INDIANAPOLIS - The Butler football team has announced the signing of 29 student-athletes on National Signing Day. The 29 student-athletes will make Indianapolis their home over the next four seasons. 
 
"Today is a great day to be a Butler Bulldog," said Head Coach Kevin Lynch. "Our staff has worked tirelessly to put together an outstanding 2026 recruiting class, and we couldn't be more excited about the group joining our program. This class is full of student-athletes who embody the Butler Way and are ready to compete, develop, and represent Butler with pride and integrity."
 
"We were intentional in addressing roster needs created by graduation while also adding depth and competition at every position. Our recruiting philosophy will always start in the state of Indiana and then extend across the country, and this class reflects that commitment. We are proud to have signed 14 student-athletes from Indiana while welcoming players from nine different states."
 
"This group brings talent, toughness, and character, and we're excited to get them on campus and watch them grow—both on and off the field—over the next four to five years. The future of Butler Football is bright and today is another big step forward!"
 
The following student-athletes have signed with Butler and will join the Bulldogs for the 2026 season. Butler will open the 2026 campaign at the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl on August 29, as the Bulldogs host Georgetown College in the season opener. 
 
Preston Allen
DT 
6-2 | 280
Springfield HS | Springfield, Ohio
 
Allen was a four-year starter for Springfield and helped lead his team to a GWOC championship. The defensive tackle recorded 57 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a touchdown in 2025. Allen, a four-year captain, was named to the all-conference first team, all-district first team, and was an all-state honorable mention.
 
Why Allen Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because of the fast-paced, competitive atmosphere of academics and athletics."
 
Brady Barry
OL
6-4 | 265
Marist School | Brookhaven, Ga. 
 
Barry was a three-year letterwinner and a two-year starter for the Marist School and earned first-team all-region honors (2x), all-county first team offense (2x), all-state 2025, and all-state honorable mention 2024. Barry helped lead his squad to a 38-5 record in his three seasons and helped lead Marist to a state runner-up finish in 2024. 
 
Why Barry Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because of the bonds and connections I built with the coaching staff. They saw the potential I had, and how they could develop me into a great football player. Getting a Butler Education is something that is very important to me, and is something I look forward to."
 
Andrew Bolf 
IOL
6-4 | 285
Cary Grove HS | Fox River Grove, Ill. 
 
Bolf was a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at Cary Grove. During his three seasons on the squad, Bolf helped his team post a 33-6 record, culminating in a State Championship in 2023 and Conference Championship in 2024. 
 
Why Bolf Chose Butler
"I chose Butler for the family environment that it offers." 
 
Kyros Carr
OL
6-4 | 290
Lafayette Jefferson HS | Lafayette, Ind. 
 
Carr was a three-year letterwinner at Lafayette Jefferson and comes to Butler with two years of starting experience. Carr and his squad earned conference championship honors twice and sectional championships twice. He was a team captain and earned all-state and all-conference honors. 
 
Why Carr Chose Butler 
"I chose Butler to stay close to home and get a great education in the engineering program."
 
Matthew Connors
OL
6-5 | 265
Lincoln Way East HS | Frankfort, Ill.
 
Connors was a three-year letterwinner and a two-year starter at Lincoln Way. Connors played over 500 snaps this past season and helped lead his team to a 9-3 record. Connors was an all-conference selection and was the captain of the offensive line. 
 
Why Connors Chose Butler
"Butler feels most like home, and I believe it's the spot that is going to make me the best man I can be."
 
Henry Coppinger
LB
6-2 | 210
Rockhurst HS | Kansas City, Mo. 
 
Coppinger was a two-year starter at Rockhurst and helped lead his team to a 9-3 record this season. Coppinger tallied 110 tackles (70 solo), two interceptions and three sacks. He earned first-team all-state honors and was also named to the all-district first team. 
 
Why Coppinger Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because it felt like home from the start. The coaching staff is awesome and I love the culture they have created at Butler. I also wanted to be challenged academically, and Butler is a very strong academic institution." 
 
