University of Montana Western Press Release
DILLON, Mont. – The University of Montana Western football program announced this afternoon that it has signed 39 players in its 2025 recruiting class and added seven spring transfers.
"The Class of 2025 has the potential to be one of the best we've had during my tenure at Western," Head Coach Ryan Nourse said. "Collectively, this group possesses the competitive character and talent to make an early impact on the program and help us continue to grow and compete for championships."
This year's class includes 17 student-athletes from Montana, eight from Idaho, seven from Washington, two each from Hawaii and Nevada, and one each from Oregon, California, and Texas.
"The staff worked diligently to find hungry, driven, and competitive student-athletes who love to play football. We achieved our goal by addressing all positions in this high school class while also bringing in a handful of transfers who will have an immediate positive impact on the team."
2025 Spring Additions
Name, Pos. (Ht, Wt, Cl, Hometown, HS School)
Tyson Beckles, LB (6-1, 220, FR, Pocatello, Idaho., Highland HS, Portland State University)
Maxwell Delgado Williams, WR (6-1, 185, SO, Vashon, Wash., Vashon Island HS, Friends University)
Landon Smith, LB (6-2, 215, SO, Deming, Wash., Mount Baker HS, Minot State University)
Hunter Handy, DB (6-0, 165, JR, Ephrata, Wash., Ephrata HS, Pacific Northwest Christian College)
Kyle Mounts, DB (6-0, 180, FR, Bozeman, Mont., Gallatin HS)
Malaki Miller, RB (5-9, 205, SO, Spokane, Wash., University HS, Pacific Northwest Christian College)
Maclain Burckley, WR (6-2, 194, FR, Billings, Mont., Billings HS, Montana State University)
Ben Aldrich, LB
6-2, 230, Sugar City, Idaho, Sugar-Salem HS
Aldrich is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Sugar-Salem High School in Sugar City, Idaho. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Diggers who recorded 58 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 24 quarterback hurries, and a trio of blocked punts during his senior season last year. He was a three-time state champion who also earned all-conference and All-State selections on the defensive line. Aldrich also competed in baseball while in high school. He is the son of Kody and Teri Aldrich and plans to major in environmental science while at Montana Western.
Axel Becker, LB
6-3, 190, Stanford, Mont., Stanford Public School
Becker is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Stanford Public School in Stanford, Mont. He was a four-year varsity athlete for the Bearcats who totaled 532 receiving yards on 34 catches, totaled 10 touchdowns, added 65 tackles on defense with a pair of sacks and seven tackles for loss. He also scored a pair of defensive touchdowns while also earning All-State honors as a junior and a senior. In 2021, he was on the Bearcats team that won their conference championship while he also earned all-conference selections in all four of his varsity seasons. In addition to football, Becker competed in basketball and track, earning All-State honors in basketball twice and track three times. Becker is the son of Powell and Connie Becker and brother to current Bulldog Ace Becker.
Taylor Handlos, OL
5-10, 250, Dillon, Mont., Beaverhead County HS
Handlos is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, Mont. Handlos was a four-year varsity athlete for the Beavers who won the 2023 state football championship and started in 29 games. He totaled 43 tackles during his career with the Beavers while earning All-State honors as a center and all-conference honors twice as a center. Handlos also competed in baseball and basketball where he was a state champion in basketball, a nine-time academic All-State selection and will graduate as Valedictorian. Handlos is the son of Janelle and Keith Handlos and plans to major in interdisciplinary studies while at Montana Western.
Sawyer Horne, LB
5-11, 180, Townsend, Mont., Broadwater HS
Horne is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Broadwater High School in Townsend, Mont. He was a four-year varsity letter for the Bulldogs, totaling 235 career tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, and eight pass breakups. He was a two-time conference champion who earned All-State honors twice, all-conference selections six times, and was a two-time team captain. Horne also earned Academic All-State while competing in basketball and in track. He is the son of Natalie and Joe Horne and plans to major in kinesiology while at Montana Western.
