RMU First Offer In On Local Standout Tristan Reed
There’s something about WPIAL players.
You’ve heard it before—and you’ll hear it again. Programs in the NEC recruit nationally- that’s the reality of Division I- but they don’t just win with their local talent. They build with it. And RMU made sure to be first in line for one of the region’s most versatile athletes.
Tristan Reed, a standout from Washington High School, picked up his first Division I offer from RMU after a strong showing at camp. The Colonials didn’t wait. They made the move.
“First and foremost, I want to thank WPIAL Insider for inviting me to the camp. Overall, the experience was great. It was well-run, and the competition was strong,” Reed said. “It started when Coach Makrinos came up and asked if I was going to play wide receiver or quarterback. We talked for a bit, and I told him I’d be at WR that day.”
That’s when Reed started making noise.
“At the combine portion, I ran a 4.54 on my first 40. Coach Makrinos said he was impressed and told me to run it again. On my second try, I clocked a 4.50 flat. Then he walked up to me, shook my hand, and said, ‘Tristan, we’re going to offer you a scholarship here at RMU.’ That was the highlight of my life. All the work I’ve put in for years is finally paying off. I just want to thank Coach Makrinos and RMU for taking a chance on me.”
Reed’s been drawing more attention recently after committing to playing defensive back and wide receiver moving forward. With his versatility, there’s plenty to like—especially for a Colonials program eager to reload with regional athletes. They were the program with the most WPIAL recruits in the nation for the 2025 class.
Reed has not committed to the Colonials. It’s early in the process, but there’s often said to be an advantage for being the first offer in. RMU evaluated Reed and was the first to recognize his talent in Division I.
And again, let’s say it louder for the people in the back:
You can win a lot of games with WPIAL players.
Makrinos Expected to Become Defensive Coordinator at RMU
RMU is keeping continuity on the defensive side of the ball. According to sources around the program, Jason Makrinos has been promoted to defensive coordinator after serving as the Colonials' defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Makrinos will assume the position following the departure of former DC Dave Plungas to James Madison University.
Makrinos joined the RMU staff in 2023 from North Carolina A&T, where he played a key role in the Aggies' defensive resurgence. His ability to develop talent, particularly in the secondary, has already paid dividends for the Colonials. One of his recent standouts, cornerback Rob Carter Jr., made national headlines in Week 1 of the 2024 season with a viral acrobatic interception against Utah State.
In an offseason marked by significant coaching changes, Makrinos’ promotion provides stability to the RMU program. His tenure has already seen improvements in the secondary, and now he’ll have the opportunity to implement his vision across the entire defense. Given his track record of success, the Colonials appear to be in good hands.
NEC Blitz first reported on this story 2/28 on Twitter. There’s been significant, steady approval on that social media post among fellow defensive coaches of Makrinos’ promotion. One of the most notable responses was that of former DC Plungas, who stated: “Lets go @CoachMakrinos the @RMU_Football Defense is in great hands!” It’s hard to imagine a better stamp of approval than from the prior Defensive Coordinator.
Makrinos’ Twitter bio was also updated to reflect his new position. We’ll update this story as needed.
First Glance: What Game Should Each Fanbase Be Most Excited For?
With the 2025 NEC football schedule officially released, each team has at least one marquee matchup that could define their season. Whether it's a rivalry clash, an early test against an FBS opponent, or a key conference showdown, these are the games that we’re looking forward to most for each team.
CCSU at Connecticut (8/30/25)
Coming off a Fenway Bowl victory, UConn will have plenty of momentum entering 2025, and Storrs should be electric for this in-state matchup. Electric, yes- but also maybe overconfident. The Blue Devils, fresh off an NEC title, aren’t in rebuilding mode—they’re reloading. Week 1 tends to deliver surprises, and an upset here would certainly make waves across the NEC and beyond.
