Racers Sign Three For 2025-26

Murray State head men's basketball coach Steve Prohm announced the signing of three new Racers for the 2025-26 season.

Trisitan Ford (Rockford, Ill.), Kaden Rickard (Madison, Ala.) and Trey Simpson (Hillcrest, Ala.) will arrive in Murray next summer as freshmen.

"We're very excited to welcome Tristian, Kaden, and Trey to the Racer Family," said Prohm. "My staff did an outstanding job in the recruiting process of identifying these three student-athletes that will fit extremely well within our program. All three possess a unique skill set that will give them the opportunity to have an immediate impact when they arrive on campus next fall. We're looking forward to following their senior year campaign!"

Tristian Ford – G – (6-3) – Chicago Prep Academy
In his junior season of 2023-24, Tristian Ford averaged 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists per game for Chicago Prep.

Playing in the Grind Session, Ford is a three-time all-star in the league.

In two seasons, Ford has posted three triple-doubles and this season already, he came close to another with 11 points, nine rebounds and nine assists against Elite Prep of Washington.

"I think Tristian choosing Murray State is a great decision, especially when you consider Coach Prohm's history of recruiting talented guards to Murray State," said Chicago Prep Coach Marcus Spencer. "Tristian is a dynamic guard and he's really fast with the basketball in his hands and he's one of our best rebounders even though he plays the point guard position. Tristian's leadership abilities have increased and he tends to be that guy who pushes his teammates to be the best they can be. I expect Tristian to have a great career at Murray State. He loves the game and is usually the first guy in the gym and the last to leave."

Kaden Rickard – F – (6-5) – Bob Jones High School
Out of the same high school that produced former Murray State 1000-Point player Jeffery Moss (2012-16), Kaden Rickard was an Alabama All-Area First Team selection as a junior in 2023-24. In the same season, He averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and 3.5 assists and earned All-Tournament honors at the N2 Hoops Thanksgiving Tournament and the Huntsville City Classic.

In the opener to his senior season of 2024-25, Rickard scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Huntsville High.

"Kaden is an outstanding talent and very coachable," said Coach Bryant Starkey of Bob Jones High School. "The first thing you notice about Kaden's game is that he can put the ball in the basket from the three-point line all the way to the rim. There are many times that he makes the game look easy. Kaden's a big guard and that will translate well to the collegiate game. Murray State is getting a great young man and a tremendous leader. Coach Prohm and the coaching staff at Murray State were on Kaden early and they did a great job in his recruiting by developing a relationship. I think Kaden will thrive in the culture that Coach Prohm has created at Murray State."

Trey Simpson – F – (6-7) – DME Sports Academy
After starting his prep career at Hillcrest-Evergreen High School in Alabama, Trey Simpson is playing his senior season at DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida.

As a junior in 2023-24, Simpson was the Alabama Class 3A Player of the Year after leading his team to the State Championship with a 28-3 record. Simpson averaged 15.9 points, 9.1 rebounds ad 4.3 blocked shots.

In the title game against Midfield, Simpson had a a triple-double in the first three quarters of the game and finished with 24 points, 23 rebounds and 15 blocked shots.

"Trey comes from a great family and he is one of the most coachable young men I've been around," said Coach Matt Pagnagio of DME Sports Academy. "I think Trey's best Basketball is in his future and hasn't even begun to reach his full potential. Trey is excited about coming to Murray State, and the Racers' program is a good fit for him. He's very talented player and will have an impact on winning early in his collegiate career."

Follow the Racers on Twitter (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics. Follow Murray State men's basketball on Twitter and Instagram (@RacersHoops).

Murray State University Athletics

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