Utah Football’s Finalized 2025 Class On National Signing Day
Feb 5, 2025, 1:30 PM | Updated: 5:41 pm
Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; The Utah Utes student section cheer during a third down against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
SALT LAKE CITY—Today is National Signing Day, a national holiday for Utah and all other college football programs.
Though it’s lost some of its luster with the early signing period, it still serves as the finish line in college football recruiting.
Despite a down year, the Utes still added a strong recruiting class to the program this year.
RELATED: Takeaways From Utah Football’s 2025 Schedule
Utah Football’s Signing Class By The Numbers
Between 247 Sports, On3, ESPN, and Rivals, the Utes welcomed 11 players who garnered four-star designations from at least one of these services.
The Utes finished with the No. 5 ranked class in the Big 12, ending with the No. 38 class overall (according to 247Sports).
They also finalized this class with 24 signees and an average rating of 86.98, the seventh-highest in the conference.
Utah added players from Texas (6), Utah (5), California (4), Hawaii (3), Nevada (3), Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
They addressed quarterback (2), running back (2), receiver (3), offensive line (2), tight end (1), defensive line (5), linebacker (3), defensive back (5), and kicker.
RELATED: Utah Football 2025 Signing Class Superlatives
Utah’s Final Addition On National Signing Day
After welcoming the bulk of their class during the early signing period, Utah welcomed just one addition on National Signing Day.
The program officially welcomed Kahuku’s Max Fonoimoana. He has a promising future as an edge rusher and turned some heads at the Polynesian Bowl. After high school, Fonoimoana will serve an LDS mission and then join the program down the road.
With his addition to the class, the Utes officially welcomed 24 signees, here is a rundown of the 2025 class signees:
JJ Buchanan, WR/TE
Perhaps the most dynamic athlete in the class, Buchanan, has the potential to play either side of the ball. However, he seems to have serious promise as a pass catcher.
SIGNED: @_JJBuchanan_
A dynamic multi-sport athlete and late bloomer. Buchanan went from unrated in February to four-star state ten months later. A true diamond in the rough for Utah. Coaches on both sides are going to fight over him but Buchanan will start out as WR/TE type… pic.twitter.com/CtyBYRrAqH
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Cyrus Polu, LB
The dynamic defender was a big win for Utah and he’s added serious potential and depth at the linebacker position.
SIGNED: @cyrusp_14
A dynamic football player, Polu can do a bit of everything on the gridiron. He brings quite a bit of versatility to the LB room. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/legIbmsGSC
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Pupualii Sepulona, DL
A nice addition prior to the early signing period, Sepulona made a good impression at the Polynesian Bowl and received a rating bump to four-star status.
SIGNED: @PupualiiS
A truly remarkable athlete, Sepulona has led St. Louis (HI) to state titles in basketball, volleyball, and football. The 6-foot-2, 250 pounder has a promising game for the defensive line. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/Gbs82bzQJ0
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Nathan Tilmon, S
He’s already joined the program, and Tilmon is an exciting athlete with the sort of range that bodes well at safety.
SIGNED: @NateTilmon2025
Tilmon is your favorite safety’s favorite safety. He plays the position so technically sound. He’s a physical tackler and impressive ball hawk. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/M0IISL5JS9
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Christian Thatcher, LB
Thatcher is an absolute thumper and adds serious juice to an already-loaded linebacker room. He has joined the program and is going through winter workouts.
SIGNED: @ChristianThatc
Thatcher plays the linebacker position the way God intended it to be played: Like an absolute DAWG. Thatcher will join a talented linebacker room and hit the ground running. #GoUtes #UBoys25 pic.twitter.com/UUvPwvarO1
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Daniel Bray, RB
A dynamic athlete at the running back position, Bray has already joined the program and will be working to carve out a role in the offense.
SIGNED: @Danielbray2_
Utah worked hard for this one and were able to flip Bray’s commitment earlier this week. Another dynamic track athlete that brings speed to the running back position. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/L8bLY5SsfV
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Bryson Baker, WR
A solid receiver addition to the class, Baker was a good recruiting win over UCLA and Michigan State. Baker will join the program this summer and he’ll add depth along the outside.
𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅 ✍️ @BrysonnBaker
Got ourselves a DUDE out of Fresno‼️#NSD | #UBOYZ25 pic.twitter.com/K429Kks2lv
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 8, 2024
Mana Carvalho, WR
After being recruited as a defensive back, Carvalho has actually joined the program as a receiver. He’s an exciting and entertaining playmaker, which will give Utah fans flashbacks of Britain Covey.
SIGNED: @Mana_Carvalho22
A twitched up defensive back that just plays ball. He’s been a two-way star at Kahului but we’ll join the secondary at Utah. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/J4CD3EDvpJ
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Max Fonoimoana, LB
The final addition to the signing class today, Fonoimoana will serve an LDS mission out of high school. He’s a dynamic and relentless pass rusher and will provide a big boost to the defensive end room when he returns.
Utah has officially welcomed @MFonoimoana to the program.
Max is an exciting addition, he’ll eventually join the program as a LB/DE type of hybrid and bolster Utah’s pass rush quite a bit. pic.twitter.com/8kCgpxVAOS
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) February 5, 2025
Karson Kaufusi, DL
Kaufusi has already joined the program and does with fairly strong internal expectations. He possesses great size at 6-foot-5 and 280+ pounds, Kaufusi showed a ton of potential and his development could be crucial to depth at defensive tackle next fall.
