FLORENCE, Ala. (December 3, 2025) – The University of North Alabama participated in the college football early signing period in December, as the newest wave of Lions were announced throughout the day on Dec. 3 as part of 2026 National Signing Day. More players will be announced throughout the offseason.
During the Dec. 3 early signing period, the Lions added 15 players. The group includes 14 freshmen and one transfer from NCAA Division III. The Lions added eight more players later in the month, including four JUCO players and four from the NCAA Division II level.
The FBS/FCS transfer portal opens Jan. 2, 2026.
Of the first group of signees, 10 are in-state players from Alabama. The Lions also added players from North Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and Michigan. The player from North Carolina — quarterback Conner Lindsey — was originally born in Florence, Alabama and is the son of current Michigan offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.
The eight small school transfers that were added later in the month originate from Georgia, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas — two players each from Florida and Missouri.
In total, the Lions added 10 offensive players, 12 defensive players and one specialist in December. This includes a quarterback, a running back, three wide receivers, three tight ends, two offensive linemen, four defensive linemen, eight defensive backs and a long snapper.
Fans can visit this web page throughout the 2026 signing period for more information about each UNA signee as they become official. Fans are also encouraged to follow along on social media using the hashtag #ThePrideof26 on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Conner Lindsey — QB — Freshman — Chapel Hill, N.C. — Cardinal Gibbons High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Cardinal Gibbons High School … Coached by Steven Wright … Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is July 21 … Comes to UNA from Chapel Hill, N.C. … Originally from Florence, Ala. ... Son of Chip and Cecily Lindsey ... Has three siblings — Cooper, Caroline and Claire … His mother, Cecily, graduated from North Alabama in 1999 ... His father, Chip, played football at UNA from 1992-93 and went on to a successful coaching career that included local high schools in the Shoals before becoming the head coach at Troy in 2019 ... Chip is currently the offensive coordinator at Michigan ... Conner has moved 16 times in his life ... Anticipated major is Business with a minor in Pre-Law.
Davis Shumaker — OL — Freshman — Huntsville, Ala. — Huntsville High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Huntsville High School … Coached by Jimmy Gay … Also lettered in basketball … Named team captain for the Panthers ... Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is January 21 … Hometown is Huntsville, Ala. … Son of Christopher and Shanna Shumaker ... Has three siblings — Mackenzie, Hattie and Virginia ... Father, Christopher, graduated from North Alabama in 2002 ... His uncle, Steve Woodard, pitched for the Brewers, Guardians, Rangers and Red Sox in the MLB … Memphis Grizzlies fan and enjoys roller coasters ... Anticipated major is Business.
Jesse Thomas — OL — Freshman — Holtville, Ala. — Holtville High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Holtville High School … Coached by Cory Lee … Also lettered in basketball and indoor track … Earned recognition as the most improved offensive lineman ... Earned All-Region and All-County honors as a Bulldog … Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is March 9 … Hometown is Holtville, Ala. … Son of Tim Thomas and Mary Cousins ... Has one sibling, Catie … Anticipated major is Business.
Cates Blackmon — TE — Freshman — Enterprise, Ala. — Enterprise High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Enterprise High School … Coached by his father, Ben Blackmon … Also lettered in track ... Played quarterback, tight end, long snapper and defensive end for the Wildcats ... Named All-State and All-Region three times ... Leadership council and National Junior Honor Society for Enterprise ... Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is December 3 … Hometown is Enterprise, Ala. … Son of Ben and Misty Blackmon ... Has three siblings — Mary, Elle and Lotte … Father, Ben, played quarterback at Troy, while his cousin played quarterback at Samford ... Anticipated major is Business.
Dashaun Pope — DL — Freshman — Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Hillcrest High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Hillcrest High School … Coached by Jamie Mitchell … Helped lead the Patriots to back-to-back undefeated seasons ... Earned a nomination for the best defensive lineman at the 7A level in Alabama ... Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is February 16 … Hometown is Tuscaloosa, Ala. … Son of Lewis Pope ... Anticipated major is Business with a focus in Sport Science.
