5 Bearcat alumni to watch during the 2026 NFL season
Former Bearcats continue to write the chapters of their NFL Journey.
Sauce Gardner (Cornerback, Indianapolis Colts)
Travis Kelce (Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs)
Alec Pierce (Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts)
Bryan Cook (Free Safety, Cincinnati Bengals)
Eric Wilson (Wide Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings).
Eric Wilson has been tossed around the league like a frisbee, playing for multiple teams, including the Texans, Saints, Eagles, & Packers. Entering his 10th year, he’s running it back with the team that drafted him. He’s coming off the best year of his career since 2020 and is considered the veteran of the Vikings LB group, which includes Ivan Pace Jr. & Jake Goldey (rookie), both former Bearcats. Wilson signed an extension to stay in Minnesota for 3 more years, a key component to a Brian Flores defense that’s praised for their aggressive play style. Wilson, in particular, has thrived under his system as a run stuffer up the middle and able to keep pace from sideline to sideline. We’ll see how he replicates his success from last season while mentoring a younger core at the 2nd level.
Bryan Cook is a two-time Super Bowl Champion from his tenure in Kansas City and had a hand in their successful dynasty during those four years. Now he’s returning to the city he spent his collegiate career in: Cincinnati. He’s coming off the best year of his career according to PFF, where he was graded an 83.5 (4th among safeties), and signed a three-year, $40.25 million deal with the Bengals to fill in as Geno Stone’s replacement. Cook could be an X-Factor to a new-look Bengals defense and perhaps make his mark as one of the top safeties in the league.
Alec Pierce is coming off the best season of his career, recording a 1,000-yard receiving season on just 47 catches. In return, he received a huge payday: four years and 114 million to be their WR1 after Michael Pittman was traded to Pittsburgh. However, his training camp took a turn for the worse when he was placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform), still recovering from surgery following a left ankle injury in March. He’s expected to return in time for Week 1 per Colts WR Coach Reggie Wayne. Knowing the Colts, they could use his home run ability to start the season off with a bang.
Travis Kelce is in the twilight of his career. He’s entering the 14th year of his career as a 12-time Pro Bowler, 4-time First Team All-Pro & a three-time Super Bowl Champion. He’s accomplished almost all you could ask for in a tight end; now the question remains is when will Kelce say “I’ve done enough”? Despite the decline in the past 3 seasons, he’s still considered one of the best tight ends in football going into 2026, hence the one-year extension in the offseason. With Patrick Mahomes coming back in the fray, expect Kelce to pick up where he left off in 2025: 76 catches, 851 yards & five TDs. He hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2022, but if he turns back the clock for just this season, expect him to lead the Chiefs offense back to their old form.
Sauce Gardner made a name for himself in Cincy. Now, he’s done the same in the NFL. Gardner is one of the premier CBs in the NFL, coming off a career-low completion percentage allowed (48.9) with nine pass deflections and an allowed passer rating of 85.6. Where Gardner lacks as a ballhawk, he excels as a run defender. Last season, he was traded at the deadline to the Indianapolis Colts, a team that needed a boost in their secondary. Now that Gardner has had a full offseason to learn under Lou Anarumo’s system while paired up with Cam Taylor-Britt, expect him to return to playing at an All-Pro level like he did entering the league.