Idaho Football has become one of the most elite FCS programs in terms of player development. Not only have the Vandals reestablished themselves as one of the top teams in the Big Sky, but they have emphasized helping players refine their game. Over the past five years, the Vandals have consistently produced star players who have potential to play professionally.
Marcus Harris was the 183rd-overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, falling in the sixth round to the Tennessee Titans. He became the 15th Vandal in the past 30 years and the first since 2019 to have their name called on draft night. He played three seasons at Idaho and established himself as a premiere cornerback across the FCS.
Harris started in 40 games, accumulating 154 tackles and six interceptions as the Vandals’ primary defensive back. In his sophomore season, he was named to the All-Big Sky roster. He holds the school record for pass deflections and was a First Team All-American as a junior. After graduating from Idaho, Harris played the 2024-2025 season as a California Golden Bear.
After selecting Abdul Carter with the third pick in the draft, the New York Giants traded their second-round pick to move back into the first round, selecting quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. The acquisition of Carter, Dart and former Sacramento State Hornet and 2025 CFP superstar Cam Skattebo solidified the Giants as one of this year’s biggest draft winners.
The draft concluded on April 26, but the Giants were not done yet. They signed Idaho’s own Tommy McCormick as an undrafted free agent on Saturday evening. McCormick was a three-time All-Big Sky player and was named one of two FCS ADA Scholar-Athletes of the Year.
McCormick played a crucial role in a gritty Vandals defense throughout his college career. In the past three seasons, the Vandals have clinched an FCS postseason berth each year. Former Head Coach Jason Eck implemented a culture change when he replaced Paul Petrino in 2021. The tough-nosed, physical culture that Eck brought to Idaho was initially most evident on the defensive side of the ball.
The Vandals became one of the best defensive teams in the Big Sky and McCormick’s ballhawk abilities were a primary reason for that. The standout safety finished his career with 273 total tackles, 24 PDs, 7 INTs and 9 TFLs.
There are currently five former Vandals on NFL rosters, with the most recent being the Detroit Lions’ long snapper Hogan Hatten. Harris and McCormick will both have a solid chance to earn roster spots in training camp and preseason games. The Titans and Giants both struggled in 2024, so neither has considerable competition in their respective defensive back rooms.
Liam Bradford can be reached at [email protected]