The Rutgers quarterback joins a select group of NFL draftees from the program, marking a new chapter in his football career.
Category: Sports
Athan Kaliakmanis, a standout quarterback from Rutgers University, was selected 223rd in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders on April 25, 2026. This selection marks a historic moment for the Rutgers football program, as Kaliakmanis becomes only the third quarterback in its history to be drafted into the NFL, following in the footsteps of Mike Teel and Mike McMahon.
This achievement highlights Kaliakmanis's individual talent and signifies a broader recognition of Rutgers football's growing prominence in the collegiate sports arena. His selection comes at a time when the Commanders are looking to bolster their quarterback depth chart, aiming for a long-term solution behind starter Jayden Daniels.
Kaliakmanis made a name for himself during his time at Rutgers, starting all 25 games in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He ranks seventh in the program's history with 5,820 career passing yards, completing 442 of 763 attempts for 38 touchdowns and accumulating a total offense of 6,045 yards. His performance in 2025 was particularly notable; he became the third Rutgers quarterback to throw for at least 3,000 yards in a single season, and the first since Mike Teel to achieve over 2,500 yards in consecutive seasons.
Before transferring to Rutgers, Kaliakmanis spent three years at the University of Minnesota, where he was recruited by offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca. Their reunion at Rutgers proved fruitful, leading to two of the most productive offensive seasons in the school's history. During his college career, he amassed a total of 8,604 passing yards and 55 touchdowns against 27 interceptions, along with 459 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
In his final season, Kaliakmanis recorded a career-high 62.2% completion rate, throwing for 3,124 yards and 20 touchdowns, albeit with seven interceptions. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, he possesses the prototypical size for an NFL quarterback, making him an intriguing prospect for the Commanders.
The history of Rutgers football has seen a few notable quarterbacks make it to the NFL, but the program has struggled to produce consistent professional talent in recent years. Mike Teel, who was drafted 178th by the Seattle Seahawks in 2009, and Mike McMahon, taken 149th by the Detroit Lions in 2001, are the only other Scarlet Knights quarterbacks to have made the leap to the NFL. Kaliakmanis's selection is a sign of hope for Rutgers fans, as it indicates a potential revival of the program's reputation.
With Kaliakmanis entering the NFL, he aims to become the first former Rutgers quarterback to play in an NFL game since Tom Savage appeared for the Houston Texans in 2017. The gap in representation has left fans and alumni eager for a return to the spotlight, and Kaliakmanis's success could pave the way for future Scarlet Knights quarterbacks to follow suit.
The Commanders' decision to draft Kaliakmanis, especially over other prospects like Garrett Nussmeier and Diego Pavia, showcases their confidence in his abilities. The team conducted an official '30' visit with him prior to the draft, indicating their serious interest and commitment to developing him as a long-term option behind their current starter.
As Kaliakmanis embarks on this new chapter with the Washington Commanders, the expectations will be high. He will have the opportunity to learn under the guidance of experienced coaches and compete for a spot on the active roster. His immediate role will likely involve serving as a backup, providing the team with depth at the quarterback position.
Looking ahead, Kaliakmanis will need to adapt to the professional game, which is known for its speed and complexity compared to college football. The Commanders' coaching staff will likely focus on refining his skills and helping him assimilate into the team's offensive system. His development will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as they anticipate his progression and potential impact on the field.
In a league that values quarterback talent highly, Kaliakmanis’s selection could be the beginning of a promising career. As he prepares for the upcoming training camp, the anticipation surrounding his performance will grow. The Commanders and their fanbase are eager to see how he will fit into their plans moving forward, especially with the NFL season approaching.