Despite draft day disappointment, a former star returner and explosive receiver lands an NFL opportunity close to home.
Immediately following the 2026 NFL Draft, Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Keelan Marion agreed to terms on a contract with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. Despite not being called upon within the 257 selections, the Georgia native has an opportunity to stay close to home at the NFL level.
Marion’s collegiate career began with the Connecticut Huskies, part of the 2020 recruiting class. Despite only being a three-star, he was ranked seventh nationally, second among wide receivers, and first in the state of Georgia, according to 247Sports Composite. Marion made an immediate impact as a freshman: catching 28 passes for a team-leading 478 yards, scoring five touchdowns, appearing in 12 games, all starts.
After returning to the program as a sophomore, the dynamic wide receiver battled through injuries, which resulted in limited action on the field. Marion only appeared in five games. The Huskies went 7-18 between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Marion would then enter the transfer portal and join the Big 12 Conference with the BYU Cougars. He made a significant individual impact as a redshirt junior: catching 24 passes for 346 yards, scoring three total touchdowns, appearing in 13 games, including seven starts.
The former Cougar earned national accolades as a special teams returner. He earned First and Second Team All-American honors across multiple platforms in that position, along with being named the Big 12 Kick Returner of the Year.
Marion returned 18 kicks in the 2024-25 season, recording two touchdowns.
After two years in the Big 12, the Georgia native entered the transfer portal a second time and found a new home in the Atlantic Coast Conference with the Hurricanes.
Marion provided veteran leadership for a young wide receiver core, including homegrown star Malachi Toney, who had a historic freshman season. As a fifth-year senior, he caught 57 passes for 746 yards, scoring two touchdowns, appearing in 16 games, all starts.
The Hurricanes went on to reach the College Football Playoffs in Marion’s lone tenure with the program. He had a standout performance in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals against the Ole Miss Rebels: seven catches for 114 yards, scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter.
The Falcons are coming off an eighth consecutive losing season. The offense finished with 5,661 total yards, 14th-best in the league. The organization underwent significant changes, specifically at the quarterback position, going from Michael Penix Jr. to Pro Bowler Tua Tagovailoa.
Marion will need to work extra hard to remain on the team’s roster. The undrafted prospect awaits opportunities to give the front office a reason to stick around.
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