Duquesne at Robert Morris (11/22/25)
This game carries the most weight for both programs, especially as RMU navigates key coaching and personnel changes. The Colonials start their season with a major test at West Virginia, while Duquesne begins its campaign against city rival Pitt. By the time these two meet in late November, playoff implications could be in play, making this rivalry battle one of the biggest games in the conference. And obviously, in-city rivalry games are what college football should always be about.
LIU at Rhode Island (9/20/25)
Last year, LIU led Rhode Island in the fourth quarter before a late rally by the Rams spoiled the Sharks’ hopes of a signature win. Now, the rematch takes place in Rhode Island, with LIU quarterback Ethan Greenwood firmly established as the starter. After two early FBS matchups, this game will serve as an early measuring stick for just how competitive LIU can be this season.
Mercyhurst vs. LIU (10/4/25)
This is more than just a conference matchup—it's a historic first. Mercyhurst officially enters NEC league play with this home game against LIU, marking a significant moment for the Lakers' program. After ending 2024 on a high note with a win over Saint Francis, the Lakers will be eager to prove they belong in their new conference home.
Saint Francis at CCSU (9/13/25)
Last year’s matchup was a tight contest, with CCSU’s opportunistic defense making the difference. This time, the Red Flash will look to flip the script in their NEC opener on the road. The question is whether CCSU can continue its turnover-driven success or if Saint Francis can capitalize when those opportunities don’t materialize.
Stonehill at Duquesne (10/4/25)
The Skyhawks have been a thorn in Duquesne’s side, winning in both 2022 and 2023 before the Dukes finally got revenge in 2024. Now, the question remains: does Coach Eli Gardner have Duquesne’s number? Playing on the Bluff is always a challenge, and this matchup could have serious implications for NEC standings.
Wagner at LIU (11/22/25)
This rivalry game (we call it the Boroughs Brawl) deserves a trophy—perhaps the Verrazzano-Narrows Trophy, named after the bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn. Last season, LIU took the win, 28-21, ending what had been another growing year for Wagner with a sour taste in Staten Island’s mouth. This time, the Seahawks will have a chance to return the favor and end their season on a high note- or take their season even further, into the playoff.
Sources: RMU Zeroing in on New Offensive Coordinator
NEC Blitz has been informed that a name to watch in the wake of RMU Offensive Coordinator Josh Firm’s departure is former Youngstown State Offensive Coordinator Troy Rothenbuhler.
Rothenbuhler most recently held the same role at Youngstown State, where he was let go following the 2024 season after the Penguins finished 4-8. Despite the team’s struggles in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, his offense had flashes of high-level production, including a 41-point outing in a victory over then-No. 7 North Dakota, which was certainly the biggest moment for Youngstown State this past season.
Rothenbuhler’s tenure at Youngstown State included a trip to the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2023. That season, the Penguins delivered a 40-7 win over RMU's Northeast Conference rival Duquesne, though Duquesne got revenge in 2024 with a road win over YSU. During the 2023 campaign, YSU set multiple school records, including averaging a program-best 243.1 passing yards per game, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1972. The Penguins also set records for completions (270), attempts (388), and completion percentage (69.6). Additionally, YSU scored 40-plus points in six games, the most in school history, and notched 30 or more points in six consecutive contests. They led the FCS in time of possession (35:06 per game) and averaged 32 points per game, their highest output in ten years. Focusing on possessing the football could work very well with RMU's established defensive success..
Before Youngstown State, Rothenbuhler coached at Eastern Kentucky, where he initially worked with tight ends before being promoted to quarterbacks coach. His experience working with multiple position groups could be crucial as he takes over an RMU offense in transition.
The Colonials are set to replace quarterback Anthony Chiccitt, who transferred to Temple, and top wide receiver Noah Robinson, who is now at Tennessee Tech. Rothenbuhler will be tasked with developing new playmakers and revitalizing an RMU offense that will need to adjust to key departures.
