Stanford tight end Sam Roush declares for 2026 NFL Draft

Roush is coming off his most productive season at Stanford with 49 receptions for 545 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Stanford senior tight end Sam Roush has announced that he is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Roush played in all 12 games for the Cardinal in 2023, totaling 49 receptions for 545 yards and two touchdowns. For his career, Roush played in 48 games at Stanford, never missing a single game, and finished with 119 receptions for 1,201 yards and four touchdowns.

Why it matters

Roush's decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft comes after a standout senior season where he was one of the most productive tight ends in the country. His durability and versatility as both a receiver and blocker make him an intriguing prospect for the next level.

The details

Listed at 6'5", 260 pounds, Roush has good size for an NFL tight end. He was effective in both the run and passing game for Stanford, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. Despite not always having great quarterback play, Roush was still able to be highly productive, which speaks to his talent. With a chance to work with an NFL-caliber passer, Roush could develop into a serious weapon at the next level.

  • Roush played in all 12 games for Stanford in 2023.

The players

Sam Roush

A senior tight end at Stanford who has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout career with the Cardinal.

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What they’re saying

“Ideally, Roush would have been utilized even more than he was, but that's not really his fault. He never had great quarterback play at Stanford. The fact that he was productive as he was speaks to how talented he is. If given the chance to play with an NFL level quarterback, he could end up being a serious weapon.”

— Ben Parker, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

Roush will now focus on preparing for the 2026 NFL Combine and Draft, where he will look to impress scouts and secure a spot on an NFL roster.

The takeaway

Roush's decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft comes after a highly productive career at Stanford, where he established himself as one of the top tight ends in the country. His combination of size, skill, and durability make him an intriguing prospect, and he will look to continue his success at the next level.