The Muhlenberg football program has added 38 new players to its roster for the upcoming 2026 campaign, head coach Nate Milne announced Thursday afternoon.

"This incoming class checks all the boxes you are looking for in a class," Milne said of the newest Mules. "There's depth to replace an elite group of seniors, great size to compete in the trenches, and skill to create big plays on both sides of the ball; this class has all the tools to create another elite group of Muhlenberg College football players."

They will be tasked with helping to replace a group of seniors that led the Mules to nine wins and an NCAA playoff victory last season. Among that group are Dante Mahaffey, Matthew Manning, and John Runfolo, who each finished among the team's leaders in at least one offensive category. In the trenches, tackle Michael Powel and center Robert Terreros each earned all-conference nods as well. Defensively, the graduate departees include captains Blaze Curry and Marcus McClaine, All-Centennial Conference Honorable Mention Peyton Elliott, in addition to a host of others.

To give each newcomer their own shine, we've broken the football newcomer stories into three parts. Part two will go live in July, and part three will go live in August, all right here on muhlenbergsports.com.
  About Brown: A two-sport star at Episcopal Academy, Brown used his top-end speed to nab eight letters between football and track.  He was productive on both sides of the ball, gaining over 1200 total yards and scoring nine touchdowns on offense while earning second-team all-state honors as a defensive back. On the track, Brown was just as successful, earning First Team All-Inter-Ac honors.
Why Muhlenberg?:  "I chose Muhlenberg because it will give me the opportunity to compete at a high level both in football and track, while still providing me with top ranked education as a business major, all at an affordable price for me and my family, with an inviting school community."
  About Smeltz: Like Brown, Smeltz excelled in two sports during his time in high school. He racked up over 1100 yards in football and topped 1000 career points in basketball as a big man while earning seven combined letters along the way (three in football, four in basketball). Smeltz helped Line Mountain High School to three league titles in his career and a district championship last season as part of an offense that averaged 41.6 points per game.
Why Muhlenberg?: "As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed and at home."
  About Masonius: The youngest of 10 children, Masonius certainly brings an athletic pedigree to Muhlenberg, with five of his siblings having competed collegiately either currently or in the past. He was captain of both the wrestling and football teams and played on a lacrosse team that twice won the New Jersey state championship during his time in high school. On the football field, Masonius was the recipient of the Shore Conference Lombardi Award (most outstanding lineman) and was named to the all-division first team as a defensive lineman.
Why Muhlenberg?:  "Muhlenberg is a great fit for me both academically and athletically. I enjoyed being around the team on my visits and was impressed with the level of commitment by both players and coaches." About Pingitore: Pingitore captained Daniel Boone High School's football team from the trenches during his time there, earning three letters and a first-team academic all-star nod as well. He also pitched and played first base on the baseball team. Pingitore's family is no stranger to collegiate football in the Lehigh Valley; one uncle played at Lehigh while another played at East Stroudsburg.
Why Muhlenberg?: "It's strong academics and competitive football program."
  About Kilpatrick: One of a few Easton natives in this class, Kilpatrick earned just about every honor a linebacker can garner after the 2025 season. The Pennsylvania Football Writers named him an all-state selection in 6A, the Morning Call tabbed him as the EPC's Defensive Player of the Year, and he earned first team all-conference and all-county as well. That was after a season in which the new Mule totaled 119 tackles, 64 solo tackles, and three sacks. Kilpatrick also earned all-conference honors as a defenseman in lacrosse.
Why Muhlenberg?: "I chose Muhlenberg because of the immediate connection I felt with the Coaches and players; campus immediately felt like a second home." About Kline: Another local product, Kline nearly did it all in high school. He earned first team All-EPC honors as a punter in addition to all-area honorable mentions for his play at receiver and safety.  Kline spent a year on Northampton's varsity baseball team as well.
Why Muhlenberg?:  "I chose Muhlenberg for the winning football program and outstanding academics." About Costello: Costello made as big an impact off the field in high school as he did on it during his time at Monsignor Farrell.  On the field, he played right tackle and defensive end while earning a pair of varsity letters. Outside of the lines, Costello earned the Dennis Barrett Leadership Service Award as a senior in addition to the Lt. Charles Margiotta award, the latter of which is given to the top scholar-athlete. Costello also excelled in the pool, where he swam the 100 butterfly, earned four varsity letters, and was named team captain.
Why Muhlenberg?:  "The sense of community amongst the students."
  About Henry: Another New York native, Henry lettered four times apiece between football and lacrosse and was named a captain in both during his time at Oyster Bay High School. He earned all-conference honors in the fall and followed it up with an all-county nod as the team's face-off man and midfielder in the spring.
Why Muhlenberg?: "I chose Muhlenberg College because of the endless opportunities it provides for me to continue growing both academically and athletically. The strong balance between academics and athletics made it the perfect place for me to challenge myself, develop as a student-athlete, and prepare for my future." About Hartman: Hartman was a First-Team All-Colonial League football coaches' All-Star selection at center while playing this past season at Notre Dame-Green Pond High School. He also nabbed a second-team all-area nod as well.
Why Muhlenberg?: "I chose Muhlenberg because the community is so welcoming. The teachers and coaches seem like very nice people who you can talk to easily about anything. Lastly, the campus is beautiful, none like any other."
                            About Kelly: The first Connecticut native on this list, Kelly competed in three different sports while at Staples High School. In addition to spending his autumn nights as a wideout on the football team, Kelly was a sprinter in track and a midfielder in lacrosse.
  About Williams Jr.: Williams Jr. was a two-way starter and team captain during his senior season, but he made his biggest impact as a strong safety and outside linebacker. He made 82 total tackles (54 solo) with one tackle for loss and grabbed one interception in 2025, earning him Peach State Gridiron Classic All-American and Blue-Grey All-American nods.
Why Muhlenberg?:  "(I chose Muhlenberg) because of the culture of the school and football program. Muhlenberg has great internship and alumni connection opportunities that I want to be a part of, as well as having an opportunity to play as a freshman on a great team." About Zatorski: Zatorski was a standout on the offensive line for a Saints team that averaged nearly 33 points per game and finished with a 9-3 mark in 2025. Individually, he was named first-team all-league and second-team all-county. Zatorski was also selected to and won the PSFCA Small School East-West All-Star game this spring.
Why Muhlenberg?:  "(I chose Muhlenberg) because it was a mix of great academics and great athletic programs and facilities."
  About Brader Jr.:  Brader has made his mark as a wideout on an always-competitive Parkland team under head coach Tim Moncman, helping the Trojans to a 23-4 mark over the past two seasons and a District 11 Championship in 2024.  He earned three letters in track and field and was a District 11 finalist in the long jump as well.  The Brader name may be familiar to some long-time fans of the Mules, as his father, Jason Brader '99, racked up 2,684 rushing yards in just two seasons, setting a then-school record en route to a Hall of Fame nod in 2011.

Stay tuned to muhlenbergsports.com and our social media channels throughout the summer to learn about all of the newest Mules!