SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State football head coach Casey Woods announced today the addition of three walk-on players set to arrive on campus this fall and be part of the Bears 2026 roster.

Joining the squad this fall will be: 

• Malakai Lewis (LS, 6-3, 190, Fr., Webster Groves, Mo., Webster Groves High) 
• Cash Pomeroy (TE/FB, 6-2, 250, Fr., Marionville, Mo., Marionville High) 
• Devin Staley (ATH/WR/CB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Blue Springs, Mo., Blue Springs High)

"I'm really excited to announce three future Bears who will join our team for next fall," said Woods. "All three hail from the state of Missouri. One will help support our specialists, and the other two have remarkable versatility and unique skill sets to contribute to our team on either side of the ball." 

Woods and his staff will be hosting an "Inside the Program" event on Friday, Feb. 13 to introduce the team's coaches and recent roster additions to the public. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Barley House at Moon Town Crossing (3060 N Kentwood Ave, Springfield). Light appetizers will be provided, and the event is free and open to the general public. No RSVP is required.

"I cannot wait to introduce them along with all of our other signees and newcomers on Friday night," Woods said. "See you there. Go Bears!"

2026 Missouri State season tickets are available now by going to MissouriStateBears.com/tickets or by calling (417) 836-7678 during box office hours. 


Player Capsules:

Malakai Lewis
A versatile athlete from Webster Groves (Mo.) High, he was a starting tight end and long snapper for the Statesmen his senior season for coach Cliff Ice ... Caught 9 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in 2025 for a 4-6 squad ... Had a TD reception vs. Mehlville 9/26/25 and converted a two-point conversion vs. Cape Central (11/7/25) ... Also played defensive end as a senior with stops in 2025 and was a two-year starter at quarterback for the Webster JV squad ... Decided to attend Missouri State after receiving scholarship offers from Lincoln, Benedictine and Morningside.

Cash Pomeroy
A four-year starter at running back and linebacker at Marionville (Mo.) High, Pomeroy was a three-time all-state honoree and three-time regional player of the year for coach Paden Grubbs' Comets ... Helped Marionville to a 9-2 record and SWCL championship in 2025 while earning all-region honors for the fourth year ... Accounted for 23 total touchdowns as a senior with 182 carries for 1,312 yards to go with 65 defensive stops and 19 tackles for loss ... As a junior (2024), he racked up 1,311 yards on 165 carries with 19 touchdowns to go with 83 tackles and 15 tackles for loss for an 11-1 squad ... Helped lead the Comets to a Class 1 title his sophomore year (2023) with 1,340 rushing yards on 158 carries and 23 touchdowns as well as 84 total tackles with 7 TFLs ... Saw more time on the defensive side of the ball as a freshman (2022) with 86 total tackles while earning accolades at LB and WR for a 12-1 squad ... Also a sprinter and thrower on the Marionville track team as well as a state champion power lifter.

Devin Staley
A two-way player at Blue Springs (Mo.) High, Staley was a first-team all-state wide receiver for coach Jed Paulsen in 2025 ... Helped the Wildcats to an 8-4 overall record his senior campaign while earning Suburban Gold all-conference accolades at defensive back and returner, while earning all-district honors at receiver ... Was also honored on the Kansas City metro awards on the 73rd annual All-Simone Team and Prep KC McCarthy Elite Team at defensive back in 2025 ... Staley also earned all-conference honors his sophomore and junior seasons ... Also runs track at Blue Springs.