Lindenwood football head coach Jed Stugart announced the addition of nine signees from the high school ranks during the early signing period on Wednesday.

"This is always a special day celebrating the conclusion of the recruiting process for another amazing class," said head coach Jed Stugart. "Especially celebrating the amount of great student athletes in our own backyard wanting to be a part of our football family.  It's another Great day to be a Lion!"

Breakdown
By State: Colorado – 1, Illinois – 2, Missouri – 5, South Dakota – 1

By Position: Running Back – 2, Offensive Line – 1, Defensive Line – 3, Linebacker – 1, Tight End – 1, Wide Receiver – 1

2026 Lindenwood Signees

Jordan Taylor | RB | 5-10 | 182 | Saint Louis University High | School | St. Louis, Mo.
Taylor is rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, 247 Sports, and On3, and is ranked as the 18^th best prospect in the state of Missouri by 247. The St. Louis, Mo. native is a four-year varsity player. During his senior campaign, Taylor ran for 1,109 yards and averaged 6.8 yards per carry with six touchdowns. As a result, he was named to the All-MCC First-Team. He is the highest rated recruit to commit to Lindenwood out of high school.

Todd Smith | OL | 6-6 | 315 | Quincy Senior High | Quincy, Ill.
Smith is a big offensive lineman from Quincy, Ill. who was recently named 6A First Team All-State in Illinois. He was a three-time WB6 All-Conference selection during his high school career at Quincy. Smith also played defensive tackle and helped the Blue Devils reach the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

Carter Dowell | RB | 6-1 | 205 | Troy Buchanan High School | Troy, Mo.
Dowell was named the GAC South Player of the Year in 2025, becoming the first Troy player in school history to earn the award. During his senior season, he ran for over 1,900 yards and 26 touchdowns, while earning a first-team All-Conference selection. Dowell holds the Troy school record for rushing touchdowns and has also been tabbed an All-State honoree.

Zach Allen | WR | 6-1 | 185 | Saint Louis University High | St. Louis, Mo.
Allen is a multiple-time First-Team All-Conference selection at wide receiver. During his senior season with the Jr. Bills, he posted 43 catches for 607 yards and three touchdowns. He also garnered recognition as a returner, earning second team honors for his efforts on special teams where he averaged 25.2 yards per kick return and 25.5 yards per punt return to go along with a pair of touchdowns. He will join his teammate Jordan Taylor in the 2026 class.

Cornell McIntosh | DE | 6-3 | 245 | East St. Louis High School | East St. Louis, Ill.
McIntosh is rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals and 247 Sports. McIntosh stands out as a physically imposing defensive end at 6-3 and 245 pounds. known for his blend of size, strength, and agility. As a junior, he recorded 75 tackles and five sacks, playing a key role in leading East St. Louis to a state championship, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His intensity and work ethic on the field make him a disruptive force on the defensive line.

Chase DeBoer | DE | 6-4 | 235 | Tea Area High School | Tea S.D.
DeBoer was a two-sport athlete at Tea Area High School, competing in football and wrestling. During his junior season on the gridiron, DeBoer posted 30 tackles, including seven sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on his way to earning All-State honors.

Jack Hessler | TE | 6-6 | 240 | Lindbergh High School | St. Louis, Mo.
Hessler was a standout on both sides of the ball at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, Mo. Hessler earned first team honors at both tight end and defensive line during his senior season where he caught 24 passes for 339 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, he compiled three sacks.

Amari Mu'Min | DE | 6-2 | 240 | Ritenour High School | St. Louis, Mo.
Mu'Min is a multiple-time All-Conference selection on the defensive line, including garnering first-team accolades this past season. During his junior campaign, he tallied 38 tackles, including 16 stops for loss and seven sacks, while also forcing two fumbles.

Strasi Sparaco | LB | 6-2 | 215 | Cherry Creek High School | Cherry Creek, Colo.
Sparaco comes to Lindenwood from a powerhouse Cherry Creek program where he was a two-time State Champion. During his junior year, he had 83 total tackles, including 43 solo stops and seven tackles for loss, while forcing one fumble. Sparaco is a very athletic linebacker that brings a winning pedigree to St. Charles.