- May 21, 2026
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During his six-year college career at Kansas, Jalon Daniels was never viewed as a sure thing to make it to the NFL. He certainly wasn't viewed as a prospect who was likely to be a starting quarterback in the NFL as a rookie.
But that's exactly what Daniels is today: The starting quarterback for the Buccaneers against the Packers. Baker Mayfield is out, and Daniels, an undrafted rookie, is the next man up. He says he's ready.
"I don't even know if I can put it into words," Daniels said. "It's a dream come true. It's a dream come true to even play for an NFL organization. To be able to go out there and have my first NFL start, it means everything."
As is usually the case for an undrafted rookie, Daniels had taken very few practice reps with the first-string offense until last week, when Mayfield was injured. But he says he has prepared like a starter.
"Every single week I prepare as if I'm going to get the starting reps," Daniels said.
The 0-3 Buccaneers desperately need a win. If Daniels can get it done, it will be one of the most surprising stories of this NFL season.
But that's exactly what Daniels is today: The starting quarterback for the Buccaneers against the Packers. Baker Mayfield is out, and Daniels, an undrafted rookie, is the next man up. He says he's ready.
"I don't even know if I can put it into words," Daniels said. "It's a dream come true. It's a dream come true to even play for an NFL organization. To be able to go out there and have my first NFL start, it means everything."
As is usually the case for an undrafted rookie, Daniels had taken very few practice reps with the first-string offense until last week, when Mayfield was injured. But he says he has prepared like a starter.
"Every single week I prepare as if I'm going to get the starting reps," Daniels said.
The 0-3 Buccaneers desperately need a win. If Daniels can get it done, it will be one of the most surprising stories of this NFL season.