Ja'Marcus "JD" Daniel — DB — Freshman — Roanoke, Ala. — Handley High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Handley High School … Coached by Chris White … Finished with over 1,000 all-purpose yards for the Tigers ... Scored 13 touchdowns and had three interceptions during his career ... Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is November 7 … Hometown is Roanoke, Ala. … Son of Robert Daniel and Thaiwan Huffman … Enjoys singing ... A member of his family, Devontae Houston, plays for ETSU ... Anticipated major is Exercise Science.
Ezra Powell — LS — Freshman — Dyersburg, Tenn. — Dyer County High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Dyer County High School … Coached by Justin Dubruiel … Named a team captain for the Choctaws ... Earned a 4.5 star rating from LS Rubio Long Snapping ... 157 career tackles ... Member of the Max Prep 300+ Defensive Points Club ... Played in the Next Level Football Classic ... Honor Roll student ... Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is March 15 … Hometown is Dyersburg, Tenn. … Son of John and Holly Powell and has two siblings, Joanna and Jotham … Enjoys tractors ... Father, John, played at Lambuth University ... Anticipated major is Education/Coaching.
Ethan Abberger— WR — Transfer — Hudsonville, Mich. — Holland Christian High School — Adrian College
PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Played wide receiver at Adrian College in Michigan ... Led his team to an 8-2 record while playing in the MIAA Conference at the NCAA Division III level ... Coached by Joe Palka for the 2024 and 2025 seasons ... Saw action in 20 games across two seasons ... Earned time primarily at wide receiver, but saw reps as a running back, punt returner and kick returner ... Totaled 16 touchdowns for the Bulldogs ... Had three 100-yard games and two 200-yard games as a senior, including 13 catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns in his final game.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Holland Christian High School … Coached by his father, Dave Abberger … Lettered in baseball ... Named All-State for the Maroons ... Broke the school record for receptions in a season ... Graduated in 2023.
PERSONAL: Birthday is November 7 … Hometown is Roanoke, Ala. … Son of Robert Dave and Danisse Abberger … Enjoys golfing ... Father, Dave Abberger, played for the Saginaw Sting of the Arena Football League ... Anticipated major is Business.
AJ Alexander — RB — Freshman — Dothan, Ala. — Dothan High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Dothan High School in Alabama … Coached by Jed Kennedy … Played multiple skill positions with primary duties at running back and wide receiver … Was the 7A rushing leader for the whole state of Alabama with 1,786 yards as a senior in 2025 … Scored 27 touchdowns as a senior … Also led all of 7A in 2024 with 1,519 rushing yards … Set school records at Dothan both seasons, breaking his own record in 2025 … Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is October 23 … Originally from Georgia … Hometown is Dothan, Alabama … Son of Ashely Kee … Has one older brother … Enjoys fishing … Anticipated major is Sport Management.
Jalin Trotter — WR — Freshman — Meridian, Miss. — The Lamar School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at The Lamar School in Meridian, Mississippi … Coached by Jacob Land … Played wide receiver and defensive back for the Raiders at the Class 4A level … Won the Class 4A-D3 Midsouth Association of Independent Schools State Championship in 2025 … Was the State Championship MVP with a touchdown catch, a pick-six and forced fumble … Also lettered in basketball and track … Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is February 19 … From Meridian, Mississippi … Son of Brenarda Scarbrough and Russell Trotter … Has nine siblings — Christopher Webb, Alyssa Scarbrough, Kingston Trotter, Kristina Scarbrough, Frankie Scarbrough, Elijah Trotter, Marcellus Scarbrough, Trenton Trotter and Christopher Trotter … Enjoys baking … Considers himself to be a reserved personality … Anticipated major is Business.
Taygan Harris — DL — Freshman — Scottsboro, Ala. — Scottsboro High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Scottsboro High School in Alabama … Coached by Tyler Vann … Played defensive line for the Wildcats … Won his region's Lineman of the Year award … All-Region and All-State at the Class 5A level … Won all-region every season with an honorable mention as a freshman … Won back-to-back region championships … Set the school's sack record … Also lettered in basketball and track … Won a state championship in track & field … Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is October 18 … Born in Huntsville, Alabama … Hometown is Scottsboro, Alabama … Son of Pamellia Williamson … Has two siblings — Colby and Aniyah … Has a cousin, Aaliyah Scott-Sexton, who graduated from UNA in 2023 … Has a lot of family in the college basketball world, including his uncle Eugene Harris who played at Florida State and coached at the high-major level, his aunt Shantae Harris Smith who played at Snead State, his cousin Kelcey Scott at West Florida and another cousin, Eric Scott, at Southern Miss … Anticipated major is Cyber Security.
