From JUCO To The NFL? Hunter Dekkers Trying To Make His Way Into a NFL Roster
Hunter Dekkers, once a promising quarterback at Iowa State, faced a significant setback in 2023 when he was implicated in a sports betting investigation. He admitted to placing approximately 366 bets, including a $15 wager on an Iowa State football game in which he was a backup player. This led to a guilty plea for underage gambling and the NCAA permanently revoking his collegiate eligibility.
Determined to continue his football career, Dekkers enrolled at Iowa Western Community College. During the 2024 season, he showcased his skills by throwing for 3,806 yards and 32 touchdowns, leading the team to the NJCAA National Championship game. Opting not to transfer to another four-year institution, Dekkers declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He has been training under former NFL coach Jon Gruden and participated in events like the Hula Bowl and Big 12 Pro Day to demonstrate his readiness for professional play.
Despite going undrafted, his performance earned him an opportunity to showcase his skills at the Saints' minicamp, which began on May 8, 2025, at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Dekkers is among several quarterbacks vying for a spot on the roster, including fellow rookie Tyler Shough. While his path to the NFL has been unconventional, Dekkers is determined to make the most of this opportunity and prove himself at the professional level.
