Undrafted free agent Riley Wilson is officially signing with the New England Patriots, his representation PM3 Sports Management announced. This cat’s path to the NFL is straight-up wild, and it’s a testament to sticking with it. We’re talking about a player who has absolutely grinded his way to this point, hopping schools and changing positions, all to get his shot.
The Ultimate College Rollercoaster
Riley Wilson’s college career isn’t your typical story, not by a long shot. This guy started way back in 2020 at Hawaii, not as a linebacker or defensive end, but as a *tight end*. Can you believe that? He even played in one game, snagging a two-yard pass against Boise State. A two-yard catch! Think about that, going from that to where he is now.
Then in 2021, he made the switch. Tight end to linebacker. That’s a huge shift, demanding different skills, different physicality. He became a “core special teamer” that year, getting his feet wet in a new role. He saw action in four games in 2022, continuing to develop. But the journey didn’t stop there. In 2023, Wilson transferred again, this time to Montana. And that’s where he really broke out. He didn’t just play, he *dominated*, leading the team in sacks with a monstrous 8.5 and tackles for loss with 15. That kind of production after a position change and multiple transfers? Seriously impressive. The dude found his groove and owned it.
The Production That Demanded a Shot
After that monster 2023 season at Montana, he wasn’t done moving. In 2024, he kept tearing it up, racking up 83 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hits. Then, he made another transfer to the University of Arizona for the following season, 2025. Talk about perseverance, right? At Arizona, he proved it wasn’t a fluke, posting 51 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. That’s a well-rounded stat line for a linebacker! He’s not just a pass rusher; he’s making plays in coverage, too. He even spent time with the Buccaneers this offseason after going undrafted, so he’s already had a taste of the pros. For an undrafted guy, those numbers are screaming “take a chance on me.”
So now, here we are in July 2026, and Riley Wilson is officially a Patriot. He’s an undrafted free agent who’s bounced from Hawaii to Montana to Arizona, from tight end to a legit playmaking linebacker. He’s got to bring that same fire and adaptability to earn a roster spot. Can he translate those college production numbers to the NFL stage? It’s going to be one heck of a training camp battle to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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