They are Nathan Ramus, Caden Gustafson, Izaya Larthridge, Carson Dorgu, Connor Johnson and Stephen McGee V.

“In the changing world of college basketball, we have remained steadfast that high school recruiting will be the lifeblood of our program at Northern Michigan University,” Majkrzak said in an NMU Sports Information news release announcing the signings. “While many schools, especially at the (NCAA) Division I level, chase transfers, we feel we have an opportunity to recruit higher-level high school prospects than ever before. The upgrade to (our) facilities, coupled with our recent success, has made Northern Michigan basketball an even more attractive destination.

“This class has exceptional size and talent, while also fitting Northern Michigan and Marquette. We have expanded our base and are bringing in the highest-rated player from Minnesota and Michigan, who isn’t signing D-I, to complement our talent from Wisconsin.

“Unfortunately, (current NMU players) Dylan (Kuehl), Jackson (Dudek) and Sam (Privet) have to run out of eligibility at some point, so adding size to replace them was a key focus for us in the class of 2026. We did this by signing four players 6-foot-6 or taller, while also adding two guards that fit the NMU DNA.” 

Northern Michigan University head coach Matt Majkrzak, right, and the Wildcats bench react to a play near the end of their GLIAC men’s basketball game played against Ferris State at Vandament Arena in Marquette on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

Here are brief sketches of each:

Nathan Ramus — 6-foot-2 guard, from Appleton, Wisconsin, North High School. A highly decorated player from the Fox Valley Association, he averaged 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. He has earned First Team, Second Team and honorable mention all-conference honors in high school, and has been a two-time All-Defensive pick and All-State honorable mention.

With a strong defensive presence and consistent impact on both ends of the court, he also played with the Wisconsin Playmakers in AAU basketball.

“A classic NMU (point guard) who takes care of the ball at a high level and runs a team,” Majkrzak said. “Nate’s a standout volleyball player, whose athleticism, especially off two feet, is different from traditional guards. Nathan projects to be an elite defender at the PG spot. Add in the fact he’s a lefty, and he has some special intangibles to complement his traditional point guard play.”

Caden Gustafson — 6-2 guard, from Waterford, Wisconsin, Union H.S. With numerous accolades, he averaged 21.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game last season, when he was named Player of the Year in the Southern Lakes Conference. He also earned Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association First Team all-state, all-conference and all-county honors, after making First Team all-conference as a sophomore. He competed on the UA Rise circuit for 24:UP.

“Caden is a tough-as-nails combo guard (who) can score on all three levels and competes with a relentless motor,” Majkrzak said. “Although he’s an elite scorer, his best quality is just finding ways to make winning plays, whether it’s scoring, passing, rebounding or defending. He’s a winner in every sense of the word, and we are excited about his fit with our group.”

Izaya Larthridge — 6-6 guard, from Grand Rapids Catholic Central H.S. As a junior, he averaged 16.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists a game, earning First Team all-conference and all-region as a lockdown defender. His team won conference, district and regional titles, along with an MHSAA quarterfinal win and appearance in the state semifinals at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. He competed on the AAU circuit with Indiana Game.

“Izaya is a 6-6 guard (who) makes the right basketball play every time,” Majkrzak said. “He can really shoot and defend and fits the mold of the traditional ‘3-and-D’ wing that we all covet. His biggest flaw is that he’s too unselfish, a great quality he shares with many of the past stars we have recruited here. We are really excited about what Zay is and will be in the Green and Gold.”

Carson Dorgu — 6-7 forward, from Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, H.S. While averaging 10.6 points and 7.4 rebounds a game, he shot 58.4% from the floor and earned Second Team All-Fox River Classic honors last season, also getting honorable mention all-conference as a sophomore. Known as versatile and athletic, last summer he played for Team 1848 as he continues to develop.

“Carson came to our elite camp and just blew us away,” Majkrzak said. “We knew he was a good player, but he was dominant in the paint and showcased versatility with his passing and feel for the game. He’s got every skill you could ask for out of a combo forward, and we think he has a chance to develop into a great inside-out matchup nightmare throughout his career.”

Connor Johnson — 6-8 forward, from Grand Rapids Christian H.S. He averaged nine points and six rebounds a game as an OK White Conference all-league selection last season and was a key contributor to his team’s MHSAA Division 2 state runner-up finish as a sophomore. A versatile shot blocker, he drew an invitation to this year’s Michigan Elite 25 camp, and has competed for Indiana GAME.

“One of the coaches in our league told me (that) Connor just moves and plays like a Northern Michigan forward, and we couldn’t agree more,” Majkrzak said. “He’s extremely mobile and a fluid athlete at 6-8 and has a beautiful jump shot that keeps getting better. He’s a great rim protector who just has a knack for blocking shots and getting his hands on the ball. We are thrilled about him and the fit with NMU.” 

Stephen McGee V — 6-11 forward, from Coleraine, Minnesota, Greenway H.S. This dominant defensive enforcer has already reached 1,000 points in high school as a junior. He’s a three-time All-Iron Range Conference pick starting as a freshman. He also played in the Minnesota Comets AAU program.

“It’s not often we get chances to recruit 6-11 players,” Majkrzak said. “It’s even less often that they can run really well and have great hands. You throw in that he’s very humble and wants to be coached, and we feel very lucky to have Stephen in (the) Green and Gold. He will be one of the biggest and longest players at the D-II level, and a great rim protector from Day 1. On offense, he is a lob threat (who) uses his quickness and length to be an elite pick-and-roll player.”

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing the recruits. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.