.png&type=webp)
University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Gil Talbot
UNH Signs Four Freshmen and Adds Seven Mid-Year Transfers
2/5/2025 4:06:00 PM | Football
DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire football team, led by fourth-year head coach Rick Santos, announced on Wednesday's signing day that a total of 11 players – four incoming freshmen and seven mid-year transfers – have committed to join the program.
This group of 11 newcomers includes five players on defense, five on offense and one on special teams.
What Coach Santos Says
"Our coaching staff has excelled in recruiting this year, securing an outstanding group of bright, talented young athletes during this signing period. We have been intentional not only in identifying exceptional athletic ability but also bringing in individuals of strong character, integrity, and work ethic. The future success of our program will be driven by these student-athletes who will help us build upon the momentum we have established.
"This class features dynamic playmakers on the perimeter, rugged second level defenders and formidable impact players up front. With a combination of elite high school talent and experienced, game-ready transfers, we anticipate an immediate and significant contribution next fall. The newest class of Wildcats will continue to uphold and enhance our legacy of excellence – both on the field and in the classroom."
Ethan Aghakhan (Vernon Hills, Ill.) is a 6-foot-2, 238-pound defensive end from the University of Iowa. Aghakhan has established himself as a dominant force on the field and earned numerous accolades throughout his high school career. A standout in both football and track, he was recognized as a Big Gun Winner and achieved All-State honors in both sports.
His football achievements include being a two-time First Team North Suburban All-Conference selection and a two-time nominee for NSC Player of the Year. In 2023, he was named First Team All-State after earning Honorable Mention All-State in 2022. Additionally, he received Honorable Mention All-State recognition twice from the News-Gazette Preps and was named to both the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area Team and Lake County News-Sun All-Area Team twice.
Over the course of his career, Aghakhan amassed 161 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback hurries to cement his reputation as a relentless defensive presence.
What Coach Santos Says
"Ethan is a strong, powerful player who has elite short-range quickness. He is coming in from a big-time program and has the work ethic you're looking for. His combination of strength and athleticism makes him a special prospect."
Justice Akinmoladun (Grandview, Mo.) is a 6-0, 290-pound defensive tackle from Washburn University (Topeka, Kan.). In four years with the program, he recorded 83 tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss, including four sacks, in 35 games.
In 10 games this past fall, Akinmoladun tallied a single-season high of 30 tackles, including 14 solo stops, with three tackles for loss and two sacks. In 2023, he was named the team's defensive lineman of the week twice in three games. Akinmoladun finished with 22 tackles in the '22 season and was credited with 23 total tackles in 2021.
Akinmoladun was also a two-time All-American in track and field as he holds the 10 best shot put throws in the history of the Ichabods' outdoor track program. He placed eighth at the 2024 NCAA championships and ninth in the 2023 NCAAs.
What Coach Santos Says
"Justice is a big-time player inside and will be a dominant force against the run. He is already one of the strongest guys on our team and will bring an edge and demeanor to our D-Line. He understands how to play with leverage and is very physical at the point of attack."
Brooks Bentley (Venice, Fla.) is a 6-3, 210-pound quarterback from Wingate University (Wingate, N.C.). In two seasons for the Bulldogs, he completed 281 of 465 passes (60.4%) for 3,869 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was named the South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2023 and was named an All-Piedmont Offensive honoree in 2024.
As a sophomore this past fall, Bentley led Wingate to a 9-2 overall record, a SAC title (6-1 conference record) and the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Super Region 2. He threw for 2,035 yards and 15 TDs by completing 155 of 274 passes in 11 games. He also had 62 rushes for 36 yards and a touchdown. Bentley threw for a season-high 266 yards and a pair of touchdowns vs. Virginia Union in his last game as a Bulldog.
In 2023, Bentley completed 126 of 191 passes for 1,834 yards and 13 touchdowns, and had 57 carries for 141 yards and four TDs in 10 games. He threw for a career-high 335 yards and three TDs against Lenoir-Rhyne.
