Pirates Load Up: ECU Signs 18 in 2026 Recruiting Class, 17 Set to Enroll Early

East Carolina head coach Blake Harrell made it official on Wednesday, announcing 18 new Pirates during the early signing period, and this class is arriving fast.
Seventeen of the 18 signees will be on campus in January for spring ball, giving ECU one of the most early-arriving classes in the AAC. It’s a huge boost for depth, development, and competition heading into 2026.

The class leans heavily into ECU’s Southeastern recruiting footprint:

• North Carolina (4)

• South Carolina (3)

• Georgia (6)

• Florida (2)

• Junior College (2)

Harrell added size along both lines, speed at receiver, impact defenders, and a pair of long-term quarterback and linebacker pieces. Here’s the full breakdown.

2026 ECU SIGNEE CLASS

JOSHUA BATTLE — OL — College Park, GA — Woodward Academy

A physical, long-torsoed lineman who dominated in pass protection at Woodward. A multi-sport athlete with shot-put strength, Battle chose ECU over a long SEC/Sun Belt list. A three-star prospect and early enrollee.

PRESTON BROADWAY — OL — Indian Trail, NC — Metrolina Christian

One of the nastiest run blockers in the class. Logged 85+ pancakes and zero sacks allowed as a junior. Former defensive player who moved to OL and excelled immediately. Three-star lineman with a wrestling background — and he’ll enroll in January.

TREY BURKE — QB — Spartanburg, SC — Spartanburg HS

ECU’s quarterback of the future. Burke threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career and has the arm talent that new OC John David Baker loves. A poised, accurate passer who will participate in spring practice.

DAVID COLEMAN JR. — DB — Kingsland, GA — Camden County

One of the most versatile athletes in ECU’s class. Coleman was an all-purpose weapon — DB, WR, KR — scoring touchdowns every way possible. Explosive return man with elite speed. Expected early enrollee.

BRYSON ESSER — OL — Denver, NC — Garden City CC

At 6'8", 295 pounds, Esser brings immediate size to the room. Junior-college product who blocked in one of the JUCO ranks’ top offenses. A multi-offer player who upgrades ECU’s tackle depth immediately.

CHAD FAIRCHILD — LB — Hampton, GA — Lovejoy HS

One of the most productive linebackers in Georgia, earning All-State and Region Defensive Player of the Year honors. A downhill, sideline-to-sideline hitter who fits ECU’s aggressive front-seven style.

JA’VAUGHN HARGETT — OL — Durham, NC — Southern Durham

ECU beat out Virginia Tech and App State for Hargett, a powerful run blocker who stacked up 81 career pancake blocks. One of North Carolina’s top linemen, with a frame that fits perfectly at tackle or guard.

AMARE MACK — DB — Jacksonville, FL — University Christian

Ballhawk. Mack finished his career with 74 tackles and six interceptions while also posting big numbers as a wideout. A 1,600-yard receiver who adds instant athleticism to ECU’s secondary. Enrolling early.

XAVIER MASSEY — OL — Bushnell, FL — South Sumter HS

A three-star lineman who anchored a productive Florida offense. Massey’s technique and strength make him a developmental piece with early-playing potential. Expected to join the program in January.

DIJMON McLENDON — DB — Tucker, GA — Tucker HS

One of the most heavily recruited players in ECU’s class, choosing the Pirates over Georgia, Michigan, Ole Miss, Cincinnati and more. A twitchy, instinctive corner with top-end ball skills. Massive recruiting win for Harrell.

LINDELL “LJ” PORTER — LB — Cornelius, NC — Hough HS

A violent, downhill linebacker with consistent production at multiple positions. Porter racked up 48 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a senior at Hough after a standout run at Charlotte Christian. Early enrollee.

DAWSON QUARTERMAN — WR — Loganville, GA — Grayson HS

A dynamic outside receiver with size (6'2", 200) and deep-play ability. Quarterman posted 845 receiving yards and eight scores as a senior and brings college-ready physicality.

ZYON RATCHFORD — DL — Gaffney, SC — Gaffney HS

One of the most productive defensive players in the Carolinas. Ratchford logged 240 career tackles, 27 TFL, and four interceptions. A twitchy edge defender with a basketball background and a high motor.

JEREMIAH ROUX — LB — Jonesboro, GA — Mundy’s Mill HS

Versatile athlete who played linebacker, receiver, quarterback and even handled punting duties. Long, athletic defender with instincts and a high ceiling. Cousin of NFL star Derwin James.

KELTON SMITH — DL — Gaffney, SC — Gaffney HS

A huge interior presence at 6'4", 310 pounds. Smith was disruptive as a senior, producing 6.5 TFLs and showing advanced power. A developing anchor for the future defensive front.

TERANDE SPENCER — DL — Rockingham, NC — Richmond County

One of ECU’s most decorated signees. Spencer was a two-time conference defensive player of the year with 260 career tackles, 77 TFL, and 32 sacks. Shrine Bowl selection and one of NC’s best defensive recruits in 2026.

ETHAN WILSON — DL — Bethel, NC — North Pitt HS

A massive in-state pickup. Wilson posted absurd senior numbers: 33 TFLs and 13 sacks, while also scoring on offense. Son of ECU assistant strength coach Amos Wilson and cousin of all-conference DL Zion Wilson. Local, tough, and talented.

CHRISTIAN HARRIS — OL — Richmond, VA — Garden City CC

Another JUCO lineman who brings college experience. Harris is a true 6'7" tackle with long arms and upward mobility, pairing with Esser as a strong reload at the position.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is one of the deepest and most physically impressive classes Blake Harrell has assembled, and the fact that 17 of the 18 will be in Greenville by January only accelerates ECU’s long-term roster plans.

Big bodies, fast skill players, and a focus on defense and the trenches.