After all NFL rosters were trimmed to 53 players this past weekend, it signals that the 2026-2027 season is right around the corner.
The Iowa program is well-represented in the NFL, with nearly 40 former players on NFL rosters. Eight rookies made 53-man rosters, including three undrafted free agents. While multiple former Hawkeyes survived cutdown day, 13 did not and are searching for new homes. Luckily, most of the former Hawkeyes who were waived have found their way back to NFL rosters.
It didn't take long for multiple Hawkeyes to be signed to practice squads
Iowa had a record-setting 2026 NFL Draft, sending seven players to the NFL, with a handful of others signing as undrafted free agents. The roster cutdown deadline day is always one of the toughest for players, and it was no different for 13 Hawkeyes who were victims of the roster trim. Luckily, most of the former Hawkeyes who were waived have found new homes, quickly signing to practice squads. Nine of the 13 waived players have signed to practice squads, with four currently unsigned. Here are the nine players who made practice squads and the four who remain free agents:
Former Hawkeyes signed to practice squads
- Tyler Goodson, running back (Atlanta Falcons)
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette, wide receiver (Arizona Cardinals)
- Geno Stone, defensive back (Buffalo Bills)
- Kristian Welch, linebacker (Green Bay Packers)
- Mark Gronowski, quarterback (Miami Dolphins)
- TJ Hall, defensive back (New Orleans Saints)
- Jack Heflin, defensive line (New York Jets)
- Brandon Smith, wide receiver (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Sebastian Castro, defensive back (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Former Hawkeyes who remain unsigned
Updated as signings occur
- Aaron Graves, defensive lineman
- Ethan Hurkett, defensive lineman
- Kaevon Merriweather, defensive back
- Nick Jackson, linebacker
Of the nine players who were signed to practice squads, Geno Stone has the best chance to make an opening day roster. Shortly after Buffalo waived him, the organization was reportedly going to sign him immediately to the practice squad, with the expectation that he will make the opening day roster. While the Iowa pipeline to the NFL remains strong, it will be an uphill battle for the 13 former Hawkeyes competing for a 53-man roster spot. There is a lot of talent on the list, and it wouldn't be surprising to see multiple players on practice squads push for a roster spot. There is a reason that NFL organizations love former Hawkeyes as the program continues to be one of the top developmental programs in college football.
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