FCS Football Recruiting Roundup: Jackson State, South Dakota Offer 2027 Defensive Standouts

New offers go out to players in Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Several FCS programs have extended new scholarship offers to 2027 defensive standouts, including Jackson State offering Alabama defensive tackle Marcus Muse and South Dakota offering Illinois cornerback Cash Coleman. Additionally, offensive tackle Kevin Gilyard of Missouri received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood, while athlete Aidden White of Alabama picked up an offer from Murray State and tight end Teddy Graff of Tennessee also landed an offer from Lindenwood.

Why it matters

These early offers to talented 2027 prospects highlight the competitive nature of FCS football recruiting, as programs work to identify and secure commitments from top high school talent well in advance of National Signing Day. The offers showcase the geographic diversity of FCS recruiting, with players from Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee all receiving opportunities.

The details

Marcus Muse, a 6'3" 280-pound defensive tackle from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, received an offer from Jackson State after speaking with defensive line coach Raekwon Bethea. Cash Coleman, a 6'1" 180-pound cornerback from LaGrange Park, Illinois, picked up an offer from South Dakota following a conversation with defensive coordinator Billy Kirch. Kevin Gilyard, a 6'5" 328-pound offensive tackle from St. Louis, Missouri, earned his first Division I offer from Lindenwood after talking with head coach Jed Stugart. Aidden White, a 5'9" 160-pound athlete from Moody, Alabama, was offered by Murray State head coach Jody Wright, while Teddy Graff, a 6'5" 220-pound tight end from Nashville, Tennessee, also received a Lindenwood offer from Stugart.

  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, Marcus Muse received an offer from Jackson State.
  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, Cash Coleman received an offer from South Dakota.
  • On Wednesday, March 8, 2026, Kevin Gilyard received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood.
  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, Aidden White received an offer from Murray State.
  • On Wednesday, March 8, 2026, Teddy Graff received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood.

The players

Marcus Muse

A 6'3" 280-pound defensive tackle from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who received an offer from Jackson State.

Cash Coleman

A 6'1" 180-pound cornerback from LaGrange Park, Illinois, who received an offer from South Dakota.

Kevin Gilyard

A 6'5" 328-pound offensive tackle from St. Louis, Missouri, who received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood.

Aidden White

A 5'9" 160-pound athlete from Moody, Alabama, who received an offer from Murray State.

Teddy Graff

A 6'5" 220-pound tight end from Nashville, Tennessee, who received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Bethea (Defensive line coach Raekwon Bethea) called and informed me that I had a scholarship to Jackson State. I was really happy and blessed to be in this position! I feel like they are a good program. I would be ready for the next level, but I also feel like they do well getting players farther than just football and high academics.”

— Marcus Muse

“I'm blessed to have received an offer from South Dakota. Coach Kirch informed me about the offer, and it was a great conversation. He told me they really like my length, speed, and versatility in the secondary. South Dakota has a strong program, and it means a lot to receive an opportunity like that.”

— Cash Coleman

“Receiving my first offer from Lindenwood and Coach Stugart felt like the blessing I've been praying for! Our conversation went very well, and he is welcoming me with open arms, and I highly appreciate that.”

— Kevin Gilyard

“Receiving the offer from Coach Wright was a blessing. He reached out after watching my film and told me they liked my athleticism and how I play. We had a great conversation about how I could fit into their program. I think they have a strong program and great culture, and I'm excited to keep learning more about them.”

— Aidden White

“My recruitment is definitely starting to pick up as we head into spring. I would say the process has been pretty smooth, which I'm grateful for. I had a short phone call with Coach Stugart, where he informed me of my offer. It was just a great feeling knowing that with all the work I've put in, there is a spot for me at the next level. There was doubt at times, but trusting God and the process has been a big part of it.”

— Teddy Graff

The takeaway

These early offers to talented 2027 prospects demonstrate the competitive nature of FCS football recruiting, as programs work to identify and secure commitments from top high school talent well in advance of National Signing Day. The geographic diversity of the players receiving offers highlights the broad reach of FCS programs in their pursuit of elite talent.