Mack Jensen, QB
6-1, 200, Burley, Idaho, Burley Senior HS
Jensen is a quarterback who joins the Bulldogs from Burley Senior High School in Burley, Idaho. Jensen was a four-year varsity athlete for the Bobcats who earned all-conference honorable mention for two seasons. In addition to football, Jensen also competed in baseball and track while at Burley Senior. Jensen is the son of Zack and Aubrie Jensen and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Mason Kralj, LB
6-1, 215, Great Falls, Mont., Great Falls HS
Kralj is a linebacker who joins the Bulldogs from Great Falls High School in Great Falls, Mont. He was a four-year varsity athlete for the Bison, surpassing over 250 career tackles while also adding 806 rushing yards on offense. Kralj earned All-State honors eight times during his career, both as a linebacker and as a running back. He was named the Electric City most valuable player, selected as the team's most inspirational player, and named most outstanding player for his team. Kralj also competed in basketball and track and field while in high school, earning an all-conference selection in track while also earning the team's most inspirational award. He is the son of Jacqueline Doughty and Matt Kralj and plans to major in physical education and health k-12 while at Montana Western.
Deegan Mattson, DB
6-1, 170, Townsend, Mont., Broadwater HS
Mattson is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Broadwater High School in Townsend, Mont. He was a four-year varsity athlete for the Bulldogs who won a pair of conference championships. Mattson earned All-State honors while also being selected all-conference twice. In addition to football, Mattson competed in basketball and track while in high school. He is the son of Ryan Mattson and Heather Sinclair and plans to major in environmental sustainability while at Montana Western.
Isaac Rook, DB
5-11, 170, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Coeur d'Alene HS
Rook is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Coeur d'Alene High School in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was a three-year varsity athlete for the Vikings where he was a two-time league champion and state runner up his junior season. In addition to football, Rook participates in track, golf, MMA, and kickboxing. He was an all-league selection in track his junior season. Rook is the son of Nick and Jen Rook and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Jaydas Running Wolf, WR
6-0, 180, Cut Bank, Mont., Cut Bank HS
Running Wolf is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Cut Bank High School in Cut Bank, Mont. He was a three year varsity athlete for the Wolves who recorded five touchdowns, 550 receiving yards, and 23 receptions. He was named second team all-conference wide receiver in the 2023 season. In addition to football, Running Wolf competed in basketball and track where he earned first team all-conference honors in basketball and won back to back district championship games. He was also a four-time honor roll selection. Running Wolf is the son of Jordan Running Wolf and Jenna Running Wolf and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Isaac Tolan, DL
6-2, 260, Great Falls, Mont., Great Falls HS
Tolan is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Great Falls High School in Great Falls, Mont. He was a four-year varsity athlete for the Bison, totaling 56 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks last season. He earned All-State honors as both a defensive lineman and an offensive lineman. In addition, he earned all-conference nods in both his junior and senior seasons. Tolan also competed in wrestling and track while in high school. He is the son of Darron and Mary Beth Tolan and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Chance Waite, RB
5-11, 195, Shelley, Idaho, Shelley Senior HS
Waite is a running back who joins the Bulldogs from Shelley Senior High School in Shelley, Idaho. He was a three-year varsity athlete who recorded over 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns his junior season. He also added 61 tackles and three sacks on defense. He earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a linebacker his sophomore year, was named second team all-conference running back and linebacker his senior year, and was an honorable mention running back his senior year. In addition to football, Waite has competed in basketball and track while at Shelley Senior. He is the son of Zac and Genice Waite and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Hayden Wright, RB
5-10, 195, East Helena, Mont., East Helena HS
Wright is a running back who joins the Bulldogs from East Helena High School in East Helena, Mont. Wright was a four-year member of the Vigilante football team and accumulated 800 rushing yards, 150 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns last season. He earned All-State recognition last season as a running back and was a three-time all-conference selection as running back. Wright is the son of Kevin and Katie Wright and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Sawyer Teeney, QB
6-0, 185, Silverton, Ore., Silverton HS
Teeney is a quarterback who joins the Bulldogs from Silverton High School in Silverton, Oregon. A three-year varsity starter, he threw for 8,646 career yards and 96 career touchdowns. He was a two-time First Team All-League quarterback and two-time League Offensive Player of the Year. Teeney was also a two-time All-State selection. He is the son of Jill and Owen Von Flue and plans to major in Physical Education & Health K-12 while at Montana Western.