What Coach Santos Says
"Brooks grew up in a football family and has a great feel for the game. He possesses a high football IQ and can make all the throws necessary to be great at this level. When watching his tape, it's evident he has the courage to stand in the pocket and deliver under pressure. He has a bright future and looks to add to the great legacy of Wildcat QBs."
Chris Campanelli (Kenoza Lake, N.Y.) is a large, powerful human being at 605 and 320 pounds who joins UNH from Lackawanna College. Campanelli is a true weight room warrior and we are excited to see the physical presence that he will add to our offensive line room. He has spent time on both sides of the ball in his postgrad career, which makes him a very intriguing prospect.
What Coach Santos Says
"Chris has the size of an offensive lineman and the agility of a D-lineman. He has heavy hands when he blocks and is very physical at the point of attack. He will shore up an already impressive group up front. I am excited to watch him join our offensive line room and grow at that position."
Kason Colvin-Powell (Lutz, Fla.) is a 5-11, 185-pound safety from Steinbrenner High School. Consistently excelling on and off the field, this new Wildcat carried an overall GPA above 3.9 to make Honor Roll in each of his eight semesters while serving as a Cheval Kids Club Counselor.
As a senior captain and four-year varsity member at Steinbrenner, Colvin-Powell has been an exciting force at safety, wide receiver and kick returner. The two-time First Team All-Conference defensive back eclipsed 100 tackles his senior year to place among the top tacklers in 6A football. Colvin-Powell will continue to showcase his talents this spring on the track, where he will compete in the 100-meter dash and 4x100m events.
What Coach Santos Says
"Kason is a dominant defensive back that has an elite combination of coverage skills and tackling ability. His knowledge of the game is off the charts, and it is evident when you watch how he makes plays on his highlight tape."
Kelby Hampton (Philadelphia, Pa.) is a 6-1, 185-pound cornerback from La Salle College High School who also prepped at Salisbury School (Conn.). At La Salle, Hampton was First Team All-Catholic and at Salisbury he received '25 Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-Defense for the conference. Hampton finished his senior campaign with four interceptions, two touchdowns and two forced fumbles.
What Coach Santos Says
"Kelby is a long-body athlete who has the makings of a lock-down corner. He has great movement skills for his size and can attack the ball in the air. He will make an impact in coverage and also has the courage to be physical in the run game."
Lathan Hudson (Queens, N.Y.) is a long tackle prospect who is joining UNH from Suffield Academy. He shows great athleticism on tape for a big man and has made great strides in the weight room over the past year, and that strength translates to the field. He is a student of the game and will bring a great attitude into the offensive line room.
What Coach Santos Says
"Lathan has an FBS frame and has the makings of a dominant tackle prospect. He is also a wrestler and understands how to use leverage and brings a level of toughness with him. He has an elite upside and is a name to look for in the future."
Jalen Johnson (Aurora, Ill.) is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound wide receiver from Northern Illinois University, where he played a total of 14 games in the 2023 and 2024 seasons after redshirting in 2022. Johnson played in 10 games in the 2023 season, when he recorded 17 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. He played in four games last year.
Johnson's combination of size, speed, and work ethic is destined for success . His impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. His leadership and ability to elevate the play of those around him make him a true difference-maker. He has proven that he is one of the best in the business, and scouts will be watching him closely for years to come.
In high school, he ran the 100m in 10.75 seconds, the 200m in 22.10, and the 100m hurdles in 14.33. Johnson shows excellent precision in running routes with ability to create separation at the top of routes. He can make spectacular catches, particularly in high-pressure moments.
What Coach Santos Says
"Jalen has the ideal size and frame to be a dominant boundary receiver in our offense. He can high point the ball and has elite top end speed. Being a track athlete growing up, he has great mechanics and will develop into a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses."
Wyatt Rubinoff (St. Mary's, Ga.) is a 6-2, 220-pound long snapper. He comes to UNH after spending the 2024 season at Marist College, where he started all 11 games as a true freshman. In those games, he showcased an elite attention to detail converting 100 percent on 91 long snaps and 26 short snaps. In his senior year of high school, Rubinoff attended IMG Academy, was awarded Special Teams MVP, and received a five-star snapper rating from Kohl's Kicking.
