WSU lands commitment from former NFL TE
Jan 8, 2026, 9:33 AM
The WSU Cougars have landed a commitment from an intriguing prospect who has professional experience in two sports, including on the gridiron.
Nathaniel Salmon, a 6-foot-7, 270-pound tight end from New Zealand, announced his pledge to WSU on social media Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old Salmon was one of 14 players selected to the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program in 2025 and participated in the Los Angeles Chargers’ rookie minicamp, but he was not signed. He spent 10 weeks training as a tight end at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before his time in the NFL camp.
Salmon was granted four years of college eligibility by the NCAA in October.
Prior to joining the IPP program, Salmon played professional basketball for three years, joining the Manawatu Jets of New Zealand’s National Basketball League at just 17 years old in 2022.
Salmon is a three-star recruit and the 152nd-ranked tight end for the 2026 recruiting class, according to On3. He’s an unranked prospect by 247sports.
Salmon chose WSU over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, North Carolina and West Virginia, according to 247sports and On3.
The Cougars currently have 17 signed or committed players and the 126th-ranked recruiting class for 2026, per 247sports.
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