A talent-laden group of 32 high school seniors – including a trio of local prep standouts – have signed their National Letters of Intent or Letter of Acceptance to attend and play football for the University of Minnesota Duluth football in 2024. 

"We are excited about the 2024 signing class and the quality of young men we are bringing to UMD and the community of Duluth," said UMD head coach Curt Wiese, who will serve in his 12th season at the helm of the Bulldogs in 2024. "This class will provide some much needed early depth in all areas which will lead the way for the future of UMD Football. We are appreciative of everyone who helped attract this bright and athletic class to campus. We look forward to welcoming this group in August."

The 2024 recruiting class is composed of 13 incoming freshmen from Minnesota, 18 from Wisconsin, and one from Illinois.

The Bulldogs wrapped their 89th season of intercollegiate football this past fall with an overall record of 9-2, while going 8-2 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. UMD finished in a three-way tie for second place in the NSIC in 2023.

2024 CLASS BY POSITION BREAKDOWN

Defensive Backs - 8

Defensive Linemen - 4

Linebackers - 2

Running Backs - 2

Offensive Linemen - 5

Wide Receivers - 6

Quarterbacks - 1

Tight Ends - 4
 

Ean Ackley (LB - 6'1" - 215- Madison, Wis. - Sun Prairie West High School)

Tait Anderberg (OL - 6'7" - 265 - Lakeville, Minn. - Lakeville North High School)

Zachary Bentler (DL - 6'4" - 240 - Two Harbors, Minn - Two Harbors High School)

Jackson Berg (DB - 6'0" - 185 - Eau Claire, Wis. - Altoona High School) 

Jake Bova (DB - 6'2" - 175 - Waunakee, Wis. - Waunakee High School)

Carter Bowe (DB - 5'10" - 175 - Chippewa Falls, Wis. - Chippewa Falls High School)

Dylan Christie (OL - 6'5" - 260 - Saint Croix Falls, Wis. - Saint Croix Falls High School)

Luke Dehnicke (TE - 6'4" - 210 - Andover, Minn - Andover High School)

Sam Dickman (DL - 6'3" - 235 - Hudson, Wis. - Hudson High School)

Terae Dunn (DB - 5'11" - 170 - Chaska, Minn. - Eden Prairie High School)

David Emerich (WR - 5'8" - 170 - Waunakee, Wis. - Waunakee High School)

Ben Fritsch (WR - 6'0" - 180 - Port Washington, Wis. - Port Washington High School)

Matthew Heinen (LB - 6'1" - 210 - Champlin, Minn. - Champlin Park High School)

Nick Kihn (WR - 5'10" - 185 - Sussex, Wis. - Sussex Hamilton High School)

Catcher Langeness (WR - 5'10" - 170 - New Richmond, Wis. - New Richmond High School)

Ben Lindley (RB - 6'0" - 185 - Waunakee, Wis. - Waunakee High School)

David Lundstrom (Lundstrom) (OL - 6'4" - 295 - Duluth, Minn. - Duluth East High School)

Matt Marusich (DB - 6'1" - 190 - Barrington, Ill. - Barrington High School)

Peyton Menzel (WR - 6'0" - 180 - Hermantown, Minn. - Hermantown High School)

Trent Nitek (DB - 6'1" - 160 - Holcombe, Wis. - Lake Holcombe High School)

Francis O'Malley (TE - 6'0" - 235 - Montevideo, Minn. - Montevideo Senior High School)

Jack Ploeckelman (DB - 6'0" - 190 - Muskego, Wis. - Muskego High School)

Austin Randall (QB - 6'0" - 190 - Waconia, Minn. - Waconia High School)

Mark Rendl (DL - 6'3" - 225 - Wyoming, Minn. - Forest Lake High School)

Tanner Schmidt (WR - 5'11" - 180 - Stillwater, Minn. - Stillwater High School)

Stanley Smith (DL - 6'3" - 220 - Green Bay, Wis. - Notre Dame Academy)

Tyler Smith (DB - 6'0" - 185 - Chaska, Minn. - Chanhassen High School)

Issac Steinke (TE - 6'5" - 215 - Fall Creek, Wis. - Fall Creek High School)

Max Stuhlmacher (OL - 6'3" - 270 - Fox Point, Wis. - Nicolet High School)

Jae'Shaun Thomas (OL - 6'4" - 285 - Milwaukee, Wis. - Catholic Memorial High School) 

Sam Wenzel (TE - 6'6" - 220 - Elk Mound, Wis. - Elk Mound High School)

Sawyer Wilkie (RB - 5'11" - 195 - Lakeville, Minn. - Lakeville North High School)

THE 2024 BULLDOG RECRUITING CLASS AT A GLANCE 

Ean Ackley (LB - 6'1" - 215- Madison, Wis. - Sun Prairie West High School)

Two-year starter (LB/TE/FB) at Sun Prairie West High School … played under head coach Joshua O'Connor … two-time team captain … two-time Team MVP … WFCA All-State selection …  two-time All-Conference LB… Academic All-State … participated in track and field (thrower) ... two-year starter in basketball.

