Sam Houston has amassed a 21-1 record over the past two seasons, powering a move to Conference USA in 2023. 

The on-the-field success has paved the way for some big recruiting wins for Coach Keeler and his staff. 

The Class of 2022 featured five DCTF three-star prospects and high-profile transfers like five-star S B.J. Foster and four-star WR Al'vonte Woodard. 

In 2022, SHSU beat three in-state FBS programs in the 247Sports Composite team recruiting rankings. 

The Class of 2023 is off to another strong start. 

With recent commitments from DCTF Top 300 prospects like Corpus Christi Miller WR Lonnie Adkism (6'1, 170), Frisco Reedy WR AJ Jayroe (6'4, 185), and Katy Morton Ranch OG Zachary Session (6'4, 305), SHSU is proving that it can go up against FBS and P5 programs to secure big in-state recruiting wins. 

Relationships are the foundation of the Bearkat's recent recruiting success. 

"Coach (Jacoby) Walker (SHSU WR Coach)," CC Miller's Adkism said when asked what put Sam Houston over the top. "He kept it real with me since the day I met him, and that's what it's all about...the coaches being real and making you feel wanted, and that's what I feel."

"The relationship with coach (Jacoby) Walker (SHSU WR Coach) was big, and the ability to come in and make an impact immediately was very positive for me," Reedy's Jayroe said about his SHSU commitment.

"Coach Bassett and Coach Keeler really showed me love all throughout the recruitment process, but what really helped me to pull the trigger was the family atmosphere when I visited. I really felt like I could call this place home for the next four years," Session echoed.

Looking ahead, Sam Houston will be moving up a level of competition, and that has been another selling point as the recruits see it. 

"That did play a factor in my decision," Adkism said. "Because they're going up (versus) the competition, and their schedules are looking good when I get there, and that's what I like about it."

"Sam Houston joining FBS 100% played a factor," Jayroe added. "Being able to play at the FBS level and having the chance to compete and play early was big for me."

Denton Ryan S Kaden Kelly (6'0, 170) keyed in on another important factor: WINNING GAMES. 

"Simply put, they are champions," Kelly stated. "Sam Houston State breeds a culture of winning, and I like to win."