Will Wagner
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CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: William Wagner #46 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes the tackle on Spencer Shrader #3 of the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals made their final roster decisions ahead of the 2025 season, and one of the more under-the-radar but important battles ended with a rookie.
Will Wagner, an undrafted free agent out of Michigan, has officially won the long snapper job in Cincinnati after a long training camp.
After beating out veteran Cal Adomitis, Wagner fills what has been a sore spot for the Bengals in the past.
College Background for Wagner
One of the most decorated long snappers in college football, Wagner played four seasons at Michigan and helping the Wolverines capture the 2023 national championship. He was also a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award in 2024, given annually to the top long snapper in the country.
Despite his college resume, Wagner went undrafted in April. The Bengals were eager to bring him to camp, and it has paid off to begin a pivotal 2025-26 season.
The competition came down to Wagner and Adomitis, who had handled the job for the past three season after stepping in for longtime snapper Clark Harris in 2022.
By the time final roster cuts rolled around on Tuesday, the Bengals were more impressed by Wagner’s consistency and poise. He also has potential to be their primary LS for many more years.
Bengals’ Role and Special Teams Outlook
It’s easy to overlook the importance of a long snapper. But in the NFL, where a single bad snap can flip a game, teams can’t afford mistakes in that department. After all, you only get 17 games to win more than you lose.
The Bengals made it a point to sharpen up their the special teams this offseason. Wagner’s arrival is a sign that they’re heading in the direction they want.
Adomitis was signed off the practice squad in 2022, held the LS title for three seasons, and did it competently. There’s a good chance he lands elsewhere very soon. Still, it’s hard not to feel for a player who battled and kept the position steady for consecutive seasons.
Now, the weight falls on Wagner, as he steps into one of the league’s most overlooked but critical jobs. His margin for error will be nonexistent, especially for a Bengals team that expects to contend in 2025. Every kick, every punt, and every extra point will run through his hands first.
The good news? The rookie has already shown he can handle the pressure. Coaches raved about his accuracy during camp, and teammates praised his poise. For a unit that struggled last year, that steadiness could make a major difference.
The Bengals may have bigger names in Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins driving the headlines, but Wagner’s presence will quietly impact how often those stars get to close out games with wins.
So yes, it’s the long snapper job. But in Cincinnati, it might just be the quiet upgrade that helps them turn tight losses into victories. And if Wagner delivers the way the Bengals believe he can, this could be the start of a long run in stripes for the Michigan product.