A current total of three members of the Arkansas State football team have signed with NFL franchises as undrafted free agents in hopes of making the roster at the professional level.
Jacob Bayer, center, Buffalo Bills
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JONESBORO SUN
Bayer was believed by many as the member of the 2024 team most likely to be drafted. Bayer has been a staple on the offensive line. In 2023 he played 757 snaps and only allowed eight quarterback pressures and one sack. Bayer tore his ACL in the spring of 2024, but returned to action in week two of the regular season. This made his recovery one of the fastest in the history of college football. Bayer won first team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2023 and second team All-SBC in 2024. He was also invited to the 2025 Senior Bowl.
Courtney Jackson, wide receiver/punt returner, Denver Broncos
PHOTO COURTESY OF A-STATE ATHLETICS
Jackson spent four seasons with the Syracuse Orange, but it was with the Red Wolves that his skills as a receiver and special teams member shined. In 2023 Jackson had 39 receptions for 689 yards and seven touchdowns. Jackson returned 16 punts for 161 yards and a touchdown. In 2024 he brought in 42 receptions for 494 yards and two touchdowns. He returned 15 punts for 277 total yards and got two touchdowns. Jackson notably ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at Arkansas State’s Pro Day. Denver signed Jackson likely for his proficiency on special teams, and he will likely make his biggest impact in the NFL there.
Trevian Thomas, safety, Carolina Panthers
PHOTO COURTESY OF A-STATE ATHLETICS
Thomas was a defensive menace for the Red Wolves. In his five seasons at A-State, Thomas snatched eight interceptions, forced two fumbles and got 257 tackles. In a regular season game against Texas State he returned a fumble 91 yards for a touchdown. His five interceptions put him at the upper end of interception totals nationally, and was more than Heisman-winning WR/CB Travis Hunter’s total interceptions.
Running back Zak Wallace and punter Ryan Heicher were invited to rookie mini camps by the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts respectively.
Leave a Reply