His track record suggests he can make an impact. At Youngstown State, his offenses were capable of explosive performances, and RMU will be looking for that kind of firepower as it looks to take another step forward in 2025.
RMU: The NEC’s Kings of the Buckeye State
When RMU signed its 2025 class, it signaled a very clear plan: recruit Ohio.
And it makes sense.
Ohio is a prime recruiting ground that isn’t heavily targeted by most other NEC programs, with Mercyhurst being the biggest exception. While MAC schools and Youngstown State scoop up a lot of the state’s talent, RMU has been able to carve out its own niche. Over the past two recruiting cycles, the Colonials have signed 31 players from Ohio, including 14 in the 2024 class alone.
While RMU recruits nationally—and even internationally, with a signee from Switzerland this cycle—it’s clear that the program considers Ohio an extension of its Pittsburgh backyard.
The latest class continues this trend, with RMU signing 14 players from all across the Buckeye State:
Defensive Additions: DL Asher Wilson (Cleveland), LB Maximus Thompson (Solon), LB Jakari Patterson (Cincinnati), LB Jake Lopinto (Columbus), LB Khalil Daniels (Columbus), CB Antonio Martin (Green), CB Quinn Ingram (Westerville), S Blake Allen (Macedonia), DL Caden Walker (Kings Mills), and S Jaylen Williams (Columbus).
Offensive Signings: WR Tyler Evans (Youngstown), WR Aiden Henry (Hinckley), OL Vincent Boila (Struthers), and QB Cooper Panteck (Strongsville).
This isn’t just a one-year trend—RMU has made Ohio a priority in building its roster.
RMU’s strategy makes a lot of sense:
Ohio consistently produces FBS and FCS-level players, giving RMU a deep talent base to pull from. And while the MAC and Youngstown State are factors, most NEC programs don’t heavily recruit Ohio. That gives RMU an advantage in landing players who may have been overlooked at the FBS level. And it can’t really be overstated enough: with Pittsburgh just a short drive from major Ohio recruiting hubs, RMU’s staff can maintain strong relationships with high school coaches in the area. RMU’s coaches have gone to coaching clinics in Ohio, speaking and connecting with local coaches. They’re in this for the long haul.
RMU’s return to the NEC was met with enthusiasm, both internally and externally. The Colonials were (and are) a program capable of contending for titles, immediately staying alive in the conference race until late in the 2024 season. But beyond the high level of football they bring to the league, RMU brings something else to the NEC: a pipeline into Ohio.
RMU is tapping into one of the biggest talent pools in the country—and a state that plays hardnosed football. By consistently recruiting Ohio, the Colonials aren’t just adding numbers to their roster; they’re building an identity. Ohio football is known for producing tough, disciplined players, and RMU’s commitment to the state ensures a steady pipeline of talent that fits their physical, defensive-minded approach. This strategy also strengthens the program’s long-term stability, creating depth across multiple recruiting cycles and reinforcing key positions with players accustomed to high-level competition.
Beyond individual player development, RMU’s consistent presence in Ohio will only make future recruiting easier. As more Ohio players succeed in Moon Township, the Colonials will gain credibility among high school coaches and prospects, strengthening their ability to land even better talent in the coming years. RMU is establishing a clear recruiting identity that could shape the program’s future success.
And as RMU continues to recruit and develop Ohio talent, more prospects in the state will become familiar with the Colonials—and by extension, the NEC as a whole. Over time, this will pave the way for other NEC programs further east to dip into the Buckeye State.
Still, the Colonials are likely to remain the kings of the Ohio hill. With a reputation for developing defensive talent—highlighted by Rob Carter Jr.'s nationally recognized interception in Week 1 and consecutive shutout performances against Saint Francis and Merrimack—RMU has established itself as an attractive landing spot for overlooked Ohio prospects eager to prove themselves at the Division I level.
And if the past two years are any indication, the Colonials wouldn’t have it any other way.