NFL teams finalize 53-man rosters with 54 players linked to Utah schools

NFL teams finalized their initial 53-man rosters for the 2026 season this weekend following the league's annual cutdown deadline. Across the league, 54 players who played at a Utah college or high school secured spots on opening rosters. Conversely, 34 players with similar regional ties were waived or released, while four others were placed on reserve lists. The University of Utah led local institutions with 23 players making rosters, followed by BYU with 12. Seven rookies with ties to the state earned roster spots, including six draft picks and one undrafted free agent. Teams are scheduled to begin assembling their practice squads starting Monday, signaling the next phase of roster adjustments ahead of the season opener on September 9.

• 6:01 AMYahoo Sports — NFL players with Utah ties who made it through cutdown day — and those who didn’t