DALLAS – Former Conference USA standouts once again made their presence felt across the NFL in Week Four, headlined by Kevin Byard III and Cairo Santos, who led the Chicago Bears to a statement win.
 
Byard (MTSU) turned in one of the league’s top defensive performances of the week, recording two interceptions for 47 return yards, along with seven total tackles (five solo), a tackle for loss and two pass breakups. On special teams, Santos (Tulane) was 4-4 on field goals with all attempts from 43+ yards, including a long of 52 yards. He added an extra point for a 13-point outing.
 
On Las Vegas’ first possession, Byard recorded his first interception and got the Bears down to the Raiders 24-yard line before Santos finished it off from 46 yards out to get them on the board. Byard picked off another pass in the second quarter, again returning it to the Las Vegas 24-yard line and setting up another Santos three-pointer.
 
Elsewhere around the league, former CUSA stars continued to anchor defensive units. Seattle’s Tyrice Knight (UTEP) made five tackles with a TFL. Tennessee’s defensive back duo from LA Tech of L’Jarius Sneed and Xavier Woods combined for seven stops, with Woods adding his steady veteran presence as the league’s top-ranked safety, according to PFF.
 
Indianapolis’ Charvarius Ward (MTSU) broke up a pass and maintains his spot as the No. 10 cornerback in the league, according to PFF. New Orleans rookie Quincy Riley (MTSU) delivered four solo tackles, and Philadelphia’s Reed Blankenship (MTSU) tallied four solo tackles with two breakups.
 
Atlanta’s DeAngelo Malone (WKU) notched three tackles, while Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson (FAU) contributed four stops, including two solo. Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (FAU) posted three tackles and a pass deflection, while the Rams’ Darious Williams (UAB) added three tackles and a TFL. Pittsburgh’s James Pierre (FAU) was active with a PBU and a tackle.
 
Washington continued to benefit from its CUSA playmakers, with Luke McCaffrey (Rice) catching a touchdown and adding six kickoff returns for 199 yards (33.2 average), while Jaylin Lane (MTSU) chipped in two receptions for 18 yards. Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (WKU) hauled in two catches for 25 yards, while the Giants’ Devin Singletary (FAU) ran seven times for 28 yards and added 53 yards on two kickoff returns.
 
Detroit’s Jack Fox (Rice) averaged 44.2 yards on five punts, pinning all five inside the 20-yard line with a long of 53. Cleveland’s average starting field position on his five boots was its own 12-yard line. Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell (Rice) converted three extra points and added a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter that proved to be the difference-maker in a 24-21 victory.
 
Click here for a complete list of the 84 former CUSA players featured on NFL rosters for the 2025 season.