As the countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft begins, attention naturally shifts to powerhouse programs that dominate headlines, but every year, a handful of small-school standouts force their way into the conversation.

The Big Sky Conference, renowned for its rugged style of play and under-the-radar talent, continues to produce prospects who turn opportunity into NFL careers. These players often arrive without the same spotlight as their Power Five counterparts, yet their impressive performances during college prove they belong on the big stage.

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In recent drafts, Big Sky alumni have quietly carved out their place at the next level, proving that elite talent can emerge from anywhere. Whether it’s dominant linemen, versatile skill players, or quarterbacks with something to prove. Here’s a look at the last seven players drafted from the Big Sky Conference as we draw ever closer to the NFL Draft.

Recent Big Sky Players Drafted to the NFL

Jackson Slater

Jackson Slater

Credit: Johnnie Izquierdo (Getty)

Jackson Slater

Jackson Slater: OL, Sacramento State. 2025 5th Round (167th pick): Tennessee Titans.

Tommy Mellott

Tommy Mellott

Credit: Christian Petersen (Getty)

Tommy Mellott

Tommy Mellott: WR, Montana State. 2025 6th Round (213th pick). Las Vegas Raiders.

Junior Bergen

Junior Bergen

Credit: Thearon W. Henderson (Getty Images)

Junior Bergen

Junior Bergen: WR, Montana. 2025 7th Round (252nd pick). San Francisco 49ers.

Troy Andersen

Troy Andersen

Credit. Kevin C.Cox (Getty)

Troy Andersen

Troy Andersen: LB, Montana State. 2022 2nd Round (26th pick). Atlanta Falcons.

Daniel Hardy

Daniel Hardy

Credit: Kevork Djansezian (Getty)

Daniel Hardy

Daniel Hardy: LB, Montana State. 2022 7th Round (14th Pick). Los Angles Rams

Kaden Elliss

Kaden Elliss

Credit: Nick Cammett (Getty)

Kaden Elliss

Kaden Elliss: OLB, Idaho. 2019 7th Round (244th pick). New Orleans Saints.

 Taron Johnson

Taron Johnson

Credit: Billie Weiss (Getty)

Taron Johnson

Taron Johnson: CB, Weber State. 2018 4th Round (121st pick). Buffalo Bills.

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