The 2026 NFL preseason has become a showcase for a deep pool of former University of North Carolina alumni, with 31 Tar Heels scattered across rosters from the West Coast to the East Coast.
While some have earned extensive playing time, others are still fighting for a spot on the depth chart, and a few have been sidelined by injury or limited snap counts.
Standout Performances
Austin Blaske, listed as a left guard and tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, logged 54 snaps in a 20‑12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs and earned a grade of 80.9, one of the higher marks among his teammates.
At the same time, Chazz Surratt contributed 40 snaps for the Seattle Seahawks, posting a defensive grade of 83.7 and ranking among the team’s top performers in a preseason matchup against Dallas.
Quarterback Sam Howell, now with the Dallas Cowboys, completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in a 17‑7 victory over Seattle, showing a glimpse of his potential.
Running back Ty Chandler, appearing for the New Orleans Saints, rushed six times for 24 yards in just 20 snaps, placing him second on the team in rushing yards for the game.
Offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu saw 27 snaps at left tackle for the New York Giants and was graded at 80.3, indicating solid protection work.
Asim Richards, starting at left tackle for the Saints, handled 45 snaps and posted a grade of 81.4, the second‑highest on his side of the ball.
Alijah Huzzie, seeing action for the Houston Texans, logged 31 snaps, earned a grade of 73.2 and recorded two tackles.
Bryson Nesbit, who split his time between offense and special teams for the Minnesota Vikings, was targeted four times, caught two passes for 13 yards, and contributed 25 offensive snaps along with 10 on special teams.
Kaimon Rucker, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, appeared in 16 snaps and made a single tackle.
Injuries and Limited Action
Several notable alumni did not see game action this week. Drake Maye, the quarterback drafted by the New England Patriots, remained on the sidelines, while running back Javonte Williams, listed with the Dallas Cowboys, also missed the preseason contest due to ongoing recovery.
The absence of these players underscores the volatility of roster spots as teams trim down toward the regular season.
Looking Ahead
Coaches and analysts alike are watching how these former Tar Heels progress through the final weeks of training camp. The mix of high‑grade performances, special‑teams contributions and the ability to stay healthy will likely determine which names make the final 53‑man roster.
For fans of UNC football, the preseason provides a tangible connection to their alma mater’s growing presence in the professional game, and the coming months will reveal just how many can translate college promise into NFL impact.