THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls State University football head coach Tommy Rybacki made official the commitments of 16 student-athletes on Wednesday as part of the early national signing day.

Eight is the signees are Louisiana natives and six hail from Mississippi. The Colonels also added one student-athlete from Alabama and Texas. Nine of the recruits are listed as offensive players including five linemen, along with two wideouts, a tight end and a running back. On defense, Nicholls added three linemen and three linebackers, and one defensive back.

"We are thrilled to announce the first wave of our 2026 signing class. This is a really good group of young men who are excited about being a part of what we're building here," Coach Rybacki said. "Our staff, academic support personnel and administration has worked very hard to show these young men and their families why Nicholls and Thibodaux is such a special place.  We are all looking forward to getting them on campus soon."

 

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown (Previous School)
Thomas Ashe	OL	6-4	310	Pascagoula, Miss. (Pascagoula HS)
Raymond Johnson	OL	6-3	270	Ocean Springs, Miss. (Ocean Springs HS)
Trace Wegmann	OL	6-3	300	Kossuth, Miss. (NEMCC)
Cylis Hill	OL	6-6	330	Houma, La. (Vandebilt Catholic HS)
Cooper Taylor	OL	6-6	275	Clinton, La. (Silliman HS)
Parker Smith	TE	6-5	225	Ashville, Ala. (Ashville HS)
Chantz Babineaux	WR	6-1	185	Carencro, La. (Carencro HS)
Isaiah Leblanc	WR	6-2	180	Breaux Bridge, La. (Breaux Bridge HS)
Patrick Gales	RB	5-9	175	Brusly, La. (Brusly HS)
Grant Merritt	DL	6-3	285	Richmond, Texas (William B Travis HS)
Lionel Williams	DL	6-3	240	Hazlehurst, Miss. (Holmes CC)
Romeo Brown	DL	6-3	245	New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr HS)
EJ Segrest	LB	6-1	225	Terry, Miss. (Holmes CC)
Kevin Martin	LB	6-1	200	New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr HS)
Charlie Diedrich	LB	6-1	235	Thibodaux, La. (E.D. White HS)
Skylar Husband	DB	6-2	185	Richton, Miss. (Southwest CC)

Thomas Ashe              OL        6-4       310      Pascagoula, Miss. (Pascagoula HS)
Mid Year
X: @tashe75

Bio: Was a three-year starter under head coach Lewis Sims… helped anchor the offensive line for his team that made the 4-6A playoffs three years in a row… paved the way for the all-time leading rusher in Pascagoula history… excelled off the field with multiple community service projects in student life roles…. early enrollee and will be joining the Colonels in the spring… accolades include 2024/2025 All Region 4-6A First Team Offense, 2025 6A powerlifting regionals 1st place 308+lb weight class, 2025 6A powerlifting South state 1st place 308+lb weight class, 2024 6A state powerlifting 3rd place 308+lb weight class, PHS hop squad member, PHS Superintendent student advisory member.


Raymond Johnson      OL        6-3       270      Ocean Springs, Miss. (Ocean Springs HS)
Mid Year
X: @rjjohnson5776
 
Bio: Was a three-year starter on the offensive line… received All-Region Second Team his sophomore year and All-Region First Team his junior and senior year… was a part of a team that made the playoffs four straight years and a berth in the south state championship in 2024… helped pave the way for two 1,000 rushers in the backfield throughout his career.


Trace Wegmann         OL        6-3       300      Kossuth, Miss. (NEMCC)
Mid Year
X: @ TraceWegmann1
 
Bio: A versatile and highly decorated lineman from Kossuth, Mississippi… graduated from Kossuth High School in 2023 after excelling on both the offensive and defensive fronts… dominant two-way player… earning All-State First Team honors on offense and defense in both his junior and senior seasons… named 2022 Defensive MVP for his outstanding performance... throughout high school, showcased exceptional adaptability by playing guard, center, and tackle… contributed at guard at Northeast Mississippi Community College… equally strong in the classroom, being awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship and inducted into the honor society in Spring 2024 for his academic excellence, reflecting his commitment to success both on the field and academically.


Cylis Hill                      OL        6-6       330      Houma, La. (Vandebilt Catholic HS)
Mid Year
X:@cylishill_
 
Bio: Extraordinary athlete not only is he a physical presence on the field, but what truly sets him apart is his agility, athleticism, and football intelligence… even though he started out playing basketball, quickly adapted to the demands of high school football, learning the offensive tackle position at a high level and proving himself a cornerstone of Vandebilt's offensive line.
 
