As of Feb. 7, McIntosh County has had four-area football players commit to play college football. Checotah’s Brian Love, Elijah Thomas and Eufaulas Carson Luna and Maddox Bridges have given their verbal commitments.

Elijah Thomas has already signed with the University of Oklahoma. The 6-foot-2, 194-pound senior wide out and free safety amassed more than 2,400 yards of total offense this past season, pulling down 72 receptions for 1,803 yards and 26 touchdowns and leading the Wildcats (8-5) to the Class 3A semifinals. Ranked as the nations No. 130 prospect in his class by Rivals.com, Thomas also rushed for 406 yards and 10 scores in addition to returning six kickoffs for a 3 9-yard average and a touchdown. On defense, he recorded 82 tackles, four interceptions, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Brian Love is a 6’6” tight

end that has given his verbal commitment to Northeastern State University. Love had eight receptions for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Love was used primarily in short yardage offensive plays but is a terrific blocker and has the ability to develop into a high quality athlete for the River Hawks.

Carson Luna is a 6’3”, 255 pound defensive lineman that has great potential and will take his skills to East Central University. Luna is a coach’s son and played a pivotal role in the Ironheads’ defensive front. Luna finished the 2024 season with 70 tackles; a quarterback sack and a pass break up.

Maddox Bridges is a 6’

athlete that can play either receiver or defensive back.

Bridges has committed to play at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.

Bridges played both sides of the football for Eufaula. He finished with 28 tackles and two interceptions on defense and 22 receptions for 208 yards and a touchdown on offense.