STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Head coach Billy Cosh announced 12 new commitments from seven different states to the Stony Brook football program today, marking a major step in building the Seawolves' 2026 roster during the Division I football early signing period.

"Great high school class," said Cosh. "These guys will be critical to our success moving forward here at Stony Brook University."

Introducing Stony Brook football early signees for the class of 2026:

Keaton Ramey | WR | Haymarket, Va. | 6'0" | 175 lbs. | Battlefield High School

Keaton Ramey, a 6-0, 175-pound wide receiver, is an explosive multi-sport athlete who starred in football, basketball, and track. A 2025 First Team All-District wide receiver and kick returner, he recorded 42 receptions for 804 yards and eight touchdowns, added 104 rushing yards and a rushing score, and totaled 1,286 all-purpose yards with three return touchdowns. On defense, Ramey contributed 25 solo tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three pass breakups, including two game-winning touchdown grabs early in the season. As a junior, he posted 580 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, earning All-Region and First Team Cedar Run District honors, and competed nationally at the 2024 Elite 11.

"Keaton is an exciting player to watch and we're excited to get to work with him next fall," said Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach Anthony Davis II. "He is wired the right way and is going to come in and compete every day. Can't wait to start his journey as a proud Seawolf!"

Lance Mahon | TE | Orange, Conn. | 6'5" | 235 lbs. | Choate Rosemary Hall

Lance Mahon, a 6-5, 235-pound tight end, is a dynamic two-way performer and multi-sport standout. A Second Team Class A Group One selection and All-SCC Second Team honoree, he also earned Amity's Scholar-Athlete Award from the New Haven chapter of the National Football Foundation. In 2024, Mahon tallied 174 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while adding 55 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble with a recovery. He excelled in track and weightlifting as well, breaking a school record in the 4000m DMR and winning his weight class at the SCC weightlifting competition.

"We are really excited to add Lance to our tight end room," said Tight Ends Coach and Run Game Coordinator Steve Martino. "He brings a tremendous combination of size and athleticism, which gives him the potential to grow into a complete player at the position."

Sai'Quan Olfus | LB | District Heights, Md. | 6'0" | 220 lbs. | Suitland High School

Sai'Quan Olfus, a 6-0, 220-pound linebacker, is one of the top playmakers in Prince George's County. The PGCFA 4A Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-County linebacker, Olfus totaled 80 tackles (42 solo), 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns across eight games. He also contributed three blocked punts, a blocked field goal, and a 14-yard reception on offense. Olfus capped his season by competing in the Military Bowl, highlighting his versatility and playmaking ability.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sai'Quan to our football family here at Stony Brook," said Defensive Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach Scott Lewis. "He possesses the traits we look for in a linebacker. He is instinctive, reactive, and extremely explosive on contact. He was a productive tackler at Suitland HS and will add talent to our defense."

Frenchmon "Junior" Bethea | WR | Mays Landing, N.J. | 6'0" | 175 lbs. | Cedar Creek High School

Frenchmon "Junior" Bethea, a 6-0, 175-pound wide receiver, is one of New Jersey's most dynamic multi-position athletes. A true "ATH," he threw for 1,800 yards, rushed for 900 yards, and accounted for 32 total touchdowns while adding six interceptions, leading Cedar Creek to its first-ever Group 3 state title with a 34–7 victory. During the playoff run, he totaled 440 yards of offense with 274 passing yards, three touchdown passes, 166 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and two interceptions. As a junior, Bethea added 900 total offensive yards, seven touchdowns, and a school-record seven interceptions while playing cornerback and safety. A three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track, he was also invited to the Hawaii Tiki Bowl.

"Junior is a playmaker," said Coach Davis. "Super excited to see him work. He is a pure competitor who seeks greatness every time he steps on the field. Can't wait to be a part of his journey as a Seawolf!"

Brittin Poffenbarger | QB | Middletown, Md. | 6'4" | 210 lbs. | Middletown High School

Brittin Poffenbarger, a 6-4, 210-pound quarterback, is a dual-sport athlete who competed in football and basketball. He totaled 30 touchdowns—20 passing and 10 rushing—earning Second Team All-County honors, selection to the Maryland Super 22 Team, and Second Team All-Gambrill recognition. His brother, Reese, was the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year and an All-CAA quarterback at UAlbany before playing at North Texas and serving as the backup to Cam Ward at Miami, while his sister, Saylor, played Division I basketball at Maryland.

"We are very excited to have Brittin join the Seawolf family," said Quarterback Coach and Offensive Recruiting Coordinator Adam Lovan. "He is an ultra-competitive player who is eager to learn and develop. We can't wait for him to get here and get to work!"

