Commanders Pick Ex-Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis in NFL Draft

Former Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is heading to the NFL after being selected by the Washington Commanders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kaliakmanis, who transferred to Rutgers and started under center for the Scarlet Knights, drew attention from NFL scouts with his arm talent and ability to make plays under pressure. The selection gives Washington another quarterback to develop in their system, adding depth and competition to the roster heading into training camp.

For Rutgers, the draft pick represents another milestone in the program's continued growth under the current coaching staff. Producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks — particularly ones drafted — serves as both a validation of the program's development and a recruiting tool for the next wave of talent considering Piscataway.

The Commanders, who have been reshaping their roster through the draft, see Kaliakmanis as a developmental prospect with upside. His college film showed a quarterback capable of making all the required throws, though consistency was an area scouts flagged as a work in progress.

Seventh-round picks face long odds of making NFL rosters, but the quarterback position offers more patience than most. Practice squad spots and developmental opportunities give late-round passers a chance to refine their game, and Washington's coaching staff will have time to evaluate whether Kaliakmanis can translate his college tools to the professional level.

What This Means For You: If you're a Rutgers fan, this is another sign the program is producing NFL talent. If you're a Commanders fan, keep an eye on training camp — late-round quarterbacks have a history of surprising people. And if you're a casual NFL follower, the 2026 draft class continues to fill out rosters across the league as teams look for hidden gems in the later rounds.