DJ Hines — WR — Freshman — Opp, Ala. — Opp High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Opp High School in Alabama … Coached by Ed Rigby … Played wide receiver, strong safety and cornerback for the Bobcats … Racked up over 1,500 receiving yards over his career, including 700+ yard seasons as a junior and senior ... Led Opp to a 9-2 season in 2025 ... Also lettered in basketball … Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is July 6 … Born in Andalusia, Alabama … Hometown is Opp, Alabama … Son of Devon and Kenya Hines … Has one sibling — Sa'Niyah … Related to former Vanderbilt defensive back BJ Anderson … Anticipated major is Business Management.
Christopher Leatherwood Jr. — DB — Freshman — Prichard, Ala. — Mattie T. Blount High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Mattie T. Blount High School in Alabama … Coached by Ramon Nelson … Played wide receiver and defensive back at the Class 6A level for the Leopards ... Also lettered in track … Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is November 29 ... Born in Mobile, Alabama ... From Prichard, Alabama ... Son of Lynetrice McCants and Christopher Leatherwood Sr. ... Has one sibling — Shakedria ... Anticipated major is Sports Medicine.
Samuel Swinney — TE — Freshman — Florence, Ala. — Mars Hill Bible School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped locally at Mars Hill Bible School in Florence ... Coached by Darrell Higgins ... First Team All-State, All-Region and All-Area defensive tackle and right tackle for the Panthers ... Led the Panthers to the 2024 and 2025 AHSAA State Championship Game and won both times ... Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is March 23 ... From Florence, Alabama ... Son of Casey and Alicia Cooper ... Has three siblings — Mason, Marykatherine and Saylor ... His uncle is Brett Borden, who played football at UNA and went on to coach the Lions as an assistant for many years ... His brother, Mason, played baseball at Alabama and Dallas Baptist and is now a senior at North Greenville ... Major is undecided.
Xai Gilbert — DB — Freshman — Adairsville, Ga. — Adairsville High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Adairsville High School in Georgia ... Coached by Jon Cudd ... Played linebacker and safety for the Tigers at the 3A level ... Two-time first team all-region selection ... Also lettered in basketball and track ... Graduation year is 2026.
PERSONAL: Birthday is August 22 ... Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee ... Comes to UNA from Adairsville, Georgia ... Son of Jillian Gilbert ... Has two siblings — Jordan and Junior ... His cousin is NFL linebacker Vic Beasley, who also prepped at Adairsville High School before going to Clemson ... Anticipated major is Sport Management.
Gerard Reed III — DB — Transfer — St. Louis, Mo. — Butler Community College
PREVIOUS: Played two seasons at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas ... Coached by Kyle Woodall ... Appeared in 17 games over two seasons ... Recorded 68 tackles, including 48 solo with 24 each season ... Added 5.5 tackles for loss and assisted on a sack ... Had five pass breakups, including four in his sophomore season ... Had one interception as a freshman.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Olathe East High School in Olathe, Kansas ... Coached by Courtney Porter ... Played defensive back for the Hawks at the 6A level ... Was an all-state and all-conference player in the Sunflower Conference ... Also lettered in track ... Graduated in 2024.
PERSONAL: Birthday is December 30 ... From St. Louis, Missouri ... Son of Ashley Horne and Gerard Reed II ... Has three siblings — Darien, Kae'leb and Tavien ... His father played football at MidAmerican Nazarene ... Anticipated major is business.
Trevion Butler — DB — Transfer — Lauderhill, Fla. — Southeastern Oklahoma State
PREVIOUS: Spent three seasons at the Division II level with Southeastern Oklahoma State, including a redshirt season and two full seasons ... Coached by Bo Atterberry ... Was an All-GAC Third Team selection as a sophomore in 2025 ... Played in 19 games over his two seasons, including all 12 as a sophomore ... Recorded 58 tackles with 37 solo, including 44 total with 29 solo as a sophomore ... Defended six passes and forced five fumbles with one recovery ... Three tackles for loss in his career.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Bayside High School in Palm Bay, Florida ... Coached by Corey Broomfield ... Played multiple positions for the Bears, including cornerback, safety, wide receiver and return specialist ... Competed at the Class 5A level ... Graduated in 2023.