SIGNED: @KarsonKaufusi
An unfortunate injury cost him his senior season but Kaufusi has the goods! He’s an impressive athlete for his size, he’ll be a force along Utah’s defensive line! #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/TdwLYfErdt
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Nick Hallock, OL
A good addition to the class late in the cycle. Hallock is an athletic, tough, and competitive lineman that has played really well against some of the top defensive linemen in the state.
SIGNED: @NickHallock__
An athletic, tough lineman that just shows up and does his job. No matter the matchup, Hallock is going to bring his best. Utah added a good one with him. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/tk5RRYrOqF
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Raycine Guillory, RB
An exciting addition to the class late in the lead-up to the early signing period. Guillory was a big win and has promising potential. However, it’s important to keep in mind that he is reclassifying from the 2026 class and will be just 17 years old when he joins the program this summer.
SIGNED: @Raycineguillory
After committing to Utah over Ole Miss, TCU, Texas, Georgia and others, the Utes have added a top talent into the fold! #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/c2QlhPpsEt
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 5, 2024
Shelton Fuller, S
A dynamic athlete that played both ways, Fuller has a promising projection to the safety position. He’ll join the program this summer.
SIGNED: @Manny_Fuller10
Manny Fresh! An explosive athlete that played both ways but will join the safety room at Utah. True ball hawk potential. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/SnFYCFQqry
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Wyatt Becker, QB
The first commitment of the class, Becker never waivered in his pledge to the Utes. He’s a talented passer with sneaky athleticism that fits well within Beck’s offense.
SIGNED: @wyattbeckerqb
The guy that got the ball rolling for Utah this cycle! Becker is a promising quarterback and adds good talent to the QB room! #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/ex4K9YwgNP
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Jamarian Ficklin, QB
Not only was Oklahoma involved with him, so too was Ole Miss, but the Utes were able to add him to the class. He’s a promising dual-threat quarterback that suddenly becomes a much better fit under Jason Beck.
SIGNED: @FicklinJamarian
A truly dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Ficklin adds a lot of potential to the room. A lefty that can spin it, Ficklin has tremendous athleticism at the position. He’s a winner and has led his Muskogee squad to great success throughout his career.… pic.twitter.com/AImP0gWDpa
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Jason Stokes Jr, CB
Stokes was a big time addition to the class, thanks to his combination of length and athleticism. Stokes was pursued by other programs but Utah holding onto him was a big win.
SIGNED: @JasonStokesJr1
Stokes is an excellent addition to the cornerback room. It was a heated battle in his recruitment and the Utes won out over some good programs. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/JANi9Sbany
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Deon Mays, CB
A great find late in the cycle, Mays is exactly the sort of prospect Utah does well with. Mays has the athleticism and requisite size that Utah will be able to develop into a solid cornerback.
SIGNED: @DeonMays_
A late-bloomer, Mays has the sort athleticism and game that Utah covets at the cornerback position. He became a big priority for Utah down the stretch! #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/FJLxxVbD0o
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Drew Clemens, TE
Clemens has already joined the program and he’s a promising pass catcher. His senior season was disrupted by injury but he’s shown good potential.
SIGNED: @Drew_Clemens14
A versatile tight end that shows promise as a pass catcher. Clemens was a nice recruiting win for the Utes. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/OlA0XPaOXh
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Soren Shinofield, OL
A big body at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Shinofield is a good lineman to add to the mix. He’s the sort of lineman that Jim Harding has typically done a good of developing. Shinofield could end up moving inside but has the athleticism to play tackle.
SIGNED: @sorenshinofield
An athletic, big offensive lineman, Shinofield has a great blend of qualities for the offensive line at Utah. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/HbiO9J9ygc
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Milz Asiata, OL/DL
A developmental project, Asiata is exactly the sort of prospect to take a chance on. A big body with surprising athleticism, Asiata needs to further his understanding of the game and improve technically. He could end up on either side of the line of scrimmage.
SIGNED: @milz_asiata
A 6-foot-5, 330 pound behemoth, and transplant from Australia. Asiata is a two-way prospect that will start his time at Utah along the defensive line, but could move to the offensive side. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/WKGfADUFi3
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Semi Taulanga, DL
Taualanga will join the program this summer. Though he isn’t the biggest lineman, he’s dynamic and truly disruptive. He also comes from one of the top high school programs in the country, so he’s competed at a high level.
SIGNED: @SemiTaulanga
A disruptive wrecking ball of a defensive lineman. Taulanga is a nightmare due to his combination of athleticism, skill, and tenacity. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/3BwLtoTxeI
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
Sione Motuapuaka, DL
Motuapuaka has already joined the program and is going through winter workouts. With development this offseason, Motuapuaka has a chance to earn a role next season.
SIGNED: @SioneMotuapuaka
The heart and soul of the Bishop Gorman defense, Motuapuaka has been a force along the interior of the defensive line. He’ll continue to be that at Utah. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/zW2EdMLMDR
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 5, 2024
Dillon Curtis, K
Curtis has joined the program, and expectations are high for the All-American kicker.
SIGNED: @dilloncurtis07
An All-American selection and arguably the No. 1 kicker in the 2025 class, Curtis was a huge priority for Utah. #GoUtes #UBoyz25 pic.twitter.com/ctfP3qlaXC
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) December 4, 2024
