The University of Toledo achieved a significant milestone in its football recruiting efforts last December by securing the highest-rated recruiting class in Mid-American Conference history.
A key moment was the signing of Zy’marion Lang, a four-star athlete who switched his commitment from South Carolina to Toledo, opting for the Rockets over multiple power conference programs. His impressive performances in practice have garnered praise from both coaches and teammates, marking the start of a broader trend.
In May, quarterback Bo Polston committed to Toledo, surprising many recruiting analysts as he chose the Rockets over offers from prestigious schools such as Georgia, Michigan, and Virginia Tech.
“It honestly caught me completely off guard,” remarked Greg Smith, a national recruiting analyst for Rivals and Yahoo! Sports.
Now, it seems commonplace. Toledo’s 2025 recruiting class is on track to exceed the achievements of the 2024 class. Florida cornerback Gavin Jenkins received offers from the Big 12, while Florida running back Shawn Simeon chose UT over Florida State, Iowa, and Illinois. Cincinnati linebacker Maddox Arnold opted for the Rockets instead of a Big Ten school.
Cincinnati tackle Raphael Greene is listed among the top 100 offensive linemen nationwide. Four-star wide receiver Kamren Flowers from Michigan, who turned down Michigan State and Wisconsin, is the sixth-ranked player in the state.
The 2025 class currently holds the top spot in the MAC, surpassing larger programs like San Diego State, Oregon State, Vanderbilt, Memphis, Boise State, and Colorado. The 2026 class is ranked as high as No. 16.
“To align everyone with the specific needs of each position group and identify suitable high school talent is crucial,” said Toledo head coach Jason Candle. “While not every recruit can be secured, the goal is to aim for bigger, stronger, and faster players at every position, ensuring their character aligns with that of the team.”
Bryan Gasser is leading Toledo’s recruiting efforts. A Toledo native, he was hired last year to succeed Ricky Ciccone, who moved to Louisiana-Lafayette. Gasser previously worked at UT from 2010 to 2015 and has coached at Iowa State, Akron, and Northwestern.
The Job is Personal for Toledo Recruiting Director Bryan Gasser
Bryan Gasser’s role as Toledo’s recruiting director is deeply personal. Growing up as a UT season ticket holder, Gasser retained his Rockets fandom even when working for other programs. Now, along with deputies AJ Harrison and Tony Calcutta, he directs roster construction with a mixture of professional responsibility and civic pride[1].
“This isn’t just a job,” Gasser said. “This is a place that [Head Coach Jason Candle] cares about and pours a lot into. I think he’s hired a staff that feels the same way, and I think you’ve got a community that appreciates and embraces what’s happening here.”[1]
Toledo has consistently competed at a high level, often exceeding expectations. Gasser believes the Rockets are back in the conversation as one of the best programs in the country.
Relationships are Key in Recruiting
In an era dominated by NIL deals and high-dollar transactions, Toledo takes an old-fashioned approach. The Rockets participate in NIL, but the entry point is genuine. Recruits like four-star wide receiver Kamren Flowers appreciate Toledo’s honesty and upfront nature.
“A lot of schools just try to gas your head up,” Flowers said. “And [Toledo] was just very honest and upfront with me. I really prized that, just knowing who’s real and who’s not.
Toledo’s recent success, player development, and relationships appeal to recruits and parents. Under Candle, the Rockets have had 10 players drafted, the most in an eight-year period since 1969-1976.
“The thing that’s very consistent is they were all guys that came here out of high school,” Gasser said. “They’re not guys that transferred here and then made it to the NFL. We’ve had them from the start.
Gasser can point to success stories like Quinyon Mitchell, a first-round draft pick, as well as undrafted free agents like Reggie Gilliam, Storm Norton, Cody Thompson, and Dyontae Johnson.
Gasser’s Familiarity with Toledo Pays Dividends
Gasser’s familiarity with Toledo, the region, and preexisting relationships allowed him to make immediate inroads when he was hired. His lone season as director of high school relations in 2013 produced the top class in the MAC with four future draft picks: Kareem Hunt, Michael Roberts, Rodney Adams, and Logan Woodside.
“Toledo is one of those places where they have a really good history of evaluation and winning recruiting battles, and that’s where they’ve been able to sustain success,” said Allen Trieu, a Midwest recruiting analyst for 247Sports.
The pressure to perform at a high level is constant, felt by coaches and staff inside the Larimer Athletic Complex. Gasser is part of the machine that has been operating efficiently.
“It’s a formula that works,” Candle said. “Bryan spearheads a solid operation.
With Gasser’s persuasion as a local ambassador, Toledo expects to compete for championships and have the best players at each position.
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