This page serves as NC Football News’ recruiting hub for Elon football, tracking commitments, recruiting news, signing day updates and transfer portal movement involving the Phoenix.
Throughout the year, we’ll update this page with the latest additions to Elon University’s recruiting classes, incoming and outgoing transfers, player profiles and links to our recruiting coverage.
Bookmark this page and check back regularly as the future of Elon football continues to take shape.
🔄 Last Updated: July 5, 2026
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2027 Football Commits
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Elon 2027 Football Commits
Elon 2027 Football CommitsKnown Commitments: 12
North Carolina Commitments: 5
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
| ELON 2027 | POS | HT | WT | HOMETOWN | HIGH SCHOOL | COMMITED TO | STATUS | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Pembleton Jr. | CB | 6-2 | 195 | Andrews, SC | Andrews HS | Elon | Verbal 7/1/2026 | 4 INTs for Kempsville High in VA during 2025 |
| Logan Hamilton | DE/EDGE | 6-4 | 205 | Forest, VA | Jefferson Forest HS | Elon | Verbal 7/1/2026 | Honorable mention all-state DL had 17 TFLs, 10 sacks in 2025 |
| Darryl Loatman | WR | 6-4 | 185 | Wilson, NC | Fike HS | Elon | Verbal 6/27/2026 | 45 catches, 700 yards, 12 touchdowns as a junior (2025) |
| Daniel Rondeau | OL | 6-7 | 290 | Easthampton, MA | Williston Northampton | Elon | Verbal 6/27/2026 | Held offers from most FCS programs in New England/Northeast |
| Mahlek Marsh | OL | 6-5 | 300 | Virginia Beach, VA | Green Run HS | Elon | Verbal 6/25/2026 | Held multiple FBS offers, including Pitt, UConn and Memphis |
| Aviance Young Jr. | SAF/ATH | 6-0 | 180 | Stafford, VA | Brooke Point HS | Elon | Verbal 6/24.2026 | 8 interceptions, 11 offensive touchdowns in 2025 |
| Justin Abanquah | ILB | 6-0 | 220 | Charlotte, NC | Providence Day School | Elon | Verbal 6/23/2026 | 2x all-state and all-conference performer, 100+ tackles in 2024, 2025 |
| Alex Haywood | TE | 6-5 | 230 | Charlotte, NC | Providence HS | Elon | Verbal 6/24.2026 | 16 D1 offers, including FBS; 2025 stats: 36 catches, 360 yds, 6 TDs |
| Kameron Guy | DB/WR | 6-1 | 180 | Charlotte, NC | Myers Park HS | Elon | Verbal 6/11/2026 | 5 INTs, 4 PBUs, 1 FR, 33 tackles during junior season |
| Tayjon “Tay” Palmer | CB/WR | 6-3 | 180 | Virginia Beach, VA | Green Run HS | Elon | Verbal 5/23/2026 | Picked Elon over multiple offers from FBS programs, including Pitt, Syracuse, ODU |
| Samuel Finch | QB | 6-3 | 190 | Wilson, NC | Fike HS | Elon | Verbal 5/21/2026 | Accounted for 2,774 total yards and 39 total TDs in 2025, earning team MVP honors |
| Damari Hawkins | DT/NG | 6-1 | 288 | Richmond, VA | Benedictine College Prep | Elon | Verbal 4/22/2026 | Virginia independent schools All-State defensive player in 2025 |
Are we missing a commitment? Let us know by tagging NC Football News on X or send an email to eric@ncfootballnews.com
Elon 2027 Recruiting Snapshot
Latest Commitments
Michael Pembleton Jr., CB, Andrews, SC (Andrews HS)
- Committed to Elon on July 1, 2026
- 6-2, 195-pound athlete who has played cornerback, safety and wide receiver
- Reported offers from Charlotte, Army, Akron, North Carolina Central, Norfolk State, Hampton, Howard, Morgan State, South Carolina State, Wayne State. Offered by Elon in early June and took an official visit shortly thereafter.