PERSONAL: Birthday is January 12 ... From Lauderhill, Florida ... Son of Rose Azuogu ... Has two siblings — Trenton and Tyvon ... Anticipated major is business.
Dallas Johnson — DB — Transfer — Orlando, Fla. — St. Thomas University (FL) / Livingstone College
PREVIOUS: Spent his first two seasons at the NAIA level at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida before transferring to Livingstone College, a Division II member in Salisbury, North Carolina ... Played in 14 games for St. Thomas in 2023 and 2024 ... Racked up 37 tackles with 26 solo tackles ... Had three interceptions and 14 pass breakups — all in 2024 ... Coached by Bill Rychal while with the Bobcats ... Went to Livingstone for his junior season, playing in all 10 games ... Finished with 28 tackles, including 20 solo ... Broke up six passes ... Was coached by Shawn Gilbert while playing for the Blue Bears.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Oviedo High School in Orlando, Florida ... Coached by Greg Odierno ... Played defensive back for the Lions at the 6A level ... Led his team to a district championship with a 7-3 record as a senior ... Also appeared in the region semifinals as a senior ... Was a second team all-conference selection ... Also lettered in track ... Graduated in 2023.
PERSONAL: Birthday is December 3 ... Born in Pensacola, Florida ... Hometown is Orlando, Florida ... Son of Kimberly and Phillip Johnson ... Has six siblings — Kerik, Phillip, Aaron, Chasen, Kingston and Trinity ... His brother, Chasen, played defensive back at UCF in 2024 before transferring to USC in 2025 ... Anticipated major is business.
Chris Baker — DB — Transfer — Lee's Summit, Mo. — Coffeyville Community College
PREVIOUS: Spent two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas ... Redshirted in 2024 and played every game as a redshirt freshman in 2025 ... Helped the Red Ravens finish 7-3, including a win over nearby rival Independence to end the season ... Recorded 27 tackles with 12 solo ... Assisted on a tackle for loss ... Recorded a career-high 10 tackles against Garden City ... Coached by Nick Dobler.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Lee's Summit North High School in Missouri ... Coached by Jamar Mozee ... Played defensive back and linebacker at the Class 6A level for the Broncos ... Won the regional championship as a senior and went on the state championship game, but fell in overtime ... Earned all-conference honors ... Also lettered in track ... Graduated in 2023.
PERSONAL: Birthday as May 15 ... Born in Overland Park, Kansas ... Hometown is Lee's Summit, Missouri ... Son of Lee Baker and Cristina Hughes ... Has five siblings — Carter, Terryn, Jayden, Jerome and Jaise ... His father, Lee Baker, played at Daphne High School while
Brent Dearmon was playing at a nearby rival in the area ... Lee went on to play at Coffeyville CC before playing at Middle Tennessee and Missouri State in the mid-2000s ... Chris rnjoys swimming and drawing in his free time ... Anticipated major is sports medicine.
Jaheim Johnson — DL — Transfer — Memphis, Tenn. — Coffeyville Community College
PREVIOUS: Spent two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas ... Redshirted in 2024 and played as a redshirt freshman in 2025 ... Helped the Red Ravens finish 7-3, including a win over nearby rival Independence to end the season ... Played in six games with nine tackles, including three solo ... Assisted on a tackle for loss ... Coached by Nick Dobler.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at PURE Youth Academy, a private boarding school in Memphis, Tennessee ... Coached by Melvin Cole ... Played tight end and defensive end for the Royals at the Class 6A level ... Also lettered in basketball.
PERSONAL: Birthday is August 19 ... From Memphis, Tennessee ... Goes by "Jah" ... Son of Jameelah Johnson ... Has three siblings — Daniel, Kameelah and Ameelah ... Is a talented drawer and tattoo artist ... Majoring in computer science.
