As the 2026 National Football League season kicks off, former players from Washington State University and the University of Idaho dominate the local connection to the league. According to a roster breakdown by The Lewiston Tribune, 13 Cougars, four Vandals, and one Moscow High School graduate are currently on official NFL rosters or practice squads for Week 1.
The Seattle Seahawks open the season against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. Washington State alum Abraham Lucas is set to start at right tackle for Seattle despite not playing in any preseason games. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald opted to rest his starters during the exhibition period, a strategy that kept Lucas off the field but did not impact his starting status.
Several other former Cougars are slated for significant roles across the league. Daiyan Henley, a team captain for the Los Angeles Chargers, will start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Henley saw limited action in the preseason, recording three tackles and one tackle for loss.
In Arizona, Gardner Minshew enters his role as backup quarterback to starter Jacoby Brissett. Minshew signed a one-year, $5.75 million contract with the Cardinals and played in all three preseason games. He completed 40 of 48 passes for 404 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception.
Jaden Hicks, listed as the second-string safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, is expected to see playing time against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Hicks played in all three preseason games, totaling 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, a pass defensed, and a sack.
Frankie Luvu returns to the inside linebacker position for the Washington Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles. Luvu, who earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2024, recorded only two snaps during the preseason. Meanwhile, Jalen Thompson, an eighth-year pro with a three-year, $33 million contract, will start at safety for the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.
Jaylen Watson joins a formidable Los Angeles Rams defense that includes Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett, and Aaron Donald. Watson signed a three-year, $51 million deal and did not play in preseason games. The Rams face the San Francisco 49ers in their opener.
Kyle Williams enters his second season with the New England Patriots behind receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. Williams played in all three preseason games, recording six catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns.
Not all former Cougars will see action on opening weekend. Brennan Jackson of the Las Vegas Raiders was placed on injured reserve after playing only the first preseason game with two tackles. He will miss the opener against the Miami Dolphins. Tucker Large, an undrafted free agent who signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, is also on injured reserve and will miss the season start against Washington. Cam Lampkin begins the season on the Rams’ practice squad and will not play against San Francisco.
Chau Smith-Wade, listed as the second-string cornerback for the Carolina Panthers, is expected to play against the Chicago Bears. Smith-Wade played in all three preseason games, totaling six tackles and one interception.
Vandals and Moscow High Alum on NFL Rosters
University of Idaho alumni also have representation in the league. Cam Ward enters his second year with the Tennessee Titans under new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The Titans selected Ohio State’s Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick, leaving Ward in a backup role. Ward played in both preseason games, completing 13 of 24 passes for 126 yards. He is set to play against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Kaden Elliss will play for the New Orleans Saints against the Detroit Lions. Elliss was drafted by the Saints in 2019 after spending three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded 59 tackles and an interception. He signed a three-year, $33 million contract with New Orleans and did not play in preseason games.
Christian Elliss is also on the Patriots roster and will make his NFL debut against New England. The lone high school connection comes from Moscow High School, which contributes one former player to the combined count of 18 local alumni on NFL rosters or practice squads for the start of the season.