National Signing Day
February 7, 2026
It is a time of relief for student-athletes who have gone through the rigorous recruiting process and hearing the pitch of various recruiters regarding their particular educational and athletic programs.
Coaches wait at their respective schools ready to receive the official document that a particular athlete has kept their non-binding verbal commitment made prior to the official signing date.
Now that the papers have been signed and delivered, student-athletes can focus on the rest of their senior year - to concentrate on their studies and spring sports before it will be time to head to their respective schools to begin their educational and athletic careers at the collegiate level. It certainly is a dream come true for all.
Pearland Oilers
Pearland had their best season under head coach B.J. Gotte in 2025. The Oilers went undefeated for the regular season at 10-0 and captured the District 22-6A crown with an 8-0 mark.
After taking out Fort Bend Travis 59-27 in the Class 6A Region III Div. I bi-district round of the playoffs, the Oilers came up short 28-21 to Dickinson in the area round to close out the season at 11-1. This was Pearland's 26th consecutive year the Oilers have advanced to the post-season.
There were several seniors who played a strong role in the success of the Oilers this season who signed letters-of-intent to play at the next level.
Linebacker C.J. Birkelbach committed to Texas A&M Texarkana
Pearland had five players commit in December and will have one or two more commit in May.
The five that committed in December are:
LB Amari Wilks - Louisiana Tech
DE Jaylen Stewart - Illinois
OL Nick Howard - Pittsburgh
LB Joseph Credit - Kansas
DB Zeke Alkire - Air Force
RB Ja’Maurey Champion will be celebrating his commitment to Texas A&M Kingsville in May.
WR Jordan Hernandez is still deciding on what his future is regarding baseball or football.
Dawson Eagles
Dawson had an excellent season and finished 7-4 and second place (6-2) in the District 22-6A title race behind Pearland.
The Eagles advanced to the Class 6A Region III Div. I playoffs and faced the No. 3 state-ranked Ridge Point Panthers in the opening round. Dawson lost a real heartbreaker 21-16 as they had a chance to score the game-winning touchdown on the last play of the game from the Ridge Point three-yard line.
Head coach Mike Allison and his coaching staff have always been a tough team to beat, and the 2025 season proved that to be true.
Some of the seniors that led the team effort were rewarded with the opportunity to continue their education and playing careers at the next level. They were:
RB Josiah McFarland - Henderson State University
DB Bryson Flynn - Washington State
DL Seth Groves - Missouri Valley College
LB James Higgins - William Jewell College