Taevion Cox — DL — Transfer — New Bern, N.C. — Fayetteville State
PREVIOUS: Spent three seasons as a defensive lineman at the Division II level at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina ... Played in 16 games over those three seasons, playing in four in 2023 to obtain a redshirt and then five in 2024 and seven in 2025 ... Recorded 29 tackles with 8.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, two hurries and one pass breakup in his career ... Helped the Broncos to an 8-3 record in 2023 and 6-4 record in 2025, including a 6-1 record in CIAA play ... Coached by Richard Hayes Jr.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at New Bern High School in North Carolina ... Coached by Torrey Nowell ... Played defensive tackle for the Bears at the Class 4A level ... Led his team to the Class 4A State Championship in 2022 ... Was also a remarkable wrestler for New Bern, winning Wrestler of the Year in his conference and was a top seed at the NCHSAA State Championship ... Finished second place in the entire state in his weight class ... Graduated in 2023.
PERSONAL: Birthday is May 13 ... From New Bern, North Carolina ... Son of Raymond Cox and Katrina Spencer ... Is the oldest of eight siblings — Shamar, Janiya, Carel, Raymond Jr., Josiah, Annie, Kamierie and Karon ... Anticipated major is criminal justice.
Navy Curry — DB — Transfer — Athens, Ga. — Kentucky State
PREVIOUS: Spent three seasons at the Division II level at Kentucky State in Frankfort, Kentucky ... D2CCA Super Region Two All-Region selection in 2025 ... First team All-SIAC selection in 2025 ... Division II All-American honorable mention in 2025 ... Played in 23 games for the Thorobreds as the ultimate athlete, starting at quarterback and wide receiver as a freshman before moving to defense as a sophomore and junior ... Helped build Kentucky State into a playoff team, starting 3-7 as a freshman all the way to a historic 9-3 season in 2025 ... The 9-3 record was the best for the program since 1935 and the Division II playoff appearance was the first in program history ... Finished with four interceptions and 147 return yards in 2025, while adding 39 tackles, 29 solo, 3.0 tackles for loss, five breakups, a fumble forced and a fumble recovery ... Ranked second on the team in tackles in 2024 with 53 total and 29 solo ... Added 3.0 TFLs, an interception, four breakups, two hurries and two forces as a sophomore ... Played a number of offensive positions in 2023, starting as a receiver and quasi-running back early in the season and totaling 202 all-purpose yards ... Moved to quarterback later in the year, starting the final three games and completing 40 of 69 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns ... Coached by Felton Huggins Jr.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Athens Christian School in Athens, Georgia ... Coached by Anthony Pierce ... Played multiple positions for the Eagles throughout his career, including quarterback, safety, cornerback, running back, wide receiver and tight end ... Took the team to its first second round playoff appearance in 40 years ... Earned first team all-region honors at QB and DB ... Was the region's offensive player of the year ... Also lettered in baseball, track and basketball at the Class 1A level ... Honor Roll ... National Honors Society ... Graduated in 2023.
PERSONAL: Birthday is February 10 ... From Athens, Georgia ... Son of Nate Curry, stepmother Queasha Goodjoines and Natoya Curry ... Has four siblings — Nalen, Johness, Jayden and Jamarion ... His brother, Johness Davis, goes by Ness and was the starting running back at Duquesne in 2025 ... Navy was a quarterback from age six until his freshman year of college ... Anticipated major in business administration.
Chris Bowman Jr. — DB — Transfer — Jefferson, Texas — Kilgore College
PREVIOUS: Spent the 2023 season as a linebacker at former United Athletic Conference member Stephen F. Austin as a true freshman before transferring to Kilgore College in Texas ... Played in seven games for the Rangers in 2025, moving to tight end and catching four passes for 18 yards ... Blocked for an offense that totaled 403 yards per game, including 249.2 yards per game on the ground ... Coached by Willie Gooden at Kilgore College.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Jefferson High School in Northeast Texas ... Coached by Antwain Jimmerson ... Played multiple positions for the Bulldogs, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, strong safety and linebacker ... Set the school record for most passing yards in a game ... Also lettered in basketball ... Graduated in 2023.
PERSONAL: Birthday is August 10 ... Born in Marshall, Texas ... From Jefferson, Texas ... Son of Ashley Bell and Chris Bowman Sr. ... Has two siblings — Ashlyn and Christon ... Is related to Cordell Roberson, a star receiver at SFA who went on to an NFL career with the Browns, Bills, Panthers and Jets ... Also related to T.Q. Jackson who has played at both Arkansas and SMU ... Enjoys fishing, four wheelers and country music ... Anticipated major is business.
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