DeSean Jackson, Delaware State reveal National Signing Day Class

Feb 7, 2026 - 16:15

After a successful season in which they contended for the MEAC championship, DeSean Jackson and Delaware State have retooled their roster ahead of National Signing Day. Jackson didn’t go for a structural overhaul in his second recruiting cycle. He looked to find talent that filled the gaps on an already talented roster.

Delaware State announced a seven-person National Signing Day class, with three of the seven recruits being from California. The seven signees announced on National Signing Day add to the 20 signees who committed to Delaware State in December for Early Signing Day. The full signing day class is below.

Name	Position	School / College
Noah Brannock	Quarterback	William & Mary
Paul Kamdem	Running Back	College of Canyons
Trey Engram	Running Back	Towson
Deonte Williams	Wide Receiver	California University of PA
Connor Thompson	Wide Receiver	Saint James Academy
Hayden Thompson	Wide Receiver	Roswell High School
Quis Smith	Tight End	Virginia State
Casey Fua’au	Offensive Lineman	Troy
Jeremiah Faustin	Edge	Mt. San Antonio College
Tyler Hunt	Defensive Lineman	Mississippi Valley State
Jalen Williams	Defensive Lineman	Fort Hays
Carl Nesmith	Linebacker	Utah State
Jordan Banks	Linebacker	Northern Eastern State
Josh Clark	Linebacker	—
Jason Cole Jr.	Safety / Linebacker	Virginia State
Jay’Quan Bostic	Safety	Bowling Green
E’Sean Arnold	Defensive Back	Central Georgia Tech
Mark Burns	Defensive Back	Virginia State
Aldrick Stromile	Defensive Back	Southern Nazarene
Kemari Nix	Defensive Back	Arkansas State
Tyrell Eldridge	Defensive Back	Stephenson High School
Mark Ricks	Defensive Back	Crean Lutheran High School
Jaylen Whitaker	Defensive Back	Cathedral High School
Shaun Boykins Jr.	Athlete	Louisville
Matteo Brancalenti	Kicker / Punter	Saint Marks High School

Jackson spoke about the recruiting class in a statement released by Delaware State Athletics. saying, “Bringing in seven new players on National Signing Day shows the direction we’re going — young men with talent, passion, and a commitment to grow. This class isn’t just about counting numbers; it’s about building culture, fostering competition, and creating opportunities. I told these guys from the moment they stepped on campus that when you put in the work and believe in each other, great things happen.”

Jackson added, “I’m proud of these young men and look forward to continuing to add to the Hornet family.”

In Jackson’s first season, the Hornets achieved history. They finished the season 8-4 and 4-1 in conference. The turnaround was swift for the Hornets, as they went 1-11 the previous season. Delaware State’s success was predicated on a dedication to a stout run game. They ranked as the best rushing team in the FCS behind running backs Marquis Gillis and James Jones. Transfer quarterback Kaiden Bennett also aided the rushing attack from the quarterback position, which left defenses scrambling to figure out their offensive scheme.

Arguably, one of the biggest upsets of the season occurred on North Carolina Central’s homecoming, as Delaware State beat the Eagles, who are perennial MEAC contenders, 35 to 26. A loss to eventual MEAC and Celebration Bowl champion South Carolina State was the only opponent standing in Delaware State’s way as they looked to seize an HBCU National Championship in their first season.

Building on the foundation of the success from his first season, Jackson was tasked with finding replacements for several key players, including both Marquis Gillis and James Jones at the running back position. Jackson’s signings proved to be solid, as Delaware State looks to be in the mix for another championship push and will certainly be viewed as one of the contenders in the MEAC among both North Carolina Central and South Carolina State.

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