What Coach Santos Says
"Wyatt is an exceptionally consistent snapper who has proven he has the ability to perform at a high level. In addition to his determination to hone his craft, he has the size and athleticism to hold up in protection and adds to coverage down the field. We are excited to see the positive impact that Wyatt will have on our special team's units moving forward."
Mason Smith (Philadelphia, Pa.) is a 6-3, 245-pound defensive end from The Kiski School. Smith had an outstanding senior year, racking up over 60 tackles, more than 10 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. He was a disruptive force on defense with four forced fumbles, including two strip-sacks.
Smith's dominant performance earned First Team All-State and First Team All-City honors. In addition to his defensive prowess, Smith showcased his versatility as a former high school quarterback.
What Coach Santos Says
"Mason is a strong, ready-made defensive end who has the size and strength to contribute early. He has a quick first step, uses his hands well and understands how to play with leverage. He is also an elite basketball player, and it is evident why he has such great body control."
Chase Wilson (Lake Charles, La.) is a 6-1, 195 pound wide receiver from Wesleyan University. In three seasons with the Cardinals, Wilson caught 110 passes for 1,883 yards and 20 touchdowns in 27 games for averages of 4.1 receptions per game, 17.1 yards per reception and 69.2 receiving yards per game.
Wilson led Wesleyan in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He earned All-NESCAC First Team both years and was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Year, as well as to the All-New England Team, in 2024.
Last year as a senior captain, Wilson had 43 catches for 834 yards and seven TDs to lead the Cardinals to an 8-1 record. Those numbers calculate to averages of 19.4 yards per catch and 92.7 yards per game. Wilson was the clear-cut No. 1 receiver as he accounted for 34 percent of the team's receptions, 42 percent of the receiving yards and 50 percent of the TD catches in the 2024 season.
As a junior in 2023, Wilson finished with 49 catches for 785 yards and 10 touchdowns for averages of 16.0 yards per catch and 87.2 yards per game.
Wilson amassed a career-high 155 receiving yards last year at Middlebury and had five career games with multiple TD catches, including four vs. Hamilton in the 2023 season.
What Coach Santos Says
"Chase is a proven winner and dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. He has the ability to run the whole route tree, and defenses have to account for him vertically. He has shown the ability to have an impact from the slot and to the boundary."
UNH ended the 2024 regular season with four consecutive wins to earn an at-large invitation and the No. 16 seed in the FCS playoffs.
UNH's 2025 schedule was announced in December. Season Ticket Memberships, including the Service Credit Union Victory Club, for the 2025 season can be renewed online by CLICKING HERE.
UNH Football Fans who want to become a season ticket member can complete an interest form HERE.
Plans start as low as $110 and include special benefits such as invites to exclusive events, complimentary tickets to UNH sporting events, first right to special events such as NCAA Playoffs, and presale opportunities to Family Weekend and Homecoming.
Guarantee your access to a season-long tailgate Boulder Field parking pass by buying two or more reserved or box season memberships.
Group and Hospitality tickets are also on sale. Fill out our group interest form located HERE and one of our ticket representatives will reach out to review seat locations and pricing information.
For questions regarding tickets, please call 603-862-4000 or email unh.tickets@unh.edu.
This group of 11 newcomers includes five players on defense, five on offense and one on special teams.
