Football September 09, 2025
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DALLAS – Former Conference USA standouts made a strong impact across the NFL in Week One, with several alumni delivering standout performances to help their teams open the 2025 season on the right foot.
Leading the way were three former CUSA stars in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 34-32 win over the New York Jets. Kicker Chris Boswell (Rice) drilled two long field goals, including a game-clinching 60-yarder. He also hit from 56 yards earlier in the game and was a perfect 4-4 on extra points. Linebacker Alex Highsmith (Charlotte) racked up eight tackles, including five solo stops and a sack to spark the defense. Tight end Jonnu Smith (FIU) caught five passes for 15 yards and hauled in a three-yard touchdown pass to cut into the Jets’ lead right before halftime.
Minnesota running back Aaron Jones (UTEP) also played a key role in the Vikings’ comeback win over a division rival on Monday Night Football. The former Miner rushed for 23 yards on eight carries and caught three passes for 44 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown reception to give Minnesota the lead for good.
Around the league, other CUSA alumni made headlines with big performances in the trenches. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson (FAU) notched three tackles with a sack for Cincinnati. Detroit’s Marcus Davenport (UTSA) recorded three stops and a stuff. The Chargers’ Teair Tart (FIU) batted down a pair of passes in an upset of the reigning AFC Champion Chiefs. Milton Williams (LA Tech) tallied four tackles and a stuff in his Patriots debut.
Several other former CUSA defensive specialists stood out, including linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair (FAU) of the Texans and Tyrice Knight (UTEP) of the Seahawks, who each registered seven tackles in their season openers. Al-Shaair also forced a fumble, while Knight’s Seattle teammate Riq Woolen (UTSA) tallied four tackles and a pass deflection. Rookie Upton Stout (WKU) broke up a pass in his NFL debut.
Former MTSU standouts Kevin Byard (Chicago) and Charvarius Ward (Indianapolis) had impactful week ones as Byard racked up five solo stops and a stuff and Ward totaled six tackles with four solo stops. LA Tech products Amik Robertson (Detroit), L’Jarius Sneed (Tennessee) and Xavier Woods (Tennessee) each made their presence felt on defense. Roberston made three solo stops. Sneed posted three tackles and broke up a pass. Woods recorded two tackles and came up with his 14th career interception.
On special teams, Jack Fox (Rice) averaged 47.3 yards per punt on three attempts for Detroit, and veteran Thomas Morstead (SMU) averaged 48.0 yards on two boots.
Click here for a complete list of the 86 former CUSA players featured on NFL rosters for the 2025 season.