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A-State in NFL (8/17/26) JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Several former Red Wolves were in NFL box scores in Week 1 of the 2026 preseason. LB Demario Davis (Jets) - Preseason Week 1: One of several starters who didn’t play for New York - Signed with New York Jets on March 12th, marking the return to the franchise that he began his pro career. - Davis recorded a career high 143 tackles for the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 season. He reached the century mark in stops for the 11th time in his career (9th consecutive). Davis earned AP NFL All-Pro 1st Team honors in 2019, and landed on the 2nd Team in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. K Blake Grupe (Colts) - Preseason Week 1: 0 for 1 FG (missed from 61 yards), 1 for 1 XP - Played for the Saints from 2023 to 2025. He was released by New Orleans, signed with Colts on December 3rd. Grupe is 11 for 11 on field goals and 10 for 10 on extra points for Indianapolis. S Trevian Thomas (Jaguars) - Preseason Week 1: Snaps on defense and special teams - Signed to Jacksonville practice squad on November 26th. - Originally signed with the Panthers as a undrafted free agent. Thomas opened the 2025 season on the Carolina practice squad. He made his NFL regular season debut in Week 5, recording a tackle on special teams. Thomas had 6 tackles in 3 preseason games. OL Jacob Bayer (Bengals) - Preseason Week 1: - Signed a Reserve/Futures contract on January 5th - Originally signed with the Bills as a undrafted free agent. Bayer opened the 2025 season on the Buffalo practice squad. Bayer played in 3 preseason games. WR Courtney Jackson (Titans) - Preseason Week 1: 1 reception for 7 yards; 1 kickoff return for 23 yards, 1 punt return. - Claimed off waivers by Tennessee in May 2026. He spent the 2025 season on the Seahawks practice squad. Jackson showed his versatility in the 2025 preseason with the Broncos. In 3 games, Jackson racked up 5 receptions for 61 yards, 1 carry for 30 yards, 4 kickoff returns for 87 yards, and 5 punt returns for 74 yards. - 2023 All-Sun Belt honorable mention for Red Wolves. He played in 26 games for A-State spanning the 2023 and 2024 seasons, racking up 1189 receiving yards and 9 TD, along with 438 punt return yards and 3 TD. OL Mehki Butler (Patriots) - Preseason Week 1: 30 snaps on offensive line (1st team and 2nd team) - Signed to the New England practice squad on December 8th. He played in 3 games in the 2025 preseason, recording 52 snaps. - 2024 All-Sun Belt 2nd Team selection. He started all 13 games in his senior season and was the top rated guard in the Sun Belt per Pro Football Focus. TE Seydou Traore (Dolphins) - Preseason Week 1: 1 target - Selected in 5th Round of 2026 NFL Draft - The London, England native played at Arkansas State in 2021 and 2022. He had 62 receptions for 752 yards and 4 touchdowns. EDGE Keyron Crawford (Raiders) - Preseason Week 1: 4 tackles - Selected in 3rd Round of 2026 NFL Draft - Crawford played at Arkansas State in 2022 and 2023. He racked up 59 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, and 7 and a half sacks. The Memphis native also recorded 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. WR Corey Rucker (Raiders) - Placed on injured reserve on June 10th. Will miss 2026 season. To report a typo or correction, please click here. Copyright 2026 KAIT. All rights reserved.