Kokomo Blueblacks Sign All-Conference Edge Rusher Jaden Lopez

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Kokomo Blueblacks Sign All-Conference Edge Rusher Jaden Lopez

Former Kentucky Wesleyan standout and four-year team captain brings proven production, leadership, and a relentless work ethic to Kokomo’s inaugural roster.

KOKOMO, Ind. — October 21, 2026 — The Kokomo Blueblacks have announced the signing of edge rusher Jaden Lopez ahead of the organization’s inaugural 2027 season. A former walk-on who became a four-year team captain at Kentucky Wesleyan College, Lopez joins the Blueblacks with a collegiate résumé defined by persistence, defensive production, and leadership.

Across his collegiate career, Lopez recorded 125 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in 37 appearances. His production also included 16 quarterback hits, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a blocked kick. In 2022, he earned Great Midwest Athletic Conference Third Team All-Conference honors.

For the Blueblacks, his signing adds an experienced defender who has demonstrated the ability to pressure quarterbacks, disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage, and contribute in multiple ways.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Jaden Lopez to the Kokomo Blueblacks,” said J.R. Robinson, Team President & CEO. “When you look at his journey from walk-on to four-year team captain and all-conference player, you see someone who understands that every opportunity has to be earned. That is the mentality we want in this organization. Jaden brings production, toughness, and leadership, and we believe he can make a real impact on our defense. We’re excited to get him to work, challenge him to keep growing, and help put him in a position to pursue the next level of his career.”

Proven Production on the Edge

Lopez delivered his most productive collegiate season in 2022, appearing in all 11 games for the second consecutive year. He finished with 51 tackles, including 22 solo stops and 29 assists, along with 7.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, five quarterback hits, and one pass breakup. His performance earned him third-team all-conference recognition.

That season followed a strong 2021 campaign, when Lopez played in all 11 games and recorded 40 tackles, including 17 solo tackles and 23 assists. He added 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and one pass breakup, demonstrating his ability to create disruption beyond the pass rush.

In 2023, Lopez appeared in two games before medically redshirting. During those appearances, he registered nine tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three quarterback hits.

He returned to play in nine games in 2024, recording 16 tackles, including 11 solo stops and five assists. He also contributed 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.

Earlier in his collegiate career, Lopez appeared in four games in 2020, totaling nine tackles, two tackles for loss, one pass breakup, one quarterback hit, and a blocked kick.

A Leader Who Earned His Opportunity

Lopez’s path at Kentucky Wesleyan began as a walk-on. He went on to become a four-year team captain while majoring in business administration, establishing a record of leadership alongside his on-field accomplishments.

Before college, Lopez attended East Bay High School, where he served as a team captain and earned First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, and Hillsborough County All-Star honors. His academic achievements included placement on the High Honor Roll and membership in the National Honor Society.

He is the son of Vivian Lopez and has one sibling, Tatyannah.

“Building this roster is about finding players who will help establish our standard from day one,” Robinson added. “Jaden’s background speaks to accountability, perseverance, and earning the respect of the people around him. We want players who will compete, lead, and take pride in representing Kokomo. We’re proud to give him this opportunity and excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Building Toward 2027

Lopez joins the Blueblacks as the organization continues assembling its inaugural roster, with an emphasis on player development, preparation, and a strong team culture.

His arrival adds collegiate experience and proven defensive production to a growing team preparing to represent Kokomo in 2027.

Welcome to Kokomo, Jaden Lopez. Run As One.

About the Kokomo Blueblacks
The Kokomo Blueblacks are a professional football organization based in Kokomo, Indiana, preparing for their inaugural 2027 season. The organization is committed to competitive football, player development, community involvement, and creating meaningful connections with fans and local partners.

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