The National Football League (NFL) Draft is an event many football fans look forward to every year, waiting to see where the league’s future stars will end up. When looking at college prospects, we think of players from Division I programs, but that doesn’t mean NFL dreams don’t live with players at lower levels.

Yaach Chuol is a wide receiver prospect in this year’s class from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a Division III program in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).

In his final two years of college football with the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds, Chuol finished with 918 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. As the key kick returner for the Blugolds, he finished with 983 return yards and a touchdown. 

Chuol saw limited action as a high school player at Centennial High School in Circle Pines, Minnesota, it wasn’t until his second year at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), a junior college program, that he began to see a larger role. 

“I didn’t play too much my first year. Really good special teams guy,” Chuol said, “after my first year, I basically took the lead as a captain and was one of the most productive guys on the team.”

Coach Terrence Isaac, who is currently the head coach at Wayne State University in Detroit, saw Chuol take on the roles and opportunities during his time with him as the head coach at RCTC. 

“When I first met him, I merely knew that this kid had all the answers to the test,” Isaac said. “Just an amazing person, a leader, and willing to do whatever he can for the team. He’s the ultimate competitor.”

From there, his journey took him across multiple programs, from Division I at Eastern Illinois to Division II at Black Hills State, before finishing his collegiate career at UW-Eau Claire.

A few different factors brought Chuol to UW-Eau Claire. Chuol was committed to the culture and vision of the Blugolds program and has played with some of the guys in the past. But one of the biggest things that caught his eye was the Sonnentag Center and the University’s brand-new indoor field house.

“I’m a workaholic,” Chuol said. “When it’s like negative ten outside, I can continue to get better.”

Deavon Puck, the wide receivers coach at UW-Eau Claire, knew after seeing Chuol’s film from his time at the JUCO level that they had the opportunity to bring in a game changer who can stretch a defense and change the game in an instant. 

“Watching his films from JUCO, we saw him get the ball out of the backfield and make big explosive plays,” Puck said. “He’s versatile, can contribute in a lot of ways, and brings infectious energy to the team.”

To put yourself on NFL team radars, you have to be put in opportunities to perform in front of NFL scouts. Chuol was invited to the Dream Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where he competed against other prospects. He also showcased himself at a pro day at UW-Whitewater.

“The Dream Bowl was great,” Chuol said. “We all have the same goal of trying to get to the NFL.”

Chuol believed that with these opportunities, he was able to showcase his versatility, leadership, athleticism, and intelligence. These are all key pieces of his game that his former coaches believe can help him get to the next level. 

“Being able to see guys on the outside, dealing with alpha-type personalities, that’s where his leadership matters,” Puck said. “He’s consistent, he’s smart, he connects with people, and he’s going to make the most of any opportunity he gets.

“He’s an ultimate team player,” Isaac said. “Leadership, work ethic, willingness to do whatever it takes, that’s what separates him from others.”

As the NFL Draft approaches, knowing that a player at the Division III level may not be a feature prospect, being willing to take advantage of any opportunity is the best way to make it from this level.

“He’s going to earn his spot on special teams, on kickoff,” Puck said. “He’s the kind of player and person any team would be lucky to have.”

No matter where his football career takes him, whether it be the NFL, UFL, CFL, or overseas, Chuol knows that it won’t be easy.

“No matter what, I’m going to find a way to get my foot in the door,” Chuol said.

Chuol has been in contact with five different NFL franchises, including multiple conversations with the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers. He is ready to play for any team willing to give him the opportunity. 

A dream landing spot would be a chance with his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. He mentioned having a hometown-type connection with the Tennessee Titans or Minnesota Vikings. Chuol has lived in both Tennessee and Minnesota. 

The NFL Draft will take place April 23-25, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Teams can sign undrafted free agents immediately following the last pick in the draft. 

Youngerberg can be reached at [email protected].