MSSU Football Announces 26-Player Recruiting Class

Head coach Atiba Bradley touts blend of immediate contributors and developmental players in 2026 signing class

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Missouri Southern head football coach Atiba Bradley announced the signing of 26 recruits on National Signing Day, including 14 high school players and 12 transfers. Bradley praised the class as a "solid foundation" for the program's future, with a mix of "immediate contributors and developmental players."

Why it matters

Recruiting is crucial for MSSU Football to continue building a competitive program in the MIAA conference. This class represents the next wave of talent that will shape the team's performance in the coming years.

The details

The 26-player class includes standouts like offensive lineman Brayden Buckaloo from Joplin, Missouri, quarterback Hayden Carroll, who transfers from Southwestern Oklahoma State, and defensive lineman Gavin Massey from Sweeny, Texas, who joins from East Texas Baptist. Several players come with all-state, all-conference, and other accolades from their high school careers.

  • The 2026 recruiting class was announced on National Signing Day, February 5, 2026.

The players

Atiba Bradley

Missouri Southern head football coach who announced the 2026 recruiting class.

Brayden Buckaloo

Offensive lineman from Joplin, Missouri who signed with MSSU after a standout high school career at Galena HS.

Hayden Carroll

Quarterback transfer from Southwestern Oklahoma State University who will have three years of eligibility at MSSU.

Gavin Massey

Defensive lineman from Sweeny, Texas who transfers to MSSU after playing at East Texas Baptist.

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What they’re saying

“Signing day is always a special moment for student-athletes across the country, making their dreams a reality, a payday if you will for all their hard work.”

— Atiba Bradley, Missouri Southern head football coach (Missouri Southern Athletics)

“For Missouri Southern Football, it is a first step in collecting the necessary pieces to continue to push us forward as a program. Recruiting is a year-round process, but this is a solid foundation for us prepping for the 2026 campaign. The class already has a blend of immediate contributors and developmental players with more to come.”

— Atiba Bradley, Missouri Southern head football coach (Missouri Southern Athletics)

The takeaway

MSSU Football's 2026 recruiting class represents an important step in building a competitive program, bringing in a mix of high school talent and experienced transfers to contribute both immediately and in the long-term development of the team.