Terrapins' Gridiron Stars: Ready for the 2026 NFL Season!
Veteran Terrapins Make Their Mark: Diggs' Homecoming and More
A prominent figure among Maryland's NFL alumni, Stefon Diggs, is making a much-anticipated return to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The accomplished wide receiver has joined the Washington Commanders, marking his fifth team in a distinguished career. Diggs signed a one-year, $8 million deal, bringing his extensive experience and playmaking ability to the local franchise. At 32 years old, he enters his 12th NFL season, having previously spent a year with the New England Patriots, where he amassed over 1,000 receiving yards and contributed to a Super Bowl appearance before his release in March.
Accompanying Diggs to the nation's capital is Chig Okonkwo, who moved to the Commanders after a successful four-year tenure with the Titans. Okonkwo, a 2022 Maryland graduate, secured a three-year contract and is expected to fill the role of Washington's primary tight end. Additionally, Bowie native Nick Cross joined the Commanders in March, bringing his strong defensive presence from the Indianapolis Colts, where he recorded three interceptions in the 2024 season. Defensive tackle Byron Cowart, a 2019 alumnus, also found a spot on the Commanders' practice squad after a preseason performance that included four tackles against Baltimore.
Emerging Talent: Recent Maryland Graduates Join NFL Ranks
The 2026 NFL Draft saw Jalen Huskey emerge as Maryland's sole selection, chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round. Huskey, a safety, has successfully made it onto the 53-man roster, although he is likely to see limited playing time behind established veterans. A spring graduate from College Park, Huskey, a Frederick, Maryland native, transferred from Bowling Green and was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten player during his junior year. Furthermore, Alan Herron, a 2026 alumnus, secured a position on the New Orleans Saints' practice squad. The Saints signed Herron, an undrafted offensive lineman, in April, following his honorable mention All-Big Ten performance as a senior.
Key Contributors: Maryland Alumni Poised for Starting Roles
DJ Moore, a former Terp, is set to team up with star quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo after benefiting from strong quarterback play during his time with the Chicago Bears. Following a trade from the Bears to the Bills in March, Moore enters the first year of a four-year, $110 million extension. Deonte Banks, a 2023 first-round pick and another former Maryland standout, continues to impress with the New York Giants. With 35 starts in 45 appearances over his first three seasons, Banks is a strong contender for a secondary cornerback position. Jordan Phillips, selected by the Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, recorded 34 tackles as a defensive lineman in his rookie season, playing in 16 of 17 games. Spencer Anderson, an offensive lineman, is entering his fourth year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, having appeared in every game over the past two seasons and starting seven in 2025. DJ Glaze has been a consistent presence for the Raiders since being drafted in the third round in 2024, starting all but three games. Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu is embarking on his third season with the 49ers, having started 12 of his 15 appearances last season and accumulating 74 tackles in his career. Tarheeb Still, despite a minor summer injury, returned to Chargers practice and will continue to compete for a starting cornerback role after starting 13 games last season. Kicker Chad Ryland remains with the Arizona Cardinals for his third season with the team and fourth overall in the league, having made 69 field goals over three years.
Additional Terrapins on Active Rosters
Ty Johnson is commencing his eighth NFL season, with four years spent in Buffalo, where he recorded three touchdowns last year and is now in the second year of a two-year contract. Corey Bullock, a versatile offensive lineman, was picked up by the Panthers after being waived by Baltimore and has made Carolina's roster, following 16 appearances with the Ravens last season. Receiver Tai Felton returns to the Minnesota Vikings for his second season, aiming to expand on his three catches in 17 rookie games. Jeshaun Jones, a 2024 Maryland graduate, is also entering his second year with the Vikings after returning two punts in a single appearance last season. Josh Woods, a 2018 alumnus, was added to the Atlanta Falcons' 53-man roster after signing a one-year contract in July. Dante Trader Jr. is expected to see increased defensive snaps for the Dolphins in his sophomore campaign, after playing in all 17 games last season. Jakorian Bennett, a cornerback, has been placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, forcing him to miss at least four games, following his first season with the Eagles and two prior years in Las Vegas.
Terrapins Developing on Practice Squads
Tackle Gottlieb Ayedze, a Germantown native, joined the Dolphins in June and secured a spot on Miami's practice squad after competing in the UFL. Former Terps center Josh Kaltenberger is entering his second year on the Chargers' practice squad, having signed as an undrafted free agent in 2025.
Maryland Alumni Not Currently Rostered
Darnell Savage Jr., a safety who played for four teams over seven NFL seasons, was released by the Steelers in early August after being picked up in March. Ruben Hyppolite II, a 2025 graduate who appeared in seven games for Chicago after being drafted in the fourth round, was waived by the Bears with an injury designation.
