Multiple former Hawkeyes are getting another chance with NFL teams this offseason. The Iowa to the NFL pipeline has been strong under Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, with over 30 Iowa players still active in the league.
Over the summer, several former Hawkeyes are getting another chance with a new organization after spending time out of the league or as free agents.
Former Hawkeye defensive lineman Matt Nelson has carved out a nice role as an offensive lineman in the NFL, but was out of football last season. Over the summer, he signed a deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
NFL veteran and former Hawkeye quarterback C.J. Beathard is also getting a chance for a fresh start after working out for the New York Jets. Beathard was brought in for a workout following an injury to backup Tyrod Taylor.
Beathard joined fellow former Hawkeye Brandon Smith in an attempt to make the Jets' roster. After a second stint in the UFL with the DC Defenders, Smith was signed by the Jets and has impressed through the preseason.
Another former Hawkeye and DC Defenders player has signed a contract with the Dallas Cowboys to attempt another stint in the NFL.
Veteran CB Michael Ojemudia, who most recently played for the UFL’s DC Defenders, is signing with the #Cowboys, per source. Back in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/uVJScIzZNq
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 18, 2025
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, former Hawkeye Michael Ojemudia is back in the NFL after signing a contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
Ojemudia played for the Hawkeyes from 2016-2020, and has bounced around since being drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos selected Ojemudia with the No. 77 overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he spent two seasons with the organization before making several stops along the way back to an NFL roster.
Ojemudia made stops with the Chicago Bears (2022), Los Angeles Rams (2023), and his most recent stop with the Arizona Cardinals (2024).
During the 2025 UFL season, Ojemudia won a title with the DC Defenders and made his way to the Dallas Cowboys.
During his NFL career, Ojemudia has accumulated 73 total tackles (63 solo, 10 assisted) and four forced fumbles.