 
Cooper Taylor             OL        6-6       275      Clinton, La. (Silliman HS)
Mid Year
X: @ Cooper_Taylor73
 
Bio: Exceptional athlete whose length and agility have made him a dominant force on Silliman's offensive line… four-year starter and four-time MAIA All-District selection… quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the offense… his standout performance earned him selections to the MAIS All-Star Game and the Red Stick All-Star Bowl, where he represented Silliman among the top talent in the region… beyond football, lettered in varsity track and basketball, showcasing his versatility and competitive drive across multiple sports.


Parker Smith              TE        6-5       225      Ashville, Ala. (Ashville HS)
Mid Year 
X:@ParkerS19922137
 
Bio: Capped off his senior season with 40 receptions for 721 yards and 7 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most reliable playmakers in the region… two-time All-Region and two-time All-County selection in football… consistently proved to be a matchup nightmare with his size, athleticism, and versatility… dominant multi-sport athlete, excelling as a multi-sport standout, earning All-Region and All-County honors in basketball and achieving All-State recognition in track.
 

Chantz Babineaux      WR      6-0       185      Carencro, La. (Carencro HS)
Mid Year
X:@chantz_bab
 
Bio: Standout athlete at Carencro High School in Louisiana… built an impressive football legacy through his versatility and record-breaking performances… is the school's all-time leader in points scored, with 438 total points, surpassing longtime standout Kevin Faulk… over his high school career, amassed 7,127 total offensive yards, including 3,697 passing yards with 37 passing touchdowns and 1,889 receiving yards with 22 receiving touchdowns on 91 receptions… also holds school records for passing attempts (413) and completions (214), highlighting his consistency and skill as a quarterback… talent extends beyond passing, as he has delivered standout single-game performances, including a sophomore game where he threw for 394 yards and added 186 rushing yards, totaling 580 yards of offense and six touchdowns, and a freshman game as a wide receiver with 10 catches for 265 yards and four touchdowns… known for his versatility, he has contributed in multiple positions—quarterback, wide receiver, safety—and handled special teams duties such as kicking, punting, and returns… earned First-Team All-District and All-State honors, as well as multiple "Player of the Week" recognitions for his outstanding performances on both offense and defense… coaches and observers alike consider him one of the top all-time players in Carencro High history, second only to Kevin Faulk, and praise his ability to impact every aspect of the game.


Isaiah Leblanc             WR      6-2       180      Breaux Bridge, La. (Breaux Bridge HS)
Mid Year
X:@isaiahrleblanc
 
Bio: A 6′2″, 180-pound athlete from Breaux Bridge High School… emerged as a versatile and impactful player for the Tigers… primarily a wide receiver, he has also taken snaps at quarterback, especially when the team has faced injuries… during the 2025 season, coaches described him as the "biggest weapon" in the Tigers' receiving corps… contributed in multiple ways, recording notable performances such as six receptions for 40 yards, five carries for 20 yards, and even completing a pass for five yards in a single game… beyond offense, considered a multi-way athlete, with potential roles at defensive back and on special teams, and his senior status has positioned him as a leader on a roster described as "senior heavy."…  accolades to date are primarily local and team-focused… was named "Player of the Game" at the 2024 St. Martin Parish Football Game of the Week banquet for his performance against Kaplan High School… local media frequently highlight him as a threat on offense, capable of stretching the field, running the ball, and stepping in at quarterback when needed… coaches praise his work ethic, versatility, and overall impact on the team. However, there is no public record of statewide honors, full-season statistics, or college recruitment announcements. Most of his recognition comes from his demonstrated ability to influence games and his importance to the Breaux Bridge Tigers.


Patrick Gales               RB       5-9       175      Brusly, La. (Brusly HS)
Mid Year
X: @PatrickGales_26
 
Bio: Excelled not only on the football field but also on the track, where his speed and athleticism stood out… widely recognized as one of the fastest players in Louisiana, with legitimate 4.39 forty-yard dash speed… ranks among the top players in the state — in fact, he's among the top 26 in Louisiana for receiving yards, top 3 in Division II Non-Select, and first in 4A District 6 for that category... his ability to both run and catch the football, combined with his track-speed and field vision, make him a dual-threat weapon that defenses must account for on every snap… has brought that same explosion and competitive spirit to track & field… clocked sprint times — including a 10.56-second 100-meter dash and a 21.44-second 200-meter dash… at the 2025 state track meet, placed first in both the 100m and 200m finals among his class — a testament to his exceptional speed and dedication... in indoor competition, posted a competitive 7.00-second 60-meter dash in 2025.


Grant Merritt               DL        6-3       285      Richmond, Texas (William B Travis HS)
Mid Year

Bio: Is a dominant defensive lineman who has been a cornerstone of the Travis defense… as a back-to-back First-Team All-District defensive tackle, established himself as one of the top interior defenders in the district… his power, quickness, and technique allow him to excel at both nose guard and defensive end, consistently disrupting offenses and creating opportunities for his team… December Graduate with high character and work ethic... brings size, physicality and leadership to the next level.


