One of the best Canadian pass rushers in college football is making the jump to the pros a year earlier than expected.
Wake Forest defensive end Nuer Gatkuoth has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. In so doing, he is expected to be automatically entered into the 2026 CFL Draft.
The native of Edmonton, Alta., indicated in his statement that it was not his intention to declare but that “due to eligibility issues with the NCAA, my college career has unfortunately come to an end.” It is unclear what those eligibility issues are, as Gatkuoth was listed as a redshirt junior this past season and had only engaged in three years of collegiate play. However, Connor O’Neill of On3 reported that the loss of eligibility might stem from a season played at Champion Prep Academy in Georgia prior to enrolling in college.
Gatkuoth was a difference maker for the Demon Deacons in 2025 and was named one of five finalists for the Jon Cornish Trophy as Canada’s top NCAA football player. In 11 games played, he amassed 37 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble, and an interception.
The six-foot-three, 237-pound edge defender transferred to Wake Forest after beginning his collegiate career at Colorado State. He redshirted in 2022 before playing 17 games over the following two seasons, collecting 68 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three batted passes, and an interception. In 2023, he was named a first-team Freshman All-American by The Athletic.
Gatkuoth attended Austin O’Brien High School in Edmonton before moving to Ontario to play for West Toronto Prep and later transferring south. He received offers from Western Kentucky and Illinois State out of high school before choosing Colorado State.
Wake Forest (8-4) will face Mississippi State (5-7) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday, January 2, at 8:00 p.m. EST. Gatkuoth did not specifically address whether he would play in that game as part of his announcement.