Jackson Harvey
WR
6-1 | 190
Cathedral HS | Indianapolis, Ind.
 
Harvey was a two-year starter at Cathedral, leading his team to a 7-4 record this season. Harvey collected 130 yards for 10 receptions over this past season, along with being the team captain. He also went for 493 yards on 42 receptions over his entire high school career. Harvey was named to the all-state academic team. 
 
Why Harvey Chose Butler
"The family atmosphere"
 
Lincoln Ijams 
WR
6-1 | 185
Oswego East HS | Oswego, Ill.
 
Ijams was a three-year starter at Oswego East, leading his team to a 6-3 conference record in 2025. He totaled 500 yards and two touchdowns in six games during his senior season, including a season high 150 yards on 8 receptions against Minooka. Ijams was named to both all-conference and the High Honor Roll while playing. 
 
Why Ijams Chose Butler
"I really liked the coaching staff and the people around the University. I feel like I have a chance to thrive at a place like Butler."
 
Samuel Johnson
SAF
6-1 | 185
Arapaho High School| Centennial, Colo.
Johnson was a two-year starter and team captain. During his senior season, he recorded 80 tackles, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, and one sack. Offensively, he totaled 342 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Johnson was a two-time first-team academic all-state selection and earned all-conference honors twice.

Why Johnson Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because of the great brotherhood the team has while competing for a Pioneer League championship every year."
 
Rylan Keesling
Edge
6-2 | 225
Pendleton Heights HS | Pendleton, Ind.
 
Keesling was a three-year starter at Pendleton Heights, leading his team to a 10-2 record this past season. Keesling recorded 82 tackles in 2025, along with 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Keesling was named all-conference (2x) and all-state, academic all-state, and team captain during his senior year. Keesling's best outing came against Yorktown, where he recorded 10 tackles, four tackles for loss and four sacks.
 
Why Keesling Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because it offers a strong balance of academics and football. I really connected with the team culture and felt comfortable with the coaching staff from the start. Butler is a great academic school, and I liked that the football program emphasizes development on and off the field. It felt like a place where I could grow as a player, a student, and a person."
 
Kian Kelly
DB/ ATH
6-0 | 170
Hamilton Southeastern HS | Fishers, Ind.
 
Kelly was a two-year starter at Hamilton Southeastern, primarily at defensive back, recording 7 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 7 pass deflections his senior year. He was named all- 
conference (2x), all-state (2x), team captain (2x) and Defensive Player of the Year. 
 
Why Kelly Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because I am an Indiana kid who has a bunch of family members that went to Butler. Also, after building a relationship with the coaches I could instantly tell that they would always push me to be my best while still supporting me at the same time."
 
Christian Kramer
QB
6-2 | 195
North Putnam High School | Coatesville, Ind. 
 
Kramer was a four-year letterwinner and starter for North Putnam and helped lead his team to a conference championship in 2024. Kramer was a team captain and was named all-county (4x), Putnam Offensive Player of the Year, Primetime Top 25 Indiana, All-Wabash Valley Top 25, all-conference (3x) and team MVP (2x). The signal caller totaled 11,600 total yards in his high school career. 
 
Why Kramer Chose Butler
"The coaches are knowledgeable, personable and want to win just as much as I do."
 
Henry Lewis
K/P
6-1 | 170
Cathedral HS | Indianapolis, Ind.
 
Lewis lettered for three years on the Cathedral team, which earned Sectional Championships twice. Kelly would be named the Mental Attitude Award Winner in 2025, as well as earning high honors (4x).
 
Why Lewis Chose Butler
"I chose Butler University because I've grown up around the program and have always been a big fan of the Bulldogs. Butler is also a great academic fit for me, with a strong business school that aligns with my goals. Overall, Butler feels like the best place for me to grow both as a student and an athlete."
 
Jack Linden
RB
6-0 | 190
Guerin Catholic | Carmel, Ind. 
 
Linden was a three-year letterwinner at Guerin Catholic and started for over two seasons during his high school career. Over the course of his high school career, Linden amassed 2,236 rushing yards, 573 receiving yards and scored 30 total touchdowns. Linden was named the team MVP and was chosen as an all-conference selection. 
 
