Home / Sports / Wildcats Roar: 17 Ex-Arizona Players Make NFL Rosters
Wildcats Roar: 17 Ex-Arizona Players Make NFL Rosters
31 Aug
Summary
- Seventeen former Wildcats secured spots on NFL 53-man rosters.
- Four defensive backs from UA's 2025 team made the cut.
- Ayden Garnes, an undrafted rookie, made the Buccaneers' cornerback group.
Sunday marked NFL cutdown day, with 17 former Arizona Wildcats successfully making initial 53-man rosters for the upcoming 2026 season. This significant contingent highlights the continued pipeline of talent from the University of Arizona to the professional level. Several defensive backs from the 2025 team, including undrafted rookie Ayden Garnes, earned their places.
Garnes, who showcased his abilities with an interception return for a touchdown during preseason, secured one of five cornerback spots with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is joined by fellow 2025 Wildcats Dalton Johnson and Treydan Stukes, both making the Las Vegas Raiders' roster. Genesis Smith also made the Los Angeles Chargers' roster.
Other former Wildcats found their way onto rosters across the league, with players like Michael Dansby facing waivers but likely heading to practice squads. Defensive lineman Deshawn McKnight is on injured reserve with the Buccaneers after sustaining a hamstring injury in preseason. The league-wide roster finalization ensures a strong representation of Arizona talent as the 2026 NFL season kicks off on September 9th.