Lionel Williams           DL        6-3       240      Hazlehurst, Miss. (Holmes CC)
Mid Year
X: @Kb_blacc

Bio: Is a dominant player from Hazlehurst, Mississippi… excelled as a player and student at Hazlehurst HS and continued his career at Holmes Community College… off the Field, is a passionate hunter and fisherman… at Hazlehurst, led state of Mississippi with 20 sacks, which was also a school record, in his senior year of competition… earned Magnolia All-Star Honors… at Holmes, posted 24 tackles, four tackles for loss for a total of -17 yards, 1.5 Sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 10 games.


Romeo Brown           DL        6-3       245      New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr HS)
Mid Year
X: @theromeobrown

Bio: Is a disruptive defensive lineman from Edna Karr High School, one of Louisiana's most accomplished and talent-rich football programs… at 6'3" and 245 pounds, brings an ideal blend of size, strength, and leverage, allowing him to anchor the defensive front and consistently win physical battles in the trenches… frame and athletic profile project well at the collegiate level, with the versatility to play along the defensive line in multiple fronts… competes in the highly competitive District 9-5A and earned 2025 All-District honors, distinguishing himself among the region's top defensive players… also part of Edna Karr's dominant 2024 squad that finished 13–0 and secured the LHSAA Division I Select State Championship — adding valuable championship experience to his résumé… known for his motor, toughness, and ability to control gaps, he continues to develop as a force on the interior and is regarded as a rising prospect in the 2026 class.


EJ Segrest                LB        6-0       225      Terry, Miss. (Holmes CC)        
Mid Year
X:@__dejarious7
 
Bio: Hard-hitting linebacker whose football career spans Copiah Academy and Holmes Community College… at Copiah Academy, played both middle and outside linebacker, becoming a key part of the Colonels' defense with consistent production in tackles, sacks, and big plays which led Segrest to becoming the MAIS 5a Defensive Player of the Year and the District 2-5a Defensive Player of the Year… continued his career at Holmes Community College, where he quickly emerged as a defensive contributor… in the 2024 season, recorded 59 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown… his strong JUCO performance earned him All-MACCC Second Team honors… the 2025 season was productive for Segrest as well, leading the MACC in tackles with 87… added 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 6 TFLs… finished his JUCO career with 146 Tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 13 TFLs.


Kevin Martin              LB        6-0       200      New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr HS)
Mid Year
X: @lahkev10
 
Bio: A tenacious linebacker from Edna Karr High School, a program renowned for producing high-level defensive talent in Louisiana… at 6'0" and 200 pounds, combines physicality with solid instincts and range, making him a versatile defender capable of making plays against both the run and pass… throughout his high school career, demonstrated consistent tackling ability, football IQ, and leadership on a defense loaded with talent… his performance during the 2025 season earned him a spot on the District 9-5A Coaches All-District Team, highlighting him as one of the top linebackers in one of the state's most competitive districts… also brings championship experience, having been a key contributor on the 2024 Edna Karr team that went undefeated and captured the LHSAA Division I Select State Championship… With a strong work ethic and steady production, projects as a rising defensive prospect in the 2026 class.


Charlie Diedrich          LB        6-1       235      Thibodaux, La. (E.D. White HS)
Mid Year
X: @ChuckDiedrich7
 
Bio: Over his time with the Cardinals, earned 2024 All-District honors in District 8-4A, where he was named District 8-4A Defensive MVP… building on that district-level success, was also named to the 2024 Class 4A First-Team All-State roster by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) — a statewide honor that marks him as one of the very best linebackers among all 4A schools… finished the season with an incredible 122 tackles, along with two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception… in his senior season, earned All-District honors in District 8-4A… finished the regular season with 88 tackles, 3 TFL's, 1 sack and a touchdown.


Skylar Husband          DB       6-2       185      Richton, Miss. (Southwest CC)
Mid Year
X: @skylarhusband
 
Bio: A talented defensive back who played at Southwest Mississippi Community College after an accomplished high school career at Petal High School in Mississippi… standing 6'2" and 185 pounds, combines length, athleticism, and strong football instincts to make an impact in the secondary… in high school, he earned multiple honors including All-District (2023–2024), Second Team All-Region (3‑7A, 2023–2024), and was recognized as Petal Panther Subway MVP for individual game performance… also a Ray Perkins Athletic Scholarship Recipient, highlighting his character, leadership, and commitment on and off the field… during his final year at Southwest Mississippi Community College, finished the season tallying 40 tackles, two interceptions, and five pass breakups, demonstrating his ability to make plays in both run support and pass coverage… his size, skill set, and strong work ethic make him a versatile defender with the potential to compete at higher levels… with his combination of athleticism, on-field production, and high school and junior college accolades, he is a promising defensive back prospect with a strong foundation to succeed at the next level.