From Maverik Stadium to the NFL
With the National Football League season officially in the rearview mirror, it is time to take a look at how former Utah State Aggies fared during the 2024-25 season.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders:
Throughout his entire career, Bobby Wagner has embodied the word “consistent.” This year was no different as he added a 10th Pro Bowl appearance and was named an AP All-Pro for the 11th time in his 13-year career. Wagner inked a one-year deal, earning up to $8.5 million with the Commanders in March of 2024. Many teams overlooked Wagner, believing age would finally get the best of him. The Commanders took a gamble on him, and it paid off tenfold. Wagner started all 17 games and served as one of Washington’s captains. Per Pro Football Reference, he recorded 132 combined tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and sacked the quarterback twice. Wagner also forced one fumble and recovered two. During the 2023 season, the Commanders ranked as the worst scoring and yardage defense in the NFL. A year later, with the addition of Wagner and other players and personnel, the Commanders defense drastically improved, becoming the 13th-best yardage-based defense in the league, per Fox Sports. Wagner will attract many suitors in free agency this offseason as he looks to build off a superb year in Washington.
Wagner played at Utah State from 2008-11. During his time in Logan, he was a four-year starter, earned first-team all-conference honors three times, and was named Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2011.
Quarterback Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers:
Since entering the NFL in 2021, arguably no QB has had greater expectations than Jordan Love. Being the successor to Aaron Rodgers has placed immense pressure on Love to perform at the highest level possible. He experienced a down year statistics-wise from his 2023 campaign. However, the team improved to 10-7, which saw them make the playoffs for the second year under Love. Per Pro Football Reference, Love threw for 3,389 yards and added 26 total touchdowns. Love had a forgettable performance against the Eagles in the playoffs by throwing for three interceptions. However, Love indeed showed flashes of being an elite QB in the league. As the Packers continue to build around him and Love becomes more comfortable as an NFL QB, the sky is truly the limit for Green Bay and Jordan Love.
Love played at Utah State from 2017-19. By the time Love left Logan, he had completely rewritten the USU record books. Love left as the leader in single-season touchdown passes, single-season passing yards and total offensive yards, to name a few.
Cornerback Jalen Davis, Cincinnati Bengals:
The 28-year-old Cornerback had an unorthodox year. Jalen Davis was a member of the Bengals practice squad at the beginning of the season and battled multiple injuries. However, when he got his chance, he did not disappoint. Davis registered three total tackles in just two games, per Pro Football Reference. Davis will look to continue to make his mark in the league this upcoming season, whether with the Bengals or somewhere else.
Davis played at Utah State from 2014-17. Upon arrival to Logan, Davis did not waste time making his presence felt. Against Idaho State, Davis recorded two interceptions, the most by a first-year player in a single game in school history. By the end of his career, Davis had set the school record for pass breakups, 37, and passes defended, 48.
Cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram, Buffalo Bills:
Ja’Marcus Ingram entered his third year in the NFL with hopes of helping the Bills win games. Whatever that required of him, he was up to the task. Solely a special teams guy during the 2023 season, Ingram made a huge step forward during the 2024 season. While still primarily being a special teams player, Ingram got opportunities to play in the secondary and made the most of them. Per Pro Football Reference, he registered 24 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions and one sack. Ingram will enter the final year of his contract with the Bills as he looks to build off this stellar year.
Ingram played at Utah State from 2017-18. Although his time as an Aggie was short, Ingram did what he does best: seizing the moment. He totaled 66 tackles, one interception and recovered one fumble during his 19 games as a Utah State Aggie.
Wide receiver Deven Thompkins, Carolina Panthers:
After spending his first two seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Deven Thompkins was picked up by the Carolina Panthers practice squad, where he spent most of the 2024-25 season. However, Thompkins was elevated to the active roster multiple times throughout the season. Per Pro Football Reference, in the seven games Thompkins appeared in, he caught four passes for 20 yards. He also added seven yards of rushing on two carries. However, Thompkins’ primary responsibility on the team was being the Panthers kick-off returner. Thompkins totaled 134 yards in five returns for an average of 26.8 yards per return. Thompkins will be a free agent this offseason, as he will be looking for a team that can utilize his lightning speed.
Thompkins played at Utah State from 2018-21. During his senior year, Thompkins recorded 102 receptions and 1,704 receiving yards, both single-season school records. Thompkins ranks third in career receiving yards in Utah State history.
Linebacker Nick Vigil, Dallas Cowboys:
Nick Vigil provided the injury-laden Cowboys with much-needed depth, and when his number was called, he went to work. Vigil primarily served as a special teams player but also saw defensive snaps at Linebacker. Per Pro Football Reference, Vigil totaled 22 tackles on defense while also playing most of the teams’ special teams snaps. Vigil will be a free agent this offseason as he looks to continue his productive NFL career.
Vigil played at Utah State from 2014-15. Vigil ranks third all-time in school history with 38.5 tackles for loss and 13th all-time in school history with 324 career tackles.
Running back Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers:
Jaylen Warren provided the Steelers with a unique option at RB. Warren is quick and can make defenders miss in the open field, but he is also not afraid to get physical and run into people. Warren posted impressive stats this season and helped the Steelers reach the playoffs. Per Pro Football Reference, Warren rushed for 511 yards on 120 carries and added 310 receiving yards on 38 receptions. Warren’s versatility also helped fellow RB Najee Harris succeed in the Steelers offensive scheme, leading to Pittsburgh’s overall success. Warren enters the offseason as a restricted free agent. However, the general consensus is the Steelers will resign Warren as their RB1 and continue to build the offense around him.
Warren played at Utah State from 2019-20. During his brief stint in Logan, Warren racked up 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns. Warren also excelled in the classroom, being named Academic All-Mountain West in 2019 and 2020.