After the 2025 NFL Draft finished, multiple former Hawkeye Football players attempted to make NFL rosters during minicamps. A good example is former Hawkeye Nick Jackson, who recently signed with Tampa Bay after impressing them at their rookie minicamp.
The NFL pipeline from Iowa City has been strong under Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, with 94 former Hawkeyes selected in the Draft. If former Hawkeyes go undrafted, they usually get strong looks from teams as preferred free agents or during rookie minicamps.
Two former undrafted Hawkeyes are not heading to NFL teams, but are taking a trip across the border to sign with the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Kyler Fisher, linebacker (Hamilton Tiger-Cats)
Kyler Fisher, a former Iowa Hawkeye and Farmville, Iowa, native, is headed to Ontario, Canada, to play for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Fisher got to Iowa City and was an immediate contributor in the center of the Iowa defense.
After using a redshirt for his freshman season (2019), Fisher appeared in every season until he graduated in 2024.
During the 2024 season, Fisher tallied 26 tackles (16 solo, 10 assisted), including two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup in 11 games (three starts).
During his 5 seasons in Iowa City, Fisher was a solid reserve for the Hawkeyes and can immediately help the Tiger-Cats.
Tyler Elsbury, offensive line (Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
Former Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Elsbury is heading to Winnipeg, Canada, to play for the Blue Bombers. After receiving an invitation to the Seattle Seahawks rookie minicamp, Elsbury could not stick with the Seahawks and is taking his talents to Winnipeg.
After using a redshirt for his first year (2020), Elsbury was a solid reserve for the Hawkeyes. He received All-Big Ten Academic honors in 2021 and 2022 and was a four-year letterwinner.
During his four seasons in Iowa City, Elsbury helped pave the way for a dominating Iowa rushing attack.
In 2024, Elsbury was part of the offensive line group that finished as semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award, given to the best offensive line unit in college football.