Carson Gulick, QB
6-3, 185, Whitefish, Mont., Whitefish High School
Gulick is a quarterback who joins the Bulldogs from Whitefish High School in Whitefish, Montana. He was an All-State football player on both sides of the ball, throwing for 3,100 career passing yards and 32 career passing touchdowns. He was a member of the track and basketball teams, earning Honorable Mention in basketball and All-State honors in track and field, where he placed fifth in the state in the 110m hurdles with a time of 15.67. He was also on his school's honor roll. He is the son of Patrick and Stephanie Gulick and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Cole Flugge, DL
6-2, 250, Helena, Mont., Helena High School
Flugge is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Helena High School in Helena, Montana. He was a two-year varsity athlete for the Bengals, recording 27 solo tackles, 43 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven hurries, and one fumble recovery. He earned First Team All-Conference honors on defense, Second Team All-Conference on offense, Second Team All-State on defense, and Honorable Mention All-State on offense. He was also a three-time Academic All-State selection and was chosen for the Montana Shrine Game. He earned varsity letters in basketball and track and field, where he qualified for divisionals. He is the son of David and Korrie Flugge and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Sione Pasi, DL
5-11, 270, Hauula, Hawaii, Kahuku High School
Pasi is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Kahuku High School in Hauula, Hawaii. A three-year varsity athlete for the Red Raiders, he is the son of Raymond and Jaclyn Pasi and plans to major in business administration while at Montana Western.
Scotty Dalen, DE
6-2, 220, Whitefish, Mont., Whitefish High School
Dalen is a defensive end who joins the Bulldogs from Whitefish High School in Whitefish, Montana. A three-year varsity athlete, he recorded 30 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass breakup, and six hurries in his senior year. He was an All-State defensive end, a two-time Second Team All-Conference defensive selection, and a Second Team All-Conference offensive selection as a tight end. He is tied for the top rank in his class at Whitefish with a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the honor roll and National Honor Society. In addition to football, he was a member of the basketball and track and field teams. He is the son of Jeff and Jenny Dalen and plans to major in interdisciplinary studies while at Montana Western.
Liam Rowe, DL
6-3, 255, Spring Creek, NV., Spring Creek High School
Rowe is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Spring Creek High School in Spring Creek, Nevada. He was an All-League selection on both offense and defense and was named Offensive Lineman of the Year. In addition to football, he was a member of the track and field team. He is the son of Brigham and Tabitha Rowe and plans to major in biology while at Montana Western.
Karson Pumnea
5'8, 170, Butte, Mont., Butte High School
Pumnea is a running back who joins the Bulldogs from Butte High School in Butte, Montana. A three-year player for the Bulldogs, Pumnea was the starting running back for the past two years, eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards and earning All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State honors. As a freshman, he placed at the state level in wrestling and also competed in track and field. He is the son of Chad and Jessica Pumnea and plans to major in Kinesiology while at Montana Western.
Paxton Fitch, QB
6-1, 212, Billings, Mont., Skyview High School
Fitch is a quarterback who joins the Bulldogs from Skyview High School in Billings, Montana. A four-year member of the varsity team, he earned All-Conference honors. In addition to football, he was a member of the Falcons' basketball and baseball teams, earning All-Conference honors as an outfielder. He is the son of Matt and Kristina Merrill and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Mason Rasmussen, WR
6-1, 195, Montesano, Wash., Montesano High School
Rasmussen is a wide receiver who joins the Bulldogs from Montesano High School in Montesano, Washington. He was a two-time First Team All-League wide receiver, First Team All-League linebacker, and a Second Team All-League defensive back. In his career, he recorded 63 receptions, 983 total yards, and nine touchdowns. Defensively, he had 113 career tackles, eight interceptions (three of which were returned for touchdowns), six forced fumbles, and two sacks. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. A member of the track and field team, Rasmussen was a two-time state qualifier. He is the son of Patrick and Ruth Rasmussen and plans to major in sociology while at Montana Western.
