Cowboys Sign Oklahoma Baptist Linebacker Brayden Johnson

LARAMIE -- Wyoming's staff has been looking for veterans in the transfer portal, especially on defense.

They found another one Thursday afternoon, bringing the total to six on that side of the ball already this December.

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Brayden Johnson, a senior linebacker who spent the previous three seasons at Oklahoma Baptist, is the latest commit, inking his letter of intent to spend his final collegiate season in Laramie.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Ringling, Okla., native tallied 145 total tackles during his tenure in Shawnee, including 14 behind the line of scrimmage. Johnson also registered two sacks, an interception and three fumble recoveries.He joins fellow linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz (Lindenwood) in this recruiting class.

Jay Sawvel and Co. have also rebuilt this secondary, signing safeties Desman Hearns (Southern Illinois), Jaden DeCosta (Portland State) and Justin Taylor (Wisconsin). Cornerback BJ Inmon was also announced Dec. 4 on early signing day.

Another incoming safety gave his verbal to the staff late Tuesday night, but has yet to publicly announce his decision, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Wyoming has also added edge rusher Brayden Wilson (Weber State). The lone offensive transfer is Northwest Missouri State wideout Eric Richardson.

"It's been a really good week," that same source said Thursday night, adding the program is still looking to land a quarterback, offensive tackle, a wide receiver and another defensive end. Sawvel has said he wants to sign roughly 35 players this offseason. That number now, per the source, is said to be around 40.

Johnson Earned All-Great American Conference honors in 2024 after racking up 71 tackles. That ranked seventh overall in the league. He also landed 7.5 tackles for loss, including four -- and his only career interception -- against East Central.

Three times last fall, Johnson finished with double-digit tackles in a game. He had a season-high 12 in a game against Harding.

He also received offers from Tulsa, UTEP, Stephen F. Austin and Southeast Missouri State.

The Cowboys are looking to replace starting linebackers, Shae Suiaunoa and Connor Shay, who were the top-two tacklers, respectively, on the team in 2024. Both exhausted their eligibility. That pair combined for 163 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception and two pass breakups.

Linebacker Parker Moore (Lawrence Free State) inked with Wyoming on early signing day. So did Steven Perez (Wilmington, Calif.). Those two rookies join redshirt freshmen Gary Rutherford, Adrian Onyiego, Jack Harvey and Dash Bauman on the current UW roster. Nic Talich, Micah Young and Evan Eller, for now, round out the linebacker room.

MORE UW FOOTBALL NEWS VIA 7220SPORTS:

* Wyoming's secondary Wednesday lands another transfer

* Wyoming inks former Wisconsin safety Justin Taylor

* Wyoming Cowboys in the NFL: Week 15

* Pokes Land 6'5" Linebacker from Lindenwood

* Wyoming football Monday inks three transfers

* Dawaiian McNeely entering portal after five years in Laramie

* Cowboys lose another edge rusher to transfer portal

* Cornerback becomes seventh Cowboy to hit open market

* Wyoming LB Cole DeMarzo retiring from football

* Wyoming announces 2025 football matchups

* Wyoming Football: 2025 Transfer Portal Tracker

* Edge Rusher Braden Siders Looking Elsewhere to Cap Career

* What's on deck for Sawvel, Wyoming's football staff?

Ten Wyoming players have left the team and entered college football's version of free agency this offseason, eight of which have come from the defense: tackle Jaden Williams, edge rushers Ethan Day and Braden Siders, linebacker Read Sunn and secondary players Miles Tucker, Nikos Varelas, Koa McIntyre and Naz Hill. Senior linebacker Cole DeMarzo announced last week he will retire.

On the other side of the ball, running back Dawaiian McNeely and wideout Tyler "TK" King have also entered the portal.

The winter portal window is open until Dec. 28. It briefly opens again in the spring from April 16-30.

Spring practice is set to begin in Laramie March 25.

University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players

During the summer of 2021, 7220Sports.com counted down the Top 50 football players in University of Wyoming history, presented by Premier Bone & Joint Centers, Worthy of Wyoming.

The rules are simple: What was the player's impact while in Laramie? That means NFL stats, draft status or any other accolade earned outside of UW is irrelevant when it comes to this list.

This isn't a one-man job. This task called for a panel of experts. Joining 7220's Cody Tucker are Robert Gagliardi, Jared Newland, Ryan Thorburn, and Kevin McKinney.

We all compiled our own list of 50 and let computer averages do the work. Think BCS -- only we hope this catalog is fairer.

Don't agree with a selection? Feel free to sound off on our Twitter: @7220sports - #Top50UWFB

Gallery Credit: 7220Sports.com

- University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players