The Chargers added one wide receiver amongst their 2026 UDFA group and that player was Devonte Ross!
Let’s get to know this versatile player for the Bolts!
The Basics
Height: 5’10
Weight: 170 pounds
College: Penn State/Troy
Experience: Rookie
Ross is a Georgia native, growing up in the town of Cartersville. As a star player for Cartersville High School, he helped lead the Purple Hurricanes to a 12-2 record as a senior and a berth in the Georgia 5A State Championship Game. He finished that year with 43 receptions
for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added an interception and 12 pass breakups as a cornerback.
For the first three years of his college career, Ross attended Troy University in Alabama. Through his first two seasons for the Trojans, Ross accumulated 53 receptions for 575 yards and three touchdowns. In 2024, Ross broke out with 76 receptions for 1,043 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to earning First-Team All-Sun Belt honors as a wide receiver/all-purpose player and Second-Team honors as a return specialist.
For his final year of eligibility, Ross transferred up to the Power 4 to play in the Big Ten at Penn State.
In 2025, Ross started four games while playing in all 13 contests. He finished with 36 catches for 501 yards and five score and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.
Following the 2026 NFL Draft, Ross signed with the Chargers as a UDFA.
The Good
One of the best games of his career came while playing the Iowa Hawkeyes as a member of Troy. Ross caught two touchdowns passes that went for 63 and 62 yards, respectively. He also returned a punt for a touchdown, as well. While he did not see that same success as a member of Penn State, it’s notable that Ross was able to come through against one of the best defensive units he faced in college.
He also showed some versatility as a gadget player coming out of the backfield, scoring two of his five touchdowns on end-around plays.
Ross offers upside as both a deep threat with return skills. He only ran a 4.45 so we will see if he can push former fourth-round pick Derius Davis at all as the team’s starter there.
The Bad
Ross is a lean, slender wideout who played at sub-170 pounds at times in college. Despite having success as both a receiver and returner, his path to going undrafted was likely due to his lack of ideal size and strength. Smaller receivers have found success in the pros, but they had a bit more of an elite athletic profile compared to Ross’.
2026 Outlook
Ross’ ceiling with the Chargers likely settles as a practice squad player. The Bolts have five wideouts expected to make the final roster and that’s before a possible reunion with long-time Charger Keenan Allen. The selection of speedster Brenen Thompson in the fourth round this year also gives the Chargers a similar skillset but with explosive athleticism to back it all up.
Right now, Ross will have to contend with Luke Grimm, JaQuae Jackson, and Dalevon Campbell for spots on the PS.
