Red Flash’s Big Class Keeps Identity Intact

Remember who you are.

It’s a mantra worth repeating for anyone striving for success. The Red Flash have embraced that mindset—and their results speak for themselves.

In 2024, Saint Francis delivered the NEC’s lone FBS victory by toppling Kent State, powered by a suffocating defense that kept them competitive in nearly every game. Unsurprisingly, that defensive prowess drew attention, with several key players transferring, including one making the leap to a Big Ten program. But in Loretto, that’s just business as usual. The Red Flash’s response remains unchanged: keep recruiting, keep developing.

Local talent has taken notice—and you have to assume their coaches have as well. Saint Francis’s 2025 class is built on a strong foundation of regional prospects, with approximately 24 signees from Pennsylvania (including transfers) and another nine from Maryland. Locking down the backyard is a priority, and the Red Flash believe a conference title is within reach by keeping homegrown talent close. And like the rest of the NEC, if you play well enough here, you can play anywhere.

One of the standout additions is Arison Walker, a versatile two-way player from Aliquippa, a perennial powerhouse in western Pennsylvania. Despite its small size, Aliquippa consistently competes at higher levels thanks to its sustained success. Walker, projected to play safety at SFU, also comes with strong football pedigree—his relatives have played at Ohio University and Albany. The Red Flash hope to develop Walker into another cornerstone of their defense.

But while individual recruits stand out—and we’ll highlight them soon—the biggest story for the Red Flash may be the sheer size of their class. Saint Francis has announced nearly 50 signees, including 30 in the traditional signing period, and it’s unclear if they’re done yet. Some of these will undoubtedly be preferred walk-ons, but that only reinforces the Red Flash’s ability to develop talent. They’ve built a program where players know that if they come to Loretto, they’ll have a real opportunity to grow into scholarship athletes.

And so, Saint Francis prepares for another fall. They know that if they succeed, they’ll lose players to the portal. When that happens, it’s just further proof that they’ve done their job—evaluating, developing, and preparing athletes for the next level.

The cycle continues in Loretto, where the Red Flash know exactly who they are.