Welcome to the sixth post in our twelve-part series reviewing each team’s signing class to date. These articles aim to provide a snapshot look at each team and lay out possible next steps once the transfer portal opens. Teams will be examined in alphabetical order. Today will look at the Wolf Pack.
The Road So Far:
Number who signed in December: 18
Number who will enroll early: 6
Number of states represented:
7247 Composite Rankings (subject to change): 108th
MWCConnection December Ranking: 10th
Positional Strengths:
Edge, Wide Receiver
Notable signees: Joey Thomas III, Tanner Gray
Overall thoughts:
Times have been tough for Nevada for quite a few years, and thus far, the Jeff Choate era hasn’t produced many more wins than the Ken Wilson era. Considering how bad they’ve been on the field, it’s not a bad recruiting class, but it’s definitely short on any players who can provide an immediate impact, at least on paper. That being said, a few will probably emerge as true freshmen and end up playing some kind of role in 2026, but it may be more out of necessity than anything.
The Wolf Pack do seem to be recruiting in the right areas. Five members of their class are from the Silver State and another six are from talent-rich California. There are other states sprinkled in, of course, but if the program can consistently add players from those two states, they are putting themselves in a good position to succeed.
Unfortunately, if they can’t find a way to win more games, then their success on the recruiting trail will be limited. And if they aren’t winning games, they won’t be an attractive destination to recruits. It’s a bad cycle for Nevada, but one they need to find a way to break out of over the next year.
The Road Ahead:
Expected Level of Transfer Additions: High
Top Position Targets Remaining: OL, DB, TE
Overall thoughts:
This is where Nevada can hopefully begin to turn things around. While they aren’t likely to attract any top transfers, they are sure to bring in a plethora of players in an effort to improve the roster. Coach Choate caused a stir on social media when he laid out his recruiting pitch about playing well at Nevada to go get paid in a year or two somewhere else. Will that pitch be effective? More may be known in February.
The Wolf Pack are probably looking to upgrade every position on the roster, but a few spots stick out more than others. They could use some veteran offensive lineman in order to protect their young quarterback more effectively next season. The same goes for defensive back, which would be benefited by an experienced player or two to come in and solidify the back of the defense. Also, tight end may not be the highest-priority need on the roster, but they didn’t sign one in their high school class, which could mean they plan to load up in the portal. Plus, there are worse things to give a young QB than a pass-catching TE who can be a reliable weapon in the offense.
For Nevada, the high school aspect of their roster-building efforts is only the first step. Expect them to bring in many more transfers, and that will be the true test of the offseason. If they can keep some of their talent and add to it rather than being forced to focus on replacing players, then the Wolf Pack could end up having a successful offseason.
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