Cooks – Linebacker from Bryan, Texas. Cooks played 11 games at Texas Southern in 2025, finished with 75 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, and three pass breakups.
- Nijrell Eason II – Defensive back from Gilbert, Ariz. Eason spent two seasons at UNLV, appeared in two games in 2025, and was ranked among Arizona’s top seven at his position by several recruiting services.
Additional Notable Transfers
Here are a few more names to know on the Lumberjacks’ roster:
- David Eberhard – Defensive lineman from Queen Creek, Ariz. Eberhard played both sides at Queen Creek HS and notched 42 tackles and 5.0 sacks as a senior.
- Deliyon Freeman – Defensive back from Sharpsburg, Ga. Freeman spent three seasons at Hawai’i, recording 18 tackles in 18 career games.
- Aundre Gibson – Defensive back from Goodyear, Ariz. Gibson played two seasons at Kansas and was a three-time 5A All-Conference pick at Desert Edge HS.
- Darius Haskin – Wide receiver from Buckeye, Ariz. Haskin spent two seasons at Rocky Mountain College, where he caught 45 passes for 861 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025.
- Bryce Hevesy – Offensive lineman from Scottsdale, Ariz. Hevesy played the 2025 season at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School.
Spring Semester and Upcoming Practices
All 23 portal additions are enrolled for the spring 2026 semester. Five early enrollees from NAU’s December signing class are also on campus.
Spring practice kicks off Tuesday, March 24. This stretch will be key for blending the new faces into the team and getting ready for what’s next.
Looking Ahead
NAU football has landed a highly ranked transfer portal class and a strong high school signing class. Honestly, the team looks set for a memorable 2026 season.
Coach Wright and his staff keep finding ways to strengthen the roster. They’ve also managed to boost the team’s impact in the community, which is no small feat.
Spring practices are almost here, and fans can expect a season with plenty to talk about. There’s a real sense of anticipation building right now.
Stay up to date with Northern Arizona football by following the Lumberjacks on X and Instagram.
If you want more details on NAU’s 2026 transfer portal class, check out the official NAU Athletics website.
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