DALLAS – Former Conference USA players were at the forefront of one of week nine’s biggest stories as several stars powered the Pittsburgh Steelers to a statement win over then 7-1 Indianapolis.
 
Defensive end Alex Highsmith (Charlotte) led the charge with a dominant performance that included four tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, a pass deflection and a quarterback hit. Fellow CUSA product Chris Boswell (Rice) continued his strong season, converting all five of his kicks - two field goals and three extra points - for nine total points, while James Pierre (Florida Atlantic) added a key pass breakup in the secondary. On offense, Jonnu Smith (FIU) contributed three receptions for 25 yards as part of a balanced Steelers attack.
 
Running back Aaron Jones (UTEP) led Minnesota’s ground game with 78 rushing yards on nine carries, averaging an impressive 8.7 yards per attempt with a long of 31. Tyler Higbee (WKU) found the end zone for the Rams, catching a touchdown among his three receptions for 13 yards. Devin Singletary (FAU) added 51 total yards for the Giants, while Chargers wideout Tre’ Harris (LA Tech) hauled in multiple catches for the fourth straight week.
 
CUSA defenders were active across the NFL once again, highlighted by disruptive performances in both the front seven and secondary. Azeez Al-Shaair (FAU) posted nine tackles and a tackle for loss for Houston, while Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (Southern Miss) tallied six tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss for the Giants. Tyrice Knight (UTEP) registered 10 total tackles for Seattle, and Upton Stout (WKU) added six stops and a tackle for loss for San Francisco.

Kevin Byard (MTSU) recorded five solo tackles and a tackle for loss for Chicago, and Amik Robertson (LA Tech) notched three tackles, including a tackle for loss for Detroit. On the defensive line, Milton Williams (LA Tech) and Teair Tart (FIU) added key pressures for New England and the Chargers, respectively.
 
On special teams, Cairo Santos (Tulane) added 11 points for Chicago, connecting on two field goals and all five extra points. Jack Fox (Rice) had another strong outing for Detroit, averaging 47.6 yards on five punts, including two inside the 20-yard line with a long of 58. Thomas Morstead (SMU) averaged 43.5 yards per punt for San Francisco, with one pinned inside the 20-yard line. Jaylin Lane (MTSU) continued to contribute as a return specialist for Washington, totaling 70 all-purpose yards (29 receiving, 41 on returns), while Natrone Brooks (Southern Miss) added 51 yards on two kickoff returns for Atlanta.
 
Click here for a complete list of the 84 former CUSA players featured on NFL rosters for the 2025 season.