Tait Anderberg (OL - 6'7" - 265 - Lakeville, Minn. - Lakeville North High School)

Three-year starter (Offensive Line) at Lakeville North High School … played under head coach Brian Vossen … All-Conference senior year … participated in wrestling his freshmen and junior year.

Zachary Bentler (DL - 6'4" - 240 - Two Harbors, Minn. - Two Harbors High School)

Four-year starter (DL/TE/RB) at Two Harbors High School … played under head coach Tom Nelson … team captain his junior and senior year … All-Conference his junior and senior year … participated in the All Star Game his senior year … captained his hockey team his senior year.

Jackson Berg (DB - 6'0" - 185 - Eau Claire, Wis. - Altoona High School) 

Four-year starter (RB/QB/SAF) at Altoona High School … played under head coach Chad Hanson … All-Conference DB for three seasons … Team Offensive MVP in his senior year … leading tackler and leading receiver his senior year … participated in baseball all four years … wrestled his junior and senior years … father played semi-pro football for eight years.

Jake Bova (DB - 6'2" - 175 - Waunakee, Wis. - Waunakee High School)

Two-year starter (DB) at Waunakee High School … played under head coach Pat Rice … team captain senior year … awarded All-Conference in football and basketball during his time as a Warrior … high school Honor Roll.

Carter Bowe (DB - 5'10" - 175 - Chippewa Falls, Wis. - Chippewa Falls High School)

Two-year starter (DB) at Chippewa Falls High School … played under head coach Chuck Raykovich … team captain his senior … 2023 First Team All-Conference … played hockey for three years … participated in track and field for two years … has two older brothers who attend UMD … a part of the National Honors Society (NHS) in high school.

Dylan Christie (OL - 6'5" - 260 - Saint Croix Falls, Wis. - Saint Croix Falls High School)

Two-year starter (OL) at Saint Croix Falls High School … played under head coach Grant Belisle … captained the team his senior year … 2023 First Team All-Conference award … lettered in all four years of track & field (shot put and discuss).

Luke Dehnicke (TE - 6'4" - 210 - Andover, Minn - Andover High School)

Three-year starter (WR/SAF) at Andover High School … played under head coach Tom Develice … All-Conference, All-State, and All-Metro his senior year … All-Star Game participant … father played football at the University of Minnesota … started in baseball and basketball for two years

Sam Dickman (DL - 6'3" - 235 - Hudson, Wis. - Hudson High School)

Two-year starter (OLB/DE) at Hudson High School … played under head coach Adam Kowles … First-Team All-Conference junior and senior year … captained the team his senior year … four-year starter in lacrosse … lacrosse state champion.

Terae Dunn (DB - 5'11" - 170 - Chaska, Minn. - Eden Prairie High School) 

Three-year starter (DB/WR) at Eden Prairie High School … played under head coach Mike Grant … All-Metro … All-District … and Second-Team All-State his senior year … participated in wrestling as well where he is a three-time tournament placer … was also a part of the National Honors Society (NHS).

David Emerich (WR - 5'8" - 170 - Waunakee, Wis. - Waunakee High School)

Three-year starter (WR/RB) at Waunakee High School … played under head coach Pat Rice … First-Team All-Conference junior and senior year … All-Region junior and senior year … receiving yards leader for Waunakee High School … played hockey all four years, named a captain for final two year.

Ben Fritsch (WR - 6'0" - 180 - Port Washington, Wis. - Port Washington High School)

Two-year starter (WR/QB/DB) at Port Washington High School … played under head coach John Bunyan … team captain his senior year … First-Team All-Conference QB 2022 and 2023 … school record for offensive yards … school record for most offensive touchdowns in a season … participated in track and field for four years (long jump and triple jump).

Matthew Heinen (LB - 6'1" - 210 - Champlin, Minn. - Champlin Park High School)

Three-year starter (LB/RB) at Champlin Park High School … played under head coach Nick Keenan … All-Conference 2023 … All-Metro 2023 … Team MVP 2023 … captained the Rebels his senior year … Academic All-State 2023.

Nick Kihn (WR - 5'10" - 185 - Sussex, Wis. - Sussex Hamilton High School)

Three-year starter (Wide Receiver) at Sussex Hamilton High School … played under head coach Justin Gumm … 2023 All-Conference … 2023 All-State … 2023 All-Region … 2023 state leader in receiving yards … participated in track & field senior year … Honor Roll member.

Catcher Langeness (WR - 5'10" - 170 - New Richmond, Wis. - New Richmond High School)

Two-year starter (WR) at New Richmond High School … played under head coach Reggie Larson … was voted a team captain in his senior year … All-Conference award senior year … four-year starter in hockey while being captain for three … also lettered in golf and track and field.

Ben Lindley (RB - 6'0" - 185 - Waunakee, Wis. - Waunakee High School)

Two-year starter (RB) at Waunakee High School … played under head coach Pat Rice … during his senior year he earned First-Team All-State … Badger Large Offensive Player of the Year … attained school record for yards per carry … also participated in track and field in high school.