Trevin Thorpe, K
5-11, 175, Maple Valley, Wash., Tahoma High School
Thorpe is a kicker who joins the Bulldogs from Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Washington. He was a 2024 4A NPSL First Team All-League kicker, going 37-for-38 on PATs, 5-for-7 on field goals, and recording 12 touchbacks. He is the son of Kathy Thorpe and plans to major in modern history while at Montana Western.
Carlos Vallejo, OL
6-3, 260, Centralia Wash., W.F. West High School
Vallejo is an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from W.F. West High School in Centralia, Washington. As a member of the Bearcats, who finished third in the state, Vallejo was a First Team All-League and First Team All-Area offensive lineman. He also played basketball and baseball, earning honorable mention honors in baseball. He is the son of Julia and Ismael Vallejo and plans to major in Kinesiology while at Montana Western.
Garrett Nelson, DL
6-1, 260, Firth, Idaho, Firth High School
Nelson is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Firth High School in Firth, Idaho. He finished his career with 91 tackles, 20 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss. Nelson earned All-State defensive line honors twice and was a four-time All-Conference selection. He is the son of Charles and Eileen Nelson and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Ben Morasko, DE
6-4, 225, Bozeman, Mont., Gallatin High School
Morasko is a defensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Montana. As a member of the Raptors, who were conference champions in 2024 and reached the state semifinals, Morasko was a Second Team All-State and First Team All-Conference selection. He was also selected to play in the Montana Shrine Game. In addition to football, he was a member of the basketball and track and field teams. He is the son of Nick and Carrie Morasko and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Eliandry Ozuna, DB
5-10, 180, Everett, Wash., Bothell High School
Ozuna is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Bothell High School in Bothell, Washington. A three-year player for the Cougars, he was named to the All-League team. As a sophomore, he recorded two pass breakups and 13 tackles. He was injured his junior year but finished his senior year with eight pass breakups, 22 tackles, and one interception. He is the son of Pablo Ozuna and Ingrid Olmo and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
Trevor Hyde, DE
6-0, 230, Fallon, Nevada, Churchill County High School
Hyde is a defensive end who joins the Bulldogs from Churchill County High School in Fallon, Nevada. As a three-year member of the Greenwave, he tallied 11 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 87 solo tackles. He earned All-North Lineman of the Year honors twice and was selected as an All-State player on both offense and defense. In addition to football, Hyde was a member of the baseball and basketball teams, earning Second Team All-East honors as a forward in basketball and First Team All-North honors as a third baseman in baseball. He is the son of Matt and Nicole Hyde and plans to major in Kinesiology while at Montana Western.
Xander Gray, DB
5-11, 173, Weiser, Idaho, Weiser High School
Gray is a defensive back who joins the Bulldogs from Weiser High School in Weiser, Idaho. As a four-year member of the Wolverines, Gray was part of the team that won the state championship in his freshman year and placed third in state the last three years. On the field, Gray did not allow a passing touchdown and was selected as a First Team All-Conference defensive back and running back. He was a multi-sport athlete, competing in track, basketball, golf, and baseball. He is the son of Tawnya Gray and plans to major in business while at Montana Western.
DJ Ta'ape, S
5-11, 170, Seattle, Wash., Graham Kapowsin High School
Ta'ape is a safety who joins the Bulldogs from Graham-Kapowsin High School in Graham, Washington. He finished his career with a total of 107 tackles, seven interceptions, seven tackles for loss, 10 pass deflections, and one forced fumble. Taape was named the 4A SPSL Defensive Player of the Year, 4A First Team All-State defensive back, and First Team All-Area defensive back. In 2023, the Eagles were SPSL League Champions, and in 2021, they won the state championship. In addition to football, he competed in rugby and was a rugby state champion in 2022. He is the son of Jesse and Sylvia George and plans to major in Kinesiology while at Montana Western.
Jackson Wicks, WR
6-2, 175, Truckee, Calif., Truckee High School
Wicks is a wide receiver joining the Bulldogs from Truckee High School in Truckee, California. He finished his career with 754 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, one passing touchdown, 59 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. As a member of a two-time state championship team, Wicks earned All-League and All-State honors as a tight end. In addition to football, he played baseball and was named First Team All-League at first base. He is the son of Eric and Chelsea Wicks and plans to major in business administration at Montana Western.