Why Linden Chose Butler
"I love what the school has to offer. I think it will be a great fit for me. I love the coaches and the players and I think that I can excel and be the best that I can be while at Butler."
 
Connor Lubbers
DB
6-2 | 200
Lake Country Lutheran HS | Hartland, Wis.
 
Lubbers started for three years, recording 97 total tackles (43 solo tackles), three fumble recoveries, one pick six and four interceptions this past season. Lubbers led his team to an 11-2 record this past season as both a defensive back and quarterback. Lubbers is currently second in his school's history for interceptions and was named team offensive MVP, all-conference QB and DB, all-region QB and DB as well as team captain, all in his senior year. 
 
Why Lubbers Chose Butler
"I chose Butler to play football as it's playing the highest level of football while also getting a prestigious education."
 
Jaden Lusende
CB
6-2 | 190
Lawrence North | Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
Lusende was a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at Lawrence North. Lusende helped lead his squad to a 25-8 record over three seasons, along with two conference championships and one sectional championship. In his senior season, Lusende tallied one interception, eight pass breakups, one tackle for loss and 70 total tackles. 
 
Why Lusende Chose Butler
"I like Coach Belfiori and Coach Grimes' philosophy and it gives me an opportunity to play close to home, which was important to me."
 
Sam Manna
RB
5-9 | 205
Zionsville HS | Zionsville, Ind.
 
Manna started for three years at Zionsville, rushing for 557 yards and seven rushing touchdowns over his last season. He would also have 7 receptions for 69 yards and 1 receiving touchdown. Manna would be named second team all-conference his junior year and offensive MVP his senior year. 
 
Why Manna Chose Butler 
"I chose Butler because of its strong business school, which offers valuable internship opportunities and real-world experience. Being close to Indianapolis also provides better professional connections and career opportunities. I was also drawn to Butler's campus size, as it offers a close community without feeling too small. On the athletic side, Butler allows me to compete at a strong, competitive Division I level while continuing to develop as a football player."
 
Matteo Morelli
TE
6-5 | 240
University School | Shaker Heights, Ohio
 
Morelli started all four years at University School, recording 28 catches for 390 yards and four touchdowns over his final two seasons. Morelli was a two-time all-region honorable mention selection. 
 
Why Morelli Chose Butler
"The family environment and high level of football." 
 
Jarron Taylor
DL
6-2 | 270
Bishop Luers HS | Fort Wayne, Ind. 
 
Taylor started for three years at Bishop Luers, helping them reach state finals twice. During his senior year, Taylor led all of Indiana Division 3A with 11 sacks, and he led Bishop Luers in tackles with 97. He also recorded 22 TFL's, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble. Taylor was a team captain, also earning all-conference (2x), all-state (2x) and academic all-state honors, while also winning team DPOY and team Scholar Athlete of the Year.
 
Why Taylor Chose Butler
"I think the mix of strong academics and football made Butler a great spot for me."
 
Mike Toth
DB
5-9 | 160
Palmer Ridge HS | Monument, Colo.
 
Toth started two years at Palmer Ridge, helping them win two conference championships and reach two state championships. Recorded 55 total tackles over the course of his junior and senior seasons. Toth was named second team all-conference and academic all-state first team in 2025. 
 
Why Toth Chose Butler
"Great football program and opportunity for an education."
 
Ben Schelp
LB
6-3 | 220
Quincy Senior HS | Quincy, Ill. 
 
Schelp started two years at Quincy Senior, leading them to a conference championship and a school record 11 wins in 2024. Schelp accounted for 180 tackles, 15 sacks, 25 TFL's, and 5 pass breakups over the course of his three-year varsity career. He received all-conference and all-area honors twice, and was named team defensive MVP (2x) and team captain. 
 
Why Schelp Chose Butler
"Butler gives me the chance to develop in a competitive environment with coaches and teammates who push each other to improve every day, as well as set me up for a job after college with an excellent degree."
 
