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Flagstaff Eagles running back Jadon Wetzel put pen to paper and signed a letter of intent to Hastings College on Feb. 5.

Alongside his parents, Wetzel was wrestling with the idea of where to attend college after he graduates in May and officially decided on Hastings College on national signing day. 

“I’m super excited to just get out of Arizona,� Wetzel said. “I have someone that plays there, so it will be fun to meet up with him again and meet all the coaches and, obviously, just play football again at a higher level. That’s what I am looking forward to most.�

On the list of colleges that Wetzel chose from, Arizona State was among those options. Although the Sun Devils are a Division I school that made it to the College Football Playoffs last year, Hastings offered something different and exciting for Wetzel.

It will be a chance to branch out in an entirely new place.

Hastings is located in Nebraska with an acceptance rate of 71%. Last year, it went 2-9 and tended to have low-scoring games, with an average of 15 points per game. Hastings is in the Great Plains Athletic Conference within the NAIA.

Defensive coordinator Kyle Suttles visited Flagstaff while Wetzel signed his letter of intent and said Hastings is excited to have a successful running back on the team.

“[Wetzel] had a great career in Flagstaff and is a big, durable playmaker,� Suttles said while reading from a letter written by head coach Matt Franzen. “We feel like he is the best running back in northern Arizona and one of the best in the state. It is a great day to be a Bronco.�

Throughout his four years in high school, Wetzel honed in on his skills as a running back. In his freshman year, he only played in one game. By his junior year, however, he was a starting running back and a captain. He scored 12 touchdowns and had over 1,000 total yards, then had 15 touchdowns and eclipsed 1,000 yards again in his senior year.

The decision was not easy for Wetzel. There were three to four colleges that all gave varying offers and scholarships. However, after mulling over ideas for most of the year, the Wetzel family knew Hastings was the best offer.

“His dream has always been to play football and play at the next level,� said Jadon’s father John Wetzel. “So I’m just really excited for the opportunity. Hastings was probably our top choice going in. The coaches were amazing. It just really felt like home, felt like there was a connection.�

John Wetzel paused and choked on his words while trying to describe how he felt about his son leaving in August. He said both he and his wife are “thrilled� to see him fulfill his dreams even if that means being empty nesters soon.

Jadon Wetzel has two older brothers, Jace and Jared. They both played football at Flagstaff and went on to play out of state in college as well. He will be fulfilling the same path that his brothers followed when they graduated high school.

“My brothers definitely inspired me, and they definitely pushed me to be the best that I can,� Wetzel said. “Especially with my parents, they always push me to do the best and leave everything on the field. So I’m just super grateful and blessed.�

Both brothers traveled to be a part of his signing. They sat beside each other as they watched the youngest Wetzel brother follow in the same direction. Wetzel  thanked his brothers and parents for being there to help make his decision.

His parents were confident that they will be able to travel to Nebraska throughout the football season to watch their youngest play at a collegiate level.

“To leave Arizona was tough, because we didn't get to see him a lot anymore. He would have been a lot closer,� John Wetzel said. “But at the end of the day, Hastings was just the right fit. The scholarship was really tough to beat, and it’s good for him to spread his wings and get out of Arizona. Got to get away from mom and dad, right? It’s far, but not too far.�

Along with Wetzel’s entire immediate family and grandparents, about 20 players from the football team also joined to watch the first Eagle in 2025 officially commit to a college. Much like during the start of a game, the team huddled together and shared sentiments of appreciation for Jadon Wetzel before he signed the letter.

Flagstaff last season went 6-4 record. Head coach Mickey Clements credited Wetzel with its success.

“One word that comes to mind is ‘family,'" Clements said. “Jadon, you helped us build a family here. We are a tight brotherhood on this team. You can see it in the weight room, the classes behind you. You’ve been a true leader.�

Clements spoke about his running back's character and how close he is with his family. He said that his close relationship with his family at home, in turn, help build stronger relationships on the team as well. He credited some of the success last year to Wetzel's skill as a running back and captain.

Clements was confident that more seniors would be at the same table where Wetzel sat, signing their own letters of intent soon.