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Seven Former Northwestern Wildcats Land on NFL Practice Squads
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- Seven Former Northwestern Wildcats Land on NFL Practice Squads
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The dream of playing in the NFL does not end when a player misses out on a 53-man roster.
For seven former Northwestern Wildcats , that dream is still very much alive heading into the 2026 season.
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Blake Hance, Evan Hull, Anthony Tyus III, Thomas Gordon, Aidan Hubbard, Fred Davis II and Josh Thompson have all landed on NFL practice squads following the league's roster cutdowns.
While a practice squad spot is different from being on the active roster, it still gives these players an opportunity to remain with an NFL organization, continue developing and potentially earn their way onto the field as the season progresses.
NFL teams use practice squads to develop players and provide additional depth throughout the season. Players can also be elevated to the active roster when teams need additional help, giving these former Wildcats a chance to turn a practice squad opportunity into a regular-season appearance.
Here is a look at the seven former Northwestern players continuing their NFL journeys on practice squads.
Nov 11, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Northwestern Wildcats helmet on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Hance — Los Angeles Rams
Hance will remain with the Los Angeles Rams after earning a spot on the team's practice squad.
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The offensive lineman has already gained valuable NFL experience, and remaining in the organization gives him another opportunity to continue developing while staying ready if the Rams need additional depth up front.
Offensive line injuries can change a team's plans quickly, so Hance will have to stay prepared for his opportunity.
Evan Hull — Arizona Cardinals
Hull's NFL journey continues with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad after he narrowly missed out on a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
The former Northwestern running back finished the preseason strongly, including a 107-yard, two- touchdown performance against the Green Bay Packers .
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That performance showed the Cardinals what he can provide, and now he gets the chance to continue working within the organization.
For Hull, the practice squad provides a path back onto an NFL active roster. If Arizona needs help at running back, he could be one of the first players the team looks toward.
That means the work he put in throughout the preseason still matters.
Anthony Tyus III — Carolina Panthers
Tyus III will begin the season on the Carolina Panthers' practice squad after transferring from Northwestern to Ohio during his college career.
The running back now has an opportunity to continue developing at the professional level while staying within an NFL organization.
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Like Hull, Tyus will need to remain ready for his opportunity. A strong week of practice or an injury elsewhere on the roster could quickly change his situation.
Thomas Gordon — Detroit Lions
Gordon will continue his NFL career with the Detroit Lions practice squad.
The tight end now has an opportunity to learn within the Lions' system, develop his game and compete for a chance to be elevated during the season.
For players on practice squads, preparation is especially important because an opportunity can come quickly. Gordon will need to approach each practice as if he could be called upon the following weekend.
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Aidan Hubbard — Seattle Seahawks
Hubbard will remain with the Seattle Seahawks on their practice squad.
The defensive lineman has a chance to continue developing within Seattle's defensive system while competing against NFL talent every day.
That experience can be valuable throughout the season, especially for a young player trying to make the jump from college football to the NFL.
Hubbard's opportunity is still there — now it is about continuing to improve and being ready when his number is called.
Fred Davis II — Washington Commanders
Davis II will begin the season on the Washington Commanders' practice squad.
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The defensive back will have the opportunity to continue working with the organization while developing against NFL-level competition.
The secondary is another position where injuries can quickly force teams to adjust their plans, making depth especially important over a 17-game season.
Davis II will have to stay ready and continue proving he belongs.
Josh Thompson — Atlanta Falcons
Thompson will remain with the Atlanta Falcons after earning a spot on the practice squad. The offensive lineman transferred from Northwestern to LSU during his college career.
Like Hance, Thompson now has the opportunity to continue developing at the professional level while providing additional depth for the Falcons.
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If injuries create a need along the offensive line, Thompson could have an opportunity to move up.
The Door is Still Open
Landing on a practice squad may not be the outcome these seven players wanted when they entered the NFL, but it is far from the end of their journeys.
They are still part of NFL organizations. They are still practicing, learning from coaches and competing against professional players every day.
More importantly, they remain within reach of an active roster.
Practice squad players can be elevated for games when teams need additional depth, and players can also eventually earn permanent spots on active rosters.
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That means every practice matters.
For these seven former Northwestern Wildcats, the goal now is simple: keep improving, stay ready and make the most of the next opportunity.
The 2026 NFL season is just getting started, and there is still plenty of time for these Wildcats to make their mark.