Evan Windley
K/P
6-1 | 185
Cardinal Gibbons | Cary, N.C.
 
Windley was a three-year letterwinner and starter for Cardinal Gibbons and helped lead his team to a 12-2 record in 2025. Windley and his squad were East Region runner-up three-consecutive times during his high school career and were members of the 2021 state championship team. He was named all-state (2x), all-conference (2x), and player of the week (2x) during his time at Cardinal Gibbons. 
 
Why Windley Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because of the fantastic coaches and the great academics offered."
 
Jayden "Spike" Woods
RB
6-0 | 210
Teays Valley HS | Columbus, Ohio
 
Woods started for three years at Teays Valley. He accumulated 1029 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with 8 receptions for 53 yards during his senior season. He received first team all-conference and second team all-district honors, while also being named team MVP. 
 
Why Woods Chose Butler
"To continue my athletic career and get a great education."
 
Fischer French
DE
6-2 | 218
McCallie School | Atlanta, Ga.
 
French was a three-year starter at McCallie, helping lead his team to state championships in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, French recorded 32 tackles, five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 24 QB pressures. He was named to the TSWA all-state team his junior and senior years, as well as the TNFCA all-state team as a senior. 
 
Why French Chose Butler
"Strong relationship with the coaching staff, competitive football culture, and the opportunity to grow academically and personally at a high level."
 
Ashton Nawrocki
DE
6-3 | 245
York Community High School | Elmhurst, Ill.
Nawrocki was a two-year starter at York Community High School and a team captain. He helped lead his team to a conference championship and a state semifinal appearance during the winningest season in school history. Nawrocki earned All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors and was named Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year in his conference.

Why Nawrocki Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because of the relationship I've developed with my teammates and coaches, and  to bring a PFL Championship home to Butler."
 
Cooper Paukstis
DL
6-2 | 265
St. Francis College Prep | Naperville, Ill.
 
Paukstis was a four-year letterwinner at St. Francis and was a starter in his final three seasons. He helped lead his team to a 42-11 record during his career and was a part of three conference championship teams as well as the 2025 IHSA 5A state championship team. In 2025, Paukstis tallied 77 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. He was a two-time team captain and two-time all-conference selection. 
 
Why Paukstis Chose Butler
"Butler is the place I want to be with outstanding academics and a phenomenal football program and coaching staff. The community is outstanding and is a place I am stoked to attend in the fall."
 
William Pugh 
EDGE
6-1 | 215
Cathedral High School | Indianapolis, Ind.
 
Pugh was a two-year starter at Cathedral High School and helped lead his team to a 5A sectional championship and a 6A regional championship. He holds the school record for most sacks in a single game and recorded 11.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss and over 35 total tackles. Pugh earned 5A all-state honors, Indianapolis all-city, district 9 all-star and academic all-state recognition and was named Cathedral's Lineman of the Year.
 
Why Pugh Chose Butler
"I chose Butler for its athletic development, faith-based community, great education and how close it is to home."
 
Andrew Sloan
WR 
6-0 | 170
Heritage Christian School | Carmel, Ind.
 
Sloan is a two-time team captain and National Football Foundation Academic Excellence Award winner (2A). In 2025–26, he totaled 55 receptions for 731 yards and holds the individual school record for most touchdowns in a single game. He also earned all-city honorable mention twice, all-city, two-time all-state honors, NCSAA Super Regional recognition, all-conference, Indy Star Team Honorable Mention and Indiana preps small school all-state.
 
Why Sloan Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because of the high academic and great football program. I believe it is the best place to help me grow in those places for the future."
 
Isaac Tuffnell
TE 
6-3 | 225
Zionville High School | Zionville, Ind.
 
Tuffnell was a two-year starter who finished his high school career with 309 receiving yards in 2024 and 210 receiving yards on 19 receptions in 2025. He earned all-conference honors and senior all-state recognition for his performance. 
 
Why Tuffnell Chose Butler
"I chose Butler because of the high academic environment and the atmosphere surrounding the team and coaches. Everyone made me feel very welcome and it just felt like the perfect fit for me."