The 2026 NFL season has arrived, and 22 former Kentucky Wildcats are on 53-man rosters, injured reserve lists, or practice squads, with two additional players in front-office roles.
In all, 16 former Wildcats are on 53-man rosters entering Week 1.
Six teams have multiple Wildcats: The Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the New York Giants. Buffalo, Carolina, Green Bay, and Jacksonville are all coming off playoff berths last season.
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Bills lead the league with four Wildcats on the roster: Running back Ray Davis, cornerback Maxwell Hairston, and defensive tackle Deone Walker are on the active roster, while undrafted free agent wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin made the practice squad.
Finally, two former Wildcats are working in front-office roles: Austin Moss is the vice president of player development and team dynamics with the San Francisco 49ers, while Corey Peters is a college scout with the Jaguars.
Oh, and there’s also head coach Liam Coen, as the former Kentucky offensive coordinator is entering his second season with the Jags. That means Jacksonville has five former Cats with the team in some capacity. Former standout center Eli Cox is on the practice squad, while running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen are on the active roster.
Kentucky Wildcats on 2026 NFL Rosters
Atlanta Falcons
Za’Darius Smith, DE/LB (2013-14)
Buffalo Bills
Ray Davis, RB (2023)
Maxwell Hairston, DB (2022-24)
Ja’Mori Maclin, WR (2024-25) Practice Squad
Deone Walker, DL (2022-24)
Carolina Panthers
Zion Childress, DB (2022-24) Practice Squad
Luke Fortner, OL (2017-21)
Detroit Lions
Kendrick Law, WR (2025) Reserve/Injured List
Green Bay Packers
Jager Burton, OL (2021-25)
Carrington Valentine, DB (2020-22)
Indianapolis Colts
Jalen Farmer, OL (2024-25)
Seth McGowan, RB (2025)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Eli Cox, OL (2020-24) Practice Squad
Josh Hines-Allen, DE/LB (2015-18)
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB (2019-22)
Los Angeles Chargers
Bud Dupree, OLB (2011-14)
New Orleans Saints
Alex Wollschlaeger, OL (2020-25) Practice Squad
New York Giants
Darian Kinnard, OL (2018-21) Practice Squad
Dru Phillips, DB (2020-23)
New York Jets
Trevin Wallace, LB (2021-23)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Brandin Echols, CB (2019-20)
Tennessee Titans
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR (2021)