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown | Previous School |
| Ethan Aghakhan | DE | 6-2 | 238 | Vermont Hills, Ill. | U. of Iowa |
| Justice Akinmoladun | DT | 6-0 | 290 | Grandview, Mo. | Washburn U. |
| Brooks Bentley | QB | 6-3 | 210 | Venice, Fla. | Wingate U. |
| Chris Campanelli | OL | 6-5 | 320 | Kenoza Lake, N.Y. | Lackawanna College |
| Kason Colvin-Powell | S | 5-11 | 195 | Lutz, Fla. | Steinbrenner H.S. |
| Kelby Hampton | DB | 6-1 | 185 | Philadelphia, Pa. | Salisbury School |
| Lathan Hudson | OL | 6-7 | 310 | Queens, N.Y. | Suffield Academy |
| Jalen Johnson | WR | 6-4 | 215 | Aurora, Ill. | Northern Illinois U. |
| Wyatt Rubinoff | LS | 6-2 | 220 | St. Mary's, Ga. | Marist College |
| Mason Smith | DE | 6-3 | 245 | Philadelphia, Pa. | The Kiski School |
| Chase Wilson | WR | 6-1 | 195 | Lake Charles, La. | Wesleyan College |
What Coach Santos Says
"Our coaching staff has excelled in recruiting this year, securing an outstanding group of bright, talented young athletes during this signing period. We have been intentional not only in identifying exceptional athletic ability but also bringing in individuals of strong character, integrity, and work ethic. The future success of our program will be driven by these student-athletes who will help us build upon the momentum we have established.
"This class features dynamic playmakers on the perimeter, rugged second level defenders and formidable impact players up front. With a combination of elite high school talent and experienced, game-ready transfers, we anticipate an immediate and significant contribution next fall. The newest class of Wildcats will continue to uphold and enhance our legacy of excellence – both on the field and in the classroom."
Ethan Aghakhan (Vernon Hills, Ill.) is a 6-foot-2, 238-pound defensive end from the University of Iowa. Aghakhan has established himself as a dominant force on the field and earned numerous accolades throughout his high school career. A standout in both football and track, he was recognized as a Big Gun Winner and achieved All-State honors in both sports.
His football achievements include being a two-time First Team North Suburban All-Conference selection and a two-time nominee for NSC Player of the Year. In 2023, he was named First Team All-State after earning Honorable Mention All-State in 2022. Additionally, he received Honorable Mention All-State recognition twice from the News-Gazette Preps and was named to both the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area Team and Lake County News-Sun All-Area Team twice.
Over the course of his career, Aghakhan amassed 161 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback hurries to cement his reputation as a relentless defensive presence.
What Coach Santos Says
"Ethan is a strong, powerful player who has elite short-range quickness. He is coming in from a big-time program and has the work ethic you're looking for. His combination of strength and athleticism makes him a special prospect."
Justice Akinmoladun (Grandview, Mo.) is a 6-0, 290-pound defensive tackle from Washburn University (Topeka, Kan.). In four years with the program, he recorded 83 tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss, including four sacks, in 35 games.
In 10 games this past fall, Akinmoladun tallied a single-season high of 30 tackles, including 14 solo stops, with three tackles for loss and two sacks. In 2023, he was named the team's defensive lineman of the week twice in three games. Akinmoladun finished with 22 tackles in the '22 season and was credited with 23 total tackles in 2021.
Akinmoladun was also a two-time All-American in track and field as he holds the 10 best shot put throws in the history of the Ichabods' outdoor track program. He placed eighth at the 2024 NCAA championships and ninth in the 2023 NCAAs.
What Coach Santos Says
"Justice is a big-time player inside and will be a dominant force against the run. He is already one of the strongest guys on our team and will bring an edge and demeanor to our D-Line. He understands how to play with leverage and is very physical at the point of attack."
Brooks Bentley (Venice, Fla.) is a 6-3, 210-pound quarterback from Wingate University (Wingate, N.C.). In two seasons for the Bulldogs, he completed 281 of 465 passes (60.4%) for 3,869 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was named the South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2023 and was named an All-Piedmont Offensive honoree in 2024.
As a sophomore this past fall, Bentley led Wingate to a 9-2 overall record, a SAC title (6-1 conference record) and the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Super Region 2. He threw for 2,035 yards and 15 TDs by completing 155 of 274 passes in 11 games. He also had 62 rushes for 36 yards and a touchdown. Bentley threw for a season-high 266 yards and a pair of touchdowns vs. Virginia Union in his last game as a Bulldog.