David Lundstrom (Lundstrom)(OL - 6'4" - 295 - Duluth, Minn. - Duluth East High School)

Two-year starter (OL) at Duluth East High School … played under head coach Bryan Kallevig … captain of the team his senior year …  claimed Alll-Conference, All-District, and All-Area awards … Grandfather Edmond Lundstrum played and coached football at UMD … father Eric Lundstrum ran Track & Field at UMD.

Matt Marusich (DB - 6'1" - 190 - Barrington, Ill.  - Barrington High School)

Two-year starter (WR/DB) at Barrington High School … played under head coach Joe Sanchez … two-time All-Conference … voted team captain … Team Defensive MVP … participated in varsity track and field for four years.

Peyton Menzel (WR - 6'0" - 180 - Hermantown, Minn. - Hermantown High School)

Three-year starter (WR/DB) at Hermantown High School … played under head coach Mike Zagelmeyer … All-Star Game participant his senior year … team captain for the Hawks in 2023 … holds school records for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in both a single season and career … participated in golf for six years … started in basketball for two years.

Trent Nitek (DB - 6'1" - 160 - Holcombe, Wis. - Lake Holcombe High School)

Three-year starter (RB/LB) at Lake Holcombe High School … played under head coach John Stender … track and field 100m and 200m state champion.

Francis O'Malley (TE - 6'0" - 235 - Montevideo, Minn. - Montevideo Senior High School)

Four-year starter (RB/LB) at Montevideo Senior High School … played under head coach David Vik … Team MVP 2021, 2022, 2023 … All-Conference 2021, 2022, 2023 … All-Mid State RB 2022, 2023 … track and field state champion in 2023 (shot put).

Jack Ploeckelman (DB - 6'0" - 190 - Muskego, Wis. - Muskego High School)

Two-year starter (LB) at Muskego High School … played under head coach Ken Krause … Named All-Conference and All-Region after senior year campaign… team captain as senior … participated in track & field for three years at Muskego High School (short sprints) … a part of National Honors Society (NHS) in high school.

Austin Randall (QB - 6'0" - 190 - Waconia, Minn. - Waconia High School)

Three-year starter (QB) at Waconia High School … played under head coach Corey Shea … was voted team captain his junior and senior year … All-District 2023 … leader in total TD's 2023 … three-year starter and two-year captain for the Wildcats baseball team.

Mark Rendl (DL - 6'3" - 225 - Wyoming, Minn. Forest Lake High School)

Three-year starter (LB/TE) at Forest Lake High School … played under head coach Brad Beeskow … All-Conference three times over three seasons … voted team captain his senior year … wrestled in all four years of high school, earning All-State in his final three years.

Tanner Schmidt (WR - 5'11" - 180 - Stillwater, Minn. - Stillwater High School)

Two year starter (WR) at Stillwater High School … played under head coach Beau Labore … a two-time All-Conference … was the Metro East Offensive MVP his senior year … school receiving yards record … school receiving touchdowns record … All-Star Game participant his senior year.

Stanley Smith (DL - 6'3" - 220 - Green Bay, Wis. - Notre Dame Academy)

2023 starter (DE) at Notre Dame Academy … played under head coach Mike Rader…2023 honorable mention All-State … First-Team All-Conference … participated in track and field in basketball as well … Honor Roll all four years of high school.

Tyler Smith (DB - 6'0" - 185 - Chaska, Minn. - Chanhassen High School)

Three-year starter (DB) at Chanhassen High School … played under head coach Cullen Nelson … team captain … Academic All-State … started in baseball and hockey for three years … was a part of the Chanhassen High School DECA program. 

Issac Steinke (TE - 6'5" - 215 - Fall Creek, Wis. - Fall Creek High School)

Three-year starter (TE) at Fall Creek High School … played under head coach Tyler Mickelson … voted team captain his senior year … during his senior year, led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TD's … First-Team All-Conference … played basketball all four years … academic letter three out of the four years.

Max Stuhlmacher (OL - 6'3" - 270 - Fox Point, Wis. - Nicolet High School)

Four-year starter (OL) at Nicolet High School … played under head coach Al Moroder … three-time All-Conference, two-time First-Team selection… earned the North Shore Conference Offensive Lineman of Year award … participated in varsity track and field and varsity basketball his senior year.

Jae'Shaun Thomas (OL - 6'4" - 285 - Milwaukee, Wis. - Catholic Memorial High School) 

Two-year starter (OL/DL) at Catholic Memorial High School … played under head coach Bill Young … state champion … participated in wrestling and track & field his senior year. 

Sam Wenzel (TE - 6'6" - 220 - Elk Mound, Wis. - Elk Mound High School)

Three-year starter (TE/DE) at Elk Mound High School … played under head coach Dave Lew … All-Region TE … 1st team All-Conference DL … Team Offensive MVP his senior year … three-year starter in basketball for the Mounders … player of the year junior year … participated in baseball for two years

Sawyer Wilkie (RB - 5'11" - 195 - Lakeville, Minn. - Lakeville North High School)

Two-year starter (RB) at Lakeville North High School … played under head coach Brian Vossen … 2023 Metro South Football All-District First-Team … 2023 South Metro Offensive Player of the Year … 2023 Lakeville North Captain Leadership Award … participated in track and field for one year.