- Junior season stats (2025): 4 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 26 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recover, 1 defensive TD
- Played at Kempsville High in Virginia Beach before transferring to Andrews for his senior season
Logan Hamilton, DE/EDGE, Forest, VA (Jefferson Forest HS)
- Committed to Elon on July 1, 2026
- Versatile 6-4, 205-pound defensive and offensive lineman who projects as a defensive end/edge rusher at the college level.
- Defensive line honors 2025: honorable mention all-state, second-team all-district, first-team all-region
- Offensive line honors 2025: second-team all-district
- Junior season stats (2025): 46 solo tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, 10 sacks, 10 quarterback pressures, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. Earned eight tackles and two sacks in the region championship win.
- Verified 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash and 35.5” vertical jump, per Prep Redzone.
- Camped at Liberty and Virginia during the spring/summer
- Also reported offers from Army, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Richmond and William & Mary, with FBS interest that could turn into bonafide offers later in 2026
- 4.2 GPA, straight-A student as a junior (2025-26)
Darryl Loatman, WR, Wilson, NC (Fike HS)
- Committed to Elon on June 27, 2026
- 6-4, 185-pound wide receiver
- Junior season stats (2025): 45 catches, 700 yards, 12 touchdowns. Made six catches for 121 yards, 3 TDs and a two-point conversion in a late-season win over Hunt High.
- Also reported offers from Troy (FBS), North Carolina Central and Campbell. Elon was the first school to offer in late January 2026.
- Reported a time of 4.37 in the 40-yard dash
- Second Fike High player from the Class of 2027 to commit to Elon, joining his quarterback Samuel Finch.
Daniel Rondeau, OL, Easthampton, MA (Williston Northampton School)
- Committed to Elon on June 27, 2026
- 6-7, 290-pound offensive guard, tackle
- Reported offers from New Hampshire, Stonehill, Mercyhurst, Stony Brook, Maine, Sacred Heart, Rhode Island, UAlbany, New Haven, Bryant,
- Received an offer from Elon in May, took an official visit in June
Mahlek Marsh, OL, Virginia Beach, VA (Green Run HS)
- Committed to Elon on June 25, 2026
- 6-5, 300-pound offensive lineman who also has played on the defensive line.
- Reported 17 offers, including Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Memphis, UConn, James Madison, Old Dominion, Southern Miss and Ohio from the FBS ranks. North Carolina Central and Campbell were among his FCS offers.
- Took visits to North Carolina Central and Elon in June
- Helped power a Green Road offense that finished 12-1 overall, 10-0 in region play.
- Green Run teammate Tayjon Palmer (safety/athlete) committed to Elon in May.
Aviance Young Jr., FS/WR, Stafford, VA (Brooke Point HS)
- Committed to Elon on June 24, 2026
- 6-0, 180-pound two-way player who lines up at free safety and wide receiver for Brooke Point
- All-district performer
- Junior season stats (2025): Offense – 8 receiving TDs, 3 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs. Defense – 8 interceptions (one pick-six), 7 pass breakups, 42 tackles (31 solo).
- Reported 18 offers, including East Carolina, Marshall, Navy and Army from the FBS ranks. Took an official visit to Elon on June 18-20.
June 25 Update: Elon continues strong push in Charlotte
Elon continued to mine the Charlotte area well by landing Providence Day linebacker Justin Abanquah on June 23. The two-time all-state performer recorded 100 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks for the 2025 NCISAA state champions, giving the Phoenix another productive Mecklenburg County prospect in the 2027 class.
June 24 Update: High academic tight end Alex Haywood commits to Elon
Tight end Alex Haywood (Charlotte Providence) became the latest addition to Elon’s 2027 recruiting class with a commitment on June 24. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound prospect earned all-conference honors as a junior after catching 36 passes for 360 yards and six touchdowns, including the game-winning score in a fourth-quarter playoff victory over Ardrey Kell.
Haywood also brings an impressive academic résumé with a 4.23 GPA and held reported offers from Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, UMass, Gardner-Webb, Campbell and several Ivy League programs, including Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale and Penn. Possessing an 80-inch wingspan and 4.53 speed in the 40-yard dash, Haywood gives the Phoenix another athletic pass-catching option as Elon continues to build its 2027 class.
