West Texas A&M football used Wednesday’s National Signing Day to make a loud statement about where the program believes it is headed next. Head coach Josh Lynn and his staff announced the signing of 25 new players, a class designed to build on the momentum generated by an 8-4 season and a dramatic 28-27 Heritage Bowl victory over Arkansas Tech in December.
The Buffs enter the offseason with confidence after posting their highest conference win total since 2012, and this recruiting class reflects a belief that the foundation is firmly in place. Despite some changes on the coaching staff, WT appears to have targeted players who fit both the system and the long-term vision of the program. The emphasis was clear: strengthen the trenches, add athleticism, and stock the roster with speed and size to compete in an evolving Lone Star Conference.
Defense was the major priority, with 16 of the 25 signees coming on that side of the ball. As conference opponents continue to lean into pass-heavy offenses, the Buffs responded by loading up on defensive backs and disruptive front-line players. One of the headliners is defensive end Dominick Toulon from Houston’s C.E. King High School, a proven pass rusher who finished near the top of Class 6A with 17 sacks. His ability to pressure quarterbacks fits perfectly with WT’s desire to impact games up front.
While defense dominated the numbers, the offensive additions were just as strategic. Seven offensive players were signed, including one quarterback — a significant one for fans across the Texas Panhandle. West Plains standout Reid Macon brings a decorated résumé to Canyon after a four-year starting career in high school. Macon piled up over 11,800 passing yards, accounted for 120 touchdowns, and helped guide the Wolves to 42 wins and 12 playoff victories. His decision to stay close to home gives the Buffs a familiar face with a winning pedigree at the game’s most important position.
The offensive line also received a boost, highlighted by Boyd’s Braxton Reasoner. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, Reasoner brings size, strength, and polish after earning three-star status and drawing more than 20 scholarship offers. He figures to be a key piece in developing the physical identity Lynn wants along the line of scrimmage.
Local talent played a notable role in this class as well. Randall wide receiver Kaison Benton and defensive lineman Garrett Splitt both signed with the Buffs, keeping top-area athletes at home. Tascosa defensive backs Damyen Cervantes and Daveon Woodruff, along with Palo Duro defensive lineman Shalom Gonzalez, further strengthen ties between WT and Panhandle high schools.