In 2023, Bentley completed 126 of 191 passes for 1,834 yards and 13 touchdowns, and had 57 carries for 141 yards and four TDs in 10 games. He threw for a career-high 335 yards and three TDs against Lenoir-Rhyne.
What Coach Santos Says
"Brooks grew up in a football family and has a great feel for the game. He possesses a high football IQ and can make all the throws necessary to be great at this level. When watching his tape, it's evident he has the courage to stand in the pocket and deliver under pressure. He has a bright future and looks to add to the great legacy of Wildcat QBs."
Chris Campanelli (Kenoza Lake, N.Y.) is a large, powerful human being at 605 and 320 pounds who joins UNH from Lackawanna College. Campanelli is a true weight room warrior and we are excited to see the physical presence that he will add to our offensive line room. He has spent time on both sides of the ball in his postgrad career, which makes him a very intriguing prospect.
What Coach Santos Says
"Chris has the size of an offensive lineman and the agility of a D-lineman. He has heavy hands when he blocks and is very physical at the point of attack. He will shore up an already impressive group up front. I am excited to watch him join our offensive line room and grow at that position."
Kason Colvin-Powell (Lutz, Fla.) is a 5-11, 185-pound safety from Steinbrenner High School. Consistently excelling on and off the field, this new Wildcat carried an overall GPA above 3.9 to make Honor Roll in each of his eight semesters while serving as a Cheval Kids Club Counselor.
As a senior captain and four-year varsity member at Steinbrenner, Colvin-Powell has been an exciting force at safety, wide receiver and kick returner. The two-time First Team All-Conference defensive back eclipsed 100 tackles his senior year to place among the top tacklers in 6A football. Colvin-Powell will continue to showcase his talents this spring on the track, where he will compete in the 100-meter dash and 4x100m events.
What Coach Santos Says
"Kason is a dominant defensive back that has an elite combination of coverage skills and tackling ability. His knowledge of the game is off the charts, and it is evident when you watch how he makes plays on his highlight tape."
Kelby Hampton (Philadelphia, Pa.) is a 6-1, 185-pound cornerback from La Salle College High School who also prepped at Salisbury School (Conn.). At La Salle, Hampton was First Team All-Catholic and at Salisbury he received '25 Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-Defense for the conference. Hampton finished his senior campaign with four interceptions, two touchdowns and two forced fumbles.
What Coach Santos Says
"Kelby is a long-body athlete who has the makings of a lock-down corner. He has great movement skills for his size and can attack the ball in the air. He will make an impact in coverage and also has the courage to be physical in the run game."
Lathan Hudson (Queens, N.Y.) is a long tackle prospect who is joining UNH from Suffield Academy. He shows great athleticism on tape for a big man and has made great strides in the weight room over the past year, and that strength translates to the field. He is a student of the game and will bring a great attitude into the offensive line room.
What Coach Santos Says
"Lathan has an FBS frame and has the makings of a dominant tackle prospect. He is also a wrestler and understands how to use leverage and brings a level of toughness with him. He has an elite upside and is a name to look for in the future."
Jalen Johnson (Aurora, Ill.) is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound wide receiver from Northern Illinois University, where he played a total of 14 games in the 2023 and 2024 seasons after redshirting in 2022. Johnson played in 10 games in the 2023 season, when he recorded 17 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. He played in four games last year.
Johnson's combination of size, speed, and work ethic is destined for success . His impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. His leadership and ability to elevate the play of those around him make him a true difference-maker. He has proven that he is one of the best in the business, and scouts will be watching him closely for years to come.
In high school, he ran the 100m in 10.75 seconds, the 200m in 22.10, and the 100m hurdles in 14.33. Johnson shows excellent precision in running routes with ability to create separation at the top of routes. He can make spectacular catches, particularly in high-pressure moments.
What Coach Santos Says
"Jalen has the ideal size and frame to be a dominant boundary receiver in our offense. He can high point the ball and has elite top end speed. Being a track athlete growing up, he has great mechanics and will develop into a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses."
