Ohio University doesn't have a long history of flooding NFL rosters, but this week the Bobcats punched above their weight — twice, on the same team.
Tampa Bay announced its 16-player practice squad ahead of the 2026 regular season, and two Athens alumni made the cut: wide receiver Garrett Greene and tight end Devin Culp. The pair gives Ohio University a rare double-presence on a single NFL roster, joining linebacker Roman Parodie, who also landed on the Buccaneers' practice squad in the same signing wave.
That's three Bobcats on one NFL franchise — a remarkable clustering for a program that competes in the Mid-American Conference.
Greene and Culp: The Duo to Watch
Greene, listed as a wide receiver on Tampa Bay's practice squad announcement, made his name at Ohio as a dual-threat quarterback before transitioning to a receiver role at the next level — a conversion that clearly caught the Buccaneers' attention. His athleticism and versatility give Tampa Bay a chess piece with an unusual skill set.
Culp, a tight end, brings a complementary profile: a big-bodied pass-catcher who can contribute in both the run and passing games. Tight end depth is a perennial NFL priority, and earning a practice squad spot out of camp is a legitimate foothold for any undrafted prospect.
Practice squads are not permanent — rosters churn week to week — but securing a spot at all is an accomplishment. Players on practice squads are eligible to be elevated to the active roster on game weeks and can be poached by other teams, meaning Greene and Culp are now firmly on the NFL map.
Parodie's Continued Presence
Roman Parodie's inclusion on the same Buccaneers practice squad — listed as a cornerback in Tampa Bay's announcement — adds a third layer to Ohio's quiet infiltration of One Buc Place. Parodie had previously been tracking as a linebacker in league records, but his versatility apparently suits Tampa Bay's defensive back needs.
Either way, his presence alongside Greene and Culp means Ohio University has a legitimate cluster in the NFC South.
The Bigger Picture
Across the league, Ohio University alumni are spread thin but consistently present. Nathan Rourke remains on the Atlanta Falcons' roster as a backup quarterback. Armani Rogers is with the Philadelphia Eagles at tight end. Austen Pleasants holds a spot on the San Francisco 49ers' offensive line. The Bobcats may never dominate a draft board, but their alumni have developed a knack for finding roster spots — and Tampa Bay is now their most concentrated outpost.
For Bobcat fans, the Buccaneers' early-season games are appointment viewing. Three of their own are fighting to stick.
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