Utah football has a reputation for producing high-end professional football talent. With 19 players currently on NFL rosters, scouts and GMs across pro leagues target Utah’s athletes to add success to their programs. Despite a down season in 2024, Utah football had a flurry of draft picks and signings within the NFL and its partnering leagues.

Seven players from the 2024 roster have been signed to compete at the highest level this upcoming season. Here is the breakdown of where each of these former Utes will be playing next.

Caleb Lohner, TE (Denver Broncos, Round 7, No. 241 overall)

Lohner has taken anything but a traditional route to the big leagues. The 6’7 tight end from Flower Mound, Texas, began his collegiate athletics career as a basketball player. As a Two-time transfer from BYU and Baylor, Lohner wound up at Utah for his senior season, playing both football and basketball.

The Denver Broncos, led by head coach Sean Payton, recognized Lohner’s freak athleticism and took a chance on his talent. Lohner has been given comparisons to potential Hall of Famer Jimmy Graham, who Payton also coached. Overall, all signs point to a great fit, as Lohner will now be part of a young core with exceptional upside.

Dorian Singer, WR (Jacksonville Jaguars, free agent)

Singer is a six-foot receiver out of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Similarly to Lohner, Singer made two different stops as a transfer before finding his home in Utah. Known for his sensational hands and separation ability, the Jaguars are giving him a shot as a free agent.

Singer was hoping to return to Utah for a fifth season of college football, but was ultimately denied by the NCAA. He will be someone to keep an eye on, as Jacksonville is lacking depth at the wide receiver position.

Junior Tafuna, DT (Houston Texans, free agent)

Tafuna is a 6’3 defensive tackle out of Taylorsville, Utah. He spent his entire three-year college career at Utah and racked up 75 tackles to pair with three sacks in his career. Houston has a strong core of young defensive linemen that Tafuna will have the opportunity to learn from.

Zemaiah Vaughn, CB (Minnesota Vikings, free agent)

Vaughn adds to the total of star defensive backs in the NFL from the University of Utah. Players like Jaylon Johnson, Marcus Williams, Cole Bishop and Julian Blackmon have all made instant impacts for their respective teams on Sundays. Vaughn has the measurables to be an elite cornerback in the NFL if he can put it all together.

The Minnesota Vikings have a history of developing strong defensive backs, and Vaughn could very well turn into a lockdown coverage guy. He is another player to keep an eye on in free agency this year.

Micah Bernard, RB (Tennessee Titans, free agent)

Bernard is a balanced runner in the backfield who can create something out of nothing. The six-foot Long Beach, California native was an incredible asset for Utah football throughout his tenure.

He is set to join the Tennessee Titans running back room, hoping to make the 53-man roster. He certainly fits the mold of running back style in Tennessee, as Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are currently set to be the one-two punch beside no. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.

Connor O’Toole, DE (Seattle Seahawks, free agent)

O’Toole will be travelling to Seattle with hopes of making a solid defensive roster. The 6’4 defensive end from Albuquerque, New Mexico, signed with the Seahawks after a strong college career. Tallying 8.5 career sacks with the Utes will have O’Toole ready to take on the competition at the next level.

Karene Reid, LB (Denver Broncos, free agent)

Reid will be joining Caleb Lohner as another addition to the Denver Broncos. The University of Utah gets along well with its neighbor to the east in terms of NFL production. Denver is currently the home of more Utes than any other NFL team.

Reid was the cornerstone of Utah’s defense in 2024. He earned second-team All-PAC 12 awards in his 2022 and 2023 seasons and was a two-time team captain. His high football IQ and knack for the game will give him the edge over the competition.

Damien Alford, WR (Calgary Stampeders, Round 1, Pick 1)

Alford was selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 Canadian Football League draft. The towering 6’6 wide receiver from Montreal, Quebec, will be returning to Canada to play football professionally.

Despite a down 2024 season, Alford has an elite receiving build and upside that the Stampeders are looking to utilize. Watch for Alford to make a splash internationally as a big target with a wide frame.

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