The 2026 Recruiting Road So Far: Air Force

Welcome to the first post in our twelve-part series reviewing each team’s signing class to date. These articles aim to provide a snapshot look at each team and lay out possible next steps once the transfer portal opens. Teams will be examined in alphabetical order. Today will look at the Falcons.

Note: For more info on why Air Force can recruit so many players, check out what we were told by beat writer Brent Briggeman a few years ago.

The Road So Far:

Number who signed in December: 39

Number who will enroll early: None (per academy rules)

Number of states represented: 13

247 Composite Rankings (subject to change): 135

MWCConnection December Ranking: 12

Positional Strengths: Wide receiver, Defensive Back

Notable signees: Knight Wilson, West Buford.

Overall thoughts:

Air Force signed more players in December than any other Mountain West team, as usual. However, 39 players represent a low total compared to previous Falcon classes this time of year. That could be nothing, or it could be an academy team feeling the impact of NIL, resulting in fewer players. It’s also worth noting that the team has now had two subpar seasons in a row, and poor performance on the field can correlate with struggles on the recruiting trail.

That being said, Air Force has always been a program that can’t capture their recruiting success by industry rankings. They target players who fit their system and can be developed over a few years, as opposed to going head-to-head with conference mates for the most talented recruits who can make an immediate difference on the field.

This class still has some players to like, such as defensive back Knight Wilson, Wes Buford, Blaze Jones, and Case Vanden Bosch. That doesn’t mean other signees won’t be great, despite little fanfare currently. It will be no surprise if some of these lesser-known names become key names for the Falcons in a few seasons.

The Road Ahead:

Expected Level of Transfer Additions: N/A

Top Position Targets Remaining: Running back, Tight end, Linebacker, Quarterback

Overall thoughts:

They’ve secured players at all positions and will undoubtedly add more players. At least 12 players are expected to sign with Air Force during the February signing period. Shoring up some of the offensive playmaking positions, especially running back, will be key to completing this class. More depth at linebacker should be a priority as well. The Falcons can never have enough player in their recruiting classes, as many transfer out or don’t make it out of the prep school.

Regardless, the focus is always about how these players fit the offensive and defensive system, especially the triple-option. Air Force is always the most challenging class to identify, but there is more work to do to add to both the quality and quantity of this class.

Coming tomorrow: Boise State