Bowling Green Alumni NFL Roundup | Aug. 23–29, 2026
Connor Bazelak's NFL journey has hit another wall. The Buccaneers released the Bowling Green product as part of their early roster cuts after he fell behind rookie Jalon Daniels on the Tampa Bay depth chart. Bazelak, who had been competing for a backup spot, couldn't hold off the younger signal-caller and now heads into the preseason as a free agent.
It's a tough break for the former Falcon who has been on the roster bubble throughout his pro career. Bazelak showed enough promise in Bowling Green's system to earn an NFL look, but converting college production into a sustained roster spot at the quarterback position is among the league's steepest climbs — and Daniels, the rookie, apparently made that case convincingly enough for Tampa Bay's coaching staff.
Around the League
Bazelak isn't the only Bowling Green name worth tracking at the roster cutdown wire. The Falcons' OJ Hiliare (WR) and the Packers' Karl Brooks (DT) are both fighting for spots in what figures to be a competitive final-cuts process. Brooks, a disruptive interior presence, has been a rotational piece in Green Bay's defensive line room and could carve out a role if the Packers value his depth. Hiliare, a former Falcon known for his route-running precision, faces a numbers game at a deep WR position in Atlanta.
On the tight end side, Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns) and Quintin Morris (Jaguars) represent Bowling Green's most intriguing alumni storylines heading into the regular season. Fannin, a dynamic receiving TE, is worth watching as Cleveland evaluates its offensive pieces. Morris, meanwhile, has been a quiet but reliable presence in Jacksonville's offense — the kind of move-the-chains tight end that wins coaches' trust over time.
At corner, Jordan Oladokun continues his developmental arc with the Chargers, while Scott Miller gives Bowling Green a veteran presence in Pittsburgh's receiving corps.
The Bottom Line
Bazelak's release is the headline, but the breadth of Bowling Green talent across NFL rosters this August is genuinely notable for a mid-major program. Seven alumni in camps across the league speaks to the Falcons' ability to develop pro-caliber players — even if the margins for guys like Bazelak are razor-thin. He'll likely draw interest as a practice squad candidate if a team needs a developmental arm with legitimate college pedigree.
Watch for more moves as rosters trim to 53. Bowling Green's NFL contingent is still very much in play.
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