Tykell Gehrke, S
6-2, 165, Beaverton, Ore., Mountainside High School
Gehrke is a safety joining the Bulldogs from Mountainside High School in Beaverton, Oregon. A three-year player for the Mavericks, he finished his career with 100 tackles and one interception while helping lead the team to a Metro League championship in 2024. He earned Metro League All-Team defensive back honors in 2023 and 2024. In addition to football, he was a member of the basketball team. He is the son of Matt and Shawndarie Gehrke and plans to major in business administration at Montana Western.
Brett Polich, OL
5-10, 255, Butte, Mont., Butte High School
Polich, an offensive lineman who joins the Bulldogs from Butte High School in Butte, Montana. He joins the Bulldogs after a successful high school career. A three-year varsity player and team captain in his senior season, he earned Honorable Mention All-Conference as a junior, Second Team All-Conference as a senior, and Honorable Mention All-State as a senior. In addition to football, he competed in track and field, qualifying for the state meet in the shot put. Polich is the son of Mike and Kristi Polich and plans to major in biology at Montana Western.
Anthony Toomey Johnson, G
6-2, 290, Eagle, Idaho., Eagle High School
Johnson, an offensive lineman from Eagle High School in Eagle, Idaho, joins the Bulldogs after a successful high school career. A three-year member of the Mustangs, he helped lead his team to a state runner-up finish and earned All-State honors twice. He is the son of Nicholas Johnson and Stephanie Toomey Johnson and plans to major in business at Montana Western.
Bryson LeCoure, LB
6-4, 200, Thompson Falls, Mont., Thompson Falls, High School
LeCoure is a linebacker from Thompson Falls High School in Thompson Falls, Montana. A four-year member of the Blue Hawks, he had an impressive senior season, totaling 101 tackles (60 solo, 41 assisted), nine sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. On offense, he rushed for 792 yards on 123 carries. He earned First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Conference honors and was an Academic All-State selection all four years. LeCoure was also chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game. He is the son of Craig and Christa LeCoure and plans to major in kinesiology at Montana Western.
Colton Cornwell, WR
5-9, 160, San Antonio, Texas, Douglas MacArthur High School
Cornwell is a wide receiver from Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio, Texas. He amassed over 2,500 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns for the Brahmas. A standout athlete, he earned All-District honors in both his junior and senior years and was a two-time Offensive MVP. In addition to football, Cornwell competed in basketball, track, wrestling, and swimming. He is the son of John and Amy Cornwell and will major in Biology while attending Western.
Henry Trost, DL
6-0, 220, Maple Valley, Wash., Tahoma High School
Trost is a defensive end from Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Washington. A two-time team captain, he recorded 112 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one interception during his career. He earned First-Team All-League NPSL honors on the defensive line twice. In addition to football, Trost was also a member of the basketball and track and field teams. He is the son of Justin and Amy Trost and he plans to major in Biology while attending Western.
Upulengi Howard, OL
6-0, 275, Pearl City, Hawaii, Waipahu High School
Howard, an offensive lineman from Waipahu High School in Pearl City, Hawaii, is joining the Bulldogs. A four-year varsity player, he earned All-State Second Team honors and won two state championships. He is the son of Josie and Joshue and plans to major in business at Western.
Rysen Soliday, S
6-2, 180, Rearden, Wash., Rearden High School
Soliday, is a safety from Rearden High School in Rearden, Washington. During his senior year, he averaged 7.5 tackles per game and earned All-League honors twice, along with All-State recognition. In addition to football, he was a two-time All-League selection as a member of the Screaming Eagles basketball team. He is the son of Robb and Kayla Soliday and is currently undecided on a major.
Drew Wagner, Athlete
6-1, 190, Florence, Mont., Florence-Carlton High School
Wagner is joining the Bulldogs from Florence-Carlton High School in Florence, Montana. He was a three-year varsity player, recording 90 career receptions for 1,527 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also tallied 30 carries for 226 yards and one touchdown. As a member of the three-time state champion team, he earned All-State honors twice, was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection, and was named Academic All-State three times. He is the son of Nate and Erica Wagner and plans to major in business while attending Western.
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