In one of the more heartwarming stories of the 2025 NFL Draft, Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has officially realized his childhood dream. With the 70th overall selection in the third round, the Detroit Lions chose TeSlaa, making him the first Arkansas player taken off the board this year. For TeSlaa, who grew up in Hudsonville, Michigan—a short drive from Detroit—this is more than just a professional milestone; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong fantasy.
When asked prior to the draft about the possibility of playing for his hometown team, TeSlaa could hardly believe the opportunity might become reality. “It’s definitely crazy,” he said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the league. Obviously, it’s always been the biggest dream to play for the Lions, but whatever happens, happens. I’m going to be happy wherever I end up.”
Now that dream is coming true.
TeSlaa’s journey to the NFL is nothing short of extraordinary. Before transferring to the University of Arkansas, he was turning heads at Hillsdale College, a Division II program in Michigan. His highlight reel—featuring acrobatic, one-handed catches—made waves online and drew the attention of major programs, eventually leading him to Fayetteville. There, he became one of the more intriguing wide receiver transfers in the 2023 cycle.
Standing 6-foot-4 with elite athleticism, TeSlaa brought size and flair to Arkansas’ wideout room. Over his two seasons as a Razorback, he totaled 62 catches for 907 yards and five touchdowns. While those numbers might not jump off the page, it’s worth noting that Arkansas featured a crowded and talented receiving corps, which included the SEC’s leading receiver, Andrew Armstrong.
Still, TeSlaa’s time at Arkansas left some fans wondering what could’ve been. Despite the Razorbacks boasting one of the most potent passing attacks in the SEC, his production didn’t always reflect his potential. Last season, he finished with just 546 receiving yards and three touchdowns. There were moments of brilliance—two games where he topped 100 receiving yards—but they were overshadowed by inconsistencies. He failed to register a single catch in three different games, a stat that puzzled many analysts given his physical tools.
Critics often pointed fingers at the Arkansas offensive scheme, claiming that TeSlaa was underutilized or simply not featured in the offense enough. It’s a fair critique, especially when looking at his production compared to the hype that followed him from Hillsdale. In college football, talent doesn’t always equate to opportunity, and it seemed that in TeSlaa’s case, the system may not have fully capitalized on what he brought to the table.
However, any doubts about his athleticism were quickly dispelled at the NFL Combine. TeSlaa posted one of the most jaw-dropping performances among all wide receivers, earning a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.96 out of 10. That figure ranks him 16th among all wideouts tested from 1987 through 2025. His combine results confirmed what many had already believed: TeSlaa is a rare athletic specimen with the physical attributes to thrive at the next level.
For NFL teams, the Combine serves as both a measurement tool and a proving ground, and TeSlaa used it to boost his draft stock in a significant way. His 9.96 RAS wasn’t just a standout in this year’s class—it was one of the best scores ever recorded. That kind of athletic upside is hard to pass up, and for the Lions, it likely helped solidify their decision to take him in the third round.
Detroit has been building a strong young core under head coach Dan Campbell, and TeSlaa fits the mold of the type of player the franchise has been targeting: hungry, athletic, and eager to prove himself. More than just a feel-good hometown pick, TeSlaa brings real potential as a vertical threat and red-zone weapon. His combination of height, leaping ability, and hands makes him a nightmare for defensive backs, especially in contested catch situations.
For TeSlaa, the emotional impact of getting drafted by his favorite team cannot be overstated. It’s the kind of full-circle moment that fans love to see—one of their own, someone who grew up cheering in the stands, now has the chance to wear the uniform and contribute to the same team that inspired his football journey.
His story also serves as a reminder that NFL dreams don’t have to begin at powerhouse schools. Coming from a Division II program like Hillsdale, TeSlaa had to fight for recognition, compete at a higher level at Arkansas, and then prove himself again in the pre-draft process. He checked all the boxes: strong college tape, elite athletic testing, and a clear passion for the game.
Now, with the Lions, he’ll enter training camp looking to carve out a role in a talented receiver room. While the path to significant playing time won’t be easy, TeSlaa’s physical gifts and work ethic give him a solid foundation. And with a franchise and fanbase that already feel like home, he’ll have plenty of support as he begins his NFL journey.
Detroit may have just found more than a promising rookie—they might have landed the kind of hometown hero that inspires a new generation of Lions fans. Either way, Isaac TeSlaa