Cayden Bridges | OLB | Stockbridge, Ga. | 6'2" | 225 lbs. | Stockbridge High School

Cayden Bridges, a 6-2, 225-pound outside linebacker, is a high-motor defender with elite production. As a senior, he recorded 49 tackles—30 solo and 19 assisted—22 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 12 quarterback hurries (four leading to turnovers), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His junior season included 11 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 63 total tackles, 21 quarterback pressures, and a pass deflection. A team captain, Bridges also volunteered in local schools and earned First Team All-Region honors.

"Cayden is an explosive OLB who consistently makes plays in the backfield," said Outside Linebackers Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Kevin Elliott. "He is a competitive, high-motor player who will fit our culture. We're very excited to get him on campus and see him develop!"

Jerek Cooper | SAF | Emmaus, Pa. | 6'2" | 190 lbs. | Emmaus High School

Jerek Cooper, a 6-2, 190-pound safety, excels on both sides of the ball. As a senior, he threw for 532 yards, rushed for 865 yards, and accounted for 13 touchdowns while adding 10 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery on defense. His junior season included 1,024 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 680 rushing yards, and eight rushing scores, earning Second Team EPC honors and EPC Lehigh Division Offensive MVP, helping Emmaus to an 8–2 record and a league championship. Cooper was also named a 2025 East Penn Conference Player to Watch and ranked No. 15 in Pennsylvania by PrepRedzonePA.

"Jerek will be a great addition to the Seawolves' defensive secondary," said Safeties Coach Jim Nelson. "He played both ways at Emmaus and will bring athleticism, physicality, and leadership to the safety room!"

Joshua Witherspoon | OL | Clarksboro, N.J. | 6'5" | 290 lbs. | The Lawrenceville School

Joshua Witherspoon, a 6-5, 290-pound offensive lineman, helped lead his team to a 6–3 record and earned Second Team All-Prep honors as the first commit in the 2026 class. A multi-sport athlete, he also competed in the shot put and contributed to back-to-back Big Three football championships in 2024 and 2025.

"Josh is a physical and athletic offensive lineman," said Running Backs Coach Damian Mincey. "His upside is tremendous because of his ability and his commitment to being a student of the game. Excited for him to join the Seawolf family!"

Justus Gaskin | CB | Elkins Park, Pa. | 5'10" | 175 lbs. | Roman Catholic High School

Justus Gaskin, a 5-10, 175-pound cornerback and team captain, recorded 54 tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions (including a pick-6), 13 pass breakups, and a punt return touchdown in 2025, helping his team compete for the state championship on December 5. In 2024, he added 48 tackles and a fumble recovery while guiding Roman Catholic to an 11–5 record and a 34–31 overtime loss in the 5A State Championship.

"Justus is technical, instinctual, and very versatile as a DB," said Cornerbacks Coach Zuril Hendrick. "His ability to cover and tackle is special. I'm excited he's joining our program and I'll get the opportunity to work with a player of his caliber."

Tyshawn Bent | RB | Staten Island, N.Y. | Tottenville High School

Tyshawn Bent, a dynamic running back, eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three varsity seasons in PSAL 4A play, totaling more than 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior and 928 yards with 11 touchdowns as a senior. With Tottenville set to play in the PSAL 4A title game this Sunday, Bent is on pace to surpass 1,000 rushing yards again this season. Ranked among the top-10 running backs in New York State by Sports Illustrated and Prep Redzone, Bent also competed in track and field.

"Tyshawn is a great addition to the running back room—a smooth runner who can run around you or over you, with great hands out of the backfield," said Coach Mincey. "We can't wait to get him on campus!"

Zedrick Patterson | LB | South Gwinnett, Ga. | 6'1" | 210 lbs. | South Gwinnett High School

Zedrick Patterson, a 6-1, 210-pound linebacker and team captain, recorded 96 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, seven quarterback hurries, and four pass breakups across nine games as a senior. Patterson also competed in track and field and showcased his skills at the Georgia Elite Classic, earning All-Region honors.

"We are very excited about Zedrick becoming a Seawolf," said Coach Lewis. "He is an aggressive, competitive linebacker who loves football. He was very productive and versatile at South Gwinnett HS, and we look forward to him making an impact on our defense."

Liam Orrego | OL | Lincoln Park, N.J. | 6'4" | 260 lbs. | DePaul Catholic High School

Liam Orrego, a 6-4, 260-pound offensive lineman, played multiple positions along the line and helped his team capture a state championship in every season of his high school career. He earned 2025 Second Team All-Passaic County, Second Team Super Football Conference All-Division, and Super Football Conference All-League honors, while also competing in basketball.

"We're looking forward to Liam joining our offensive line room next season," said Offensive Assistant Sam Howson. "He is not only a tremendous player but also a tremendous young man. He will enhance our room both on and off the field!"

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