Wyatt Rubinoff (St. Mary's, Ga.) is a 6-2, 220-pound long snapper. He comes to UNH after spending the 2024 season at Marist College, where he started all 11 games as a true freshman. In those games, he showcased an elite attention to detail converting 100 percent on 91 long snaps and 26 short snaps. In his senior year of high school, Rubinoff attended IMG Academy, was awarded Special Teams MVP, and received a five-star snapper rating from Kohl's Kicking.
What Coach Santos Says
"Wyatt is an exceptionally consistent snapper who has proven he has the ability to perform at a high level. In addition to his determination to hone his craft, he has the size and athleticism to hold up in protection and adds to coverage down the field. We are excited to see the positive impact that Wyatt will have on our special team's units moving forward."
Mason Smith (Philadelphia, Pa.) is a 6-3, 245-pound defensive end from The Kiski School. Smith had an outstanding senior year, racking up over 60 tackles, more than 10 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. He was a disruptive force on defense with four forced fumbles, including two strip-sacks.
Smith's dominant performance earned First Team All-State and First Team All-City honors. In addition to his defensive prowess, Smith showcased his versatility as a former high school quarterback.
What Coach Santos Says
"Mason is a strong, ready-made defensive end who has the size and strength to contribute early. He has a quick first step, uses his hands well and understands how to play with leverage. He is also an elite basketball player, and it is evident why he has such great body control."
Chase Wilson (Lake Charles, La.) is a 6-1, 195 pound wide receiver from Wesleyan University. In three seasons with the Cardinals, Wilson caught 110 passes for 1,883 yards and 20 touchdowns in 27 games for averages of 4.1 receptions per game, 17.1 yards per reception and 69.2 receiving yards per game.
Wilson led Wesleyan in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He earned All-NESCAC First Team both years and was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Year, as well as to the All-New England Team, in 2024.
Last year as a senior captain, Wilson had 43 catches for 834 yards and seven TDs to lead the Cardinals to an 8-1 record. Those numbers calculate to averages of 19.4 yards per catch and 92.7 yards per game. Wilson was the clear-cut No. 1 receiver as he accounted for 34 percent of the team's receptions, 42 percent of the receiving yards and 50 percent of the TD catches in the 2024 season.
As a junior in 2023, Wilson finished with 49 catches for 785 yards and 10 touchdowns for averages of 16.0 yards per catch and 87.2 yards per game.
Wilson amassed a career-high 155 receiving yards last year at Middlebury and had five career games with multiple TD catches, including four vs. Hamilton in the 2023 season.
What Coach Santos Says
"Chase is a proven winner and dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. He has the ability to run the whole route tree, and defenses have to account for him vertically. He has shown the ability to have an impact from the slot and to the boundary."
UNH ended the 2024 regular season with four consecutive wins to earn an at-large invitation and the No. 16 seed in the FCS playoffs.
UNH's 2025 schedule was announced in December. Season Ticket Memberships, including the Service Credit Union Victory Club, for the 2025 season can be renewed online by CLICKING HERE.
UNH Football Fans who want to become a season ticket member can complete an interest form HERE.
Plans start as low as $110 and include special benefits such as invites to exclusive events, complimentary tickets to UNH sporting events, first right to special events such as NCAA Playoffs, and presale opportunities to Family Weekend and Homecoming.
Guarantee your access to a season-long tailgate Boulder Field parking pass by buying two or more reserved or box season memberships.
Group and Hospitality tickets are also on sale. Fill out our group interest form located HERE and one of our ticket representatives will reach out to review seat locations and pricing information.
For questions regarding tickets, please call 603-862-4000 or email unh.tickets@unh.edu.
UNH Football URI Preview
Wednesday, October 08
UNH Football vs UAlbany Highlights 10-4-25
Saturday, October 04
UNH Football vs Villanova Preview
Thursday, October 02
UNH Football vs UAlbany Highlights 9-27-25
Saturday, September 27