Future Transfer Tracker
Transfer activity for the 2027 recruiting cycle will be added following the 2026 season and when the transfer portal opens again in January 2027.
Former Hickory High quarterback Brady Stober (Samford), linebacker Derek Hite (VMI) and safety Remington Moss (Wisconsin) were among the most notable transfers to join the Phoenix in the winter/spring of 2026. To read more about 2026 transfer movement across North Carolina, explore our FCS Transfer Tracker
Latest Elon Football Recruiting Headlines
Elon Football 2026 Commitments
| ELON COMMIT | POS | HOMETOWN | SCHOOL | COMMITTED | VERBAL | SIGNED | MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Voss | WR | Waxhaw, NC | Marvin Ridge HS | Elon | 12/5/2025 | 12/5/2025 | |
| Benji Ravitz | TE | Dresher, PA | Upper Dublin HS | Elon | 1/27/2026 | 2/4/2026 | |
| Bristol Biegenzahn | EDGE/TE | Charleston, SC | West Ashley HS | Elon | 6/22/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Cason Jones | TE/LB | Burnsville, NC | Mountain Heritage HS | Elon | 6/22/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Elijah ‘Bubba’ Shoe | OL | Concord, NC | Jay M Robinson HS | Elon | 6/22/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Geren Williams | DL | Hanover, MD | Archbishop Spalding HS | Elon | 5/16/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Jayden Cowart | DB | Lynchburg, VA | Liberty Christian Academy | Elon | 1/28/2026 | 2/4/2026 | |
| Josiah “JoJo” Payton | WR/DB | Jacksonville, FL | Providence School | Elon | 7/1/2025 | 12/3/2025 | — |
| Kamerin McDowell-Moore | RB | Tarboro, NC | Tarboro HS | Elon | 8/20/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Leo Taylor | K | Naperville, IL | Naperville North HS | Elon | 1/30/2026 | ||
| Matthew Atkinson | OL | Charleston, SC | West Ashley HS | Elon | 7/14/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Nathan Hayes | DT | Roanoke, VA | North Cross School | Elon | 6/1/2025 | 12/3/2025 | |
| Rishon Postell | DB | College Park, GA | Banneker HS | Elon | 7/8/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Ryder Kilgannon | DE | Waxhaw, NC | Charlotte Christian | Elon | 1/19/2026 | 2/4/2025 | |
| Sam Creed | LS/OL | Southern Pines | Pinecrest HS | Elon | 8/1/2025 | 🏈 Read More | |
| Tanner Payne | QB | Morehead City, NC | West Carteret HS | Elon | 6/22/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Tyler Dent | DB | Charlotte, NC | Butler HS | Elon | 9/16/2025 | 12/3/2025 | |
| Tyler Owens | DB | Lanham, MD | Mt. Zion Prep | Elon | 6/26/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Will Tellers | OL | Wallingford, CT | Choate Rosemay Hall | Elon | 6/23/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
| Xavier Porter | DB | Charlotte, NC | West Charlotte HS | Elon | 6/22/2025 | 12/3/2025 | 🏈 Read More |
🧑🎓 Get to Know Elon Football’s Class of 2026
📌 Tanner Payne | Quarterback | Morehead City, NC
High School: West Carteret HS
Elon landed one of North Carolina’s top rising seniors when 6-4 QB Tanner Payne committed just days after receiving an offer in June. Payne threw for 2,759 yards and 32 touchdowns as a junior and has been clocked at 21 MPH in the open field. A 3.85 GPA student with a 4.78 laser-timed 40, Payne was also offered by NC A&T and has been highlighted by Prep RedZone and Rivals for his decision-making and field vision.
📌 Xavier Porter | Defensive Back | Charlotte, NC
High School: West Charlotte HS
A ball-hawking defensive back with length and athleticism, Porter picked Elon over offers from Alabama State, Lenoir-Rhyne and more. He transferred to West Charlotte ahead of his senior season after logging three interceptions at West Mecklenburg in 2024. He’s expected to contribute to a loaded Lions defense and bring playmaking ability to the Phoenix secondary.
