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Former Pro Basketball Player Nathaniel Salmon Commits to Washington State as 2026 Tight End

The 21-year-old New Zealander holds four years of NCAA eligibility following training through the NFL International Player Pathway.

Overview

  • Salmon announced his pledge to Washington State for the 2026 season at tight end, sharing his commitment on social media.
  • He previously played professional basketball in New Zealand and Australia from 2022 to 2024 and had not competed in organized American football before 2024.
  • His transition included selection to the NFL’s International Player Pathway and roughly 10 weeks of tight end training at IMG Academy in Florida.
  • He attended the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 minicamp without signing a contract, then was granted four years of Division I eligibility by the NCAA in October 2025.
  • Washington State beat out interest from multiple Power 4 programs, with coaches drawn to his size and athletic profile, including a reported 4.63-second 40-yard dash.