DENVER – MSU Denver Men's Basketball Head Coach Dan Ficke has announced the addition of eight student-athletes who will join the Roadrunners for the 2026-27 season, bringing a mix of collegiate experience and high school talent to the program.
The incoming class includes transfers Elijah Mack, Justin Mack, Coban Porter, and Mario Williams, along with freshmen Hagen Hurst, Jeremiah Starr, Cole Tonniges, and Cohen Edmundson.
"I am very excited about our 2026 recruiting class," Ficke said. "We have a great mix of transfers who we believe will make an immediate impact and provide the experience needed to compete for championships, and freshmen who will bring great energy and are ready to work."
Coban Porter, a junior guard from Columbia, Missouri, joins the Roadrunners after playing one season at the University of Denver. Porter appeared in 28 games during the 2021-22 season, making eight starts while averaging 11.4 points per game. He logged 24.1 minutes per contest and led the Summit League in three-point percentage at 41.3 percent while shooting 41.9 percent from the field. Porter is continuing his education at MSU Denver after serving jail time following serious criminal convictions stemming from a fatal crash.
"We recognize the seriousness of Coben's past and the harm caused," said MSU Denver Athletics Director Todd Thurman. "Nothing diminishes that reality. Our program is built on accountability. This is a structured opportunity, and he will be held to the same academic, conduct and team standards as every student-athlete. We believe in the role education can play in helping people move forward and contribute in a positive way."
Elijah Mack joins the Roadrunners after a strong season at South Puget Sound Community College. The Colorado Springs native averaged 13.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while appearing in 28 contests. Mack also showcased his perimeter shooting ability, knocking down 39.2 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Justin Mack arrives from Emporia State after appearing in 57 games across two seasons for the Hornets. The sophomore guard averaged 4.2 points, 1.5 assists, and 1.4 rebounds per game while connecting on 35.5 percent of his three-point attempts.
Mario Williams brings additional RMAC experience to the Roadrunners after spending last season at UCCS. The Stockton, California native played in 29 games for the Mountain Lions, averaging 10.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 41 percent from the field. Prior to UCCS, Williams competed at Western Oregon.
The Roadrunners also added four freshmen who will begin their collegiate careers in Denver.
Hagen Hurst joins the program from O'Connor High School in Helotes, Texas. Jeremiah Starr arrives from St. Mary's High School in Colorado Springs, while Cole Tonniges comes to MSU Denver after a standout prep career at Mountain View High School in Loveland. Cohen Edmundson rounds out the freshman class after starring at Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado. Edmundson originally committed to MSU Denver in 2023 before serving a two-year mission and will now begin his collegiate career with the Roadrunners this upcoming fall.
Ficke believes the class will fit seamlessly alongside a talented returning nucleus as the Roadrunners prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.
"We feel this group is the perfect complement to our returning core from last season and will put us in a position to compete at the highest level in the RMAC and regionally," Ficke said. "All of these young men are not only very talented basketball players, but are great people and take their academics seriously."
The eight-player signing class adds proven collegiate production, shooting ability, versatility, and local talent as the Roadrunners continue building toward the 2026-27 season.
MSU Denver will begin preparations for the upcoming season later this summer as the Roadrunners look to build on the program's momentum and compete among the top teams in the RMAC.