📌 Cason Jones | Linebacker | Burnsville, NC
High School: Mountain Heritage HS
Jones is a high-academic, two-way standout who projects as a linebacker at the college level. As a junior, he totaled 96 tackles, rushed for nearly 700 yards, and caught passes for 343 yards. A 4.25 GPA student, he brings versatility, toughness and strong football IQ to Elon’s 2026 class.
📌 Bristol Biegenzahn | Edge Rusher | Charleston, SC
High School: West Ashley HS
At 6-5 and 240 pounds, Biegenzahn is a long, disruptive edge rusher who posted 10 sacks and 19 TFLs in 2024. He chose Elon after earning more than 10 Division I offers, including Navy, Campbell, and Charleston Southern. A 4.4 GPA student, Biegenzahn brings a rare combination of size, production and academic excellence.
📌 Elijah “Bubba” Shoe | Offensive Line | Concord, NC
High School: Jay M. Robinson HS
Shoe helped lead Jay M. Robinson to a 12-1 season and nearly 5,400 yards of total offense in 2024. At 6-5, 280, he’s a physical, run-blocking anchor who picked Elon over offers from ECU, Gardner-Webb, NC A&T, Yale and Brown. He adds local star power and championship pedigree to the 2026 class.
📌 Rishon Postell | Defensive Back | College Park, GA
High School: Banneker HS (formerly Dutchtown HS)
Elon landed a major defensive addition with the commitment of Rishon Postell, a 6-0, 185-pound DB who tallied 56 tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups during his junior season. A former Dutchtown standout now at Banneker High, Postell chose the Phoenix over offers from App State, Air Force, Old Dominion, multiple Ivies (Penn, Yale, Dartmouth) and several FCS schools. He made his pledge after a June official visit and becomes a key piece of Elon’s 2026 secondary haul.
📌 Matthew Atkinson | Offensive Line | Charleston, SC
High School: West Ashley HS
A 6-4, 310-pound interior lineman with a 4.4 GPA, Atkinson brings size and smarts to Elon’s 2026 class. He recorded 25 pancake blocks during his junior year at West Ashley High and held offers from Mercer, Cornell, NC A&T, and several D2 programs across the Carolinas. He becomes the second West Ashley product to join Elon’s class, following teammate Bristol Biegenzahn.
📌 Chris Stewart | Defensive End/Tight End | Andrews, SC
Stewart was Elon’s first known commit in the 2026 class, announcing his pledge after visiting for the Phoenix’s spring game on April 12. The 6-4 edge rusher from Andrews High (S.C.) earned First-Team All-State honors in 2024 with 93 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks. A strong student with a 4.1 GPA, Stewart posted standout testing numbers at a recent combine and brings both production and potential to Elon’s front seven.
📌 Tyler Owens | Defensive Back | Lanham, MD
High School: Mt. Zion Prep (formerly St. Archangel, VA)
Owens committed to Elon on June 26 after visiting campus during a week of camps and recruiting activity. The 5-10, 185-pound defensive back played at St. Archangel last season and has since transferred to Mt. Zion Prep in Maryland. A quick-footed, physical defender, Owens chose Elon over reported offers from Hampton, Maine and Monmouth.
📌 Will Tellers | Offensive Line | Wallingford, CT
High School: Choate Rosemary Hall
A product of one of New England’s premier prep schools, Tellers was a first-team All-Founders League selection and part of back-to-back NEPSAC A championship teams. Elon offered in May, beating out FBS programs like Eastern Michigan and Akron, along with a long list of FCS suitors including Albany and Monmouth.
📌 Geren Williams | Defensive Line | Severn, MD
Williams committed to Elon on May 16 after helping lead Archbishop Spalding to a 12–0 season and third straight MIAA “A” Conference title. A high-motor lineman who plays both inside and out, he held offers from CAA programs Rhode Island and Monmouth. Williams also carries a 3.5 GPA and was recognized as a top performer at the Elite Talent Football Camp.
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