UP Gazette

Head Coach Shane Richardson has announced the addition of 34 new players to the Northern Michigan University football team on National Signing Day 2025. The recruits, hailing from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, will join the Wildcats in the fall. Six of these players are from Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

"We are absolutely thrilled to bring another full recruiting class in for 2025," said Shane Richardson. "The commitment that these guys have made to believe in our community, campus, and the direction of our football program says a lot about who they are. Very proud of them and their families to see this process through and take this step to be a part of our program."

The new recruits include 24 offensive players, eight defensive players, and two special teams members. Among them are eight wide receivers, seven offensive linemen, six running backs, two tight ends, one quarterback; four defensive linemen, three linebackers, one defensive back; and two kickers.

Some notable recruits include Lachlin Acker from Kenowa Hills with All-State honors; Christopher Battley from Portland who holds three school records in track & field; Wes Bennett from DeTour recognized as All-State; Sebastian Boyea from Brighton with multiple First Team honors; and Chastyn Cole also from Kenowa Hills known for his All-Conference selection.

Richardson praised the effort of coaches and current players in maintaining values and culture within the team. "Our coaches and current players deserve a lot of credit for consistently reflecting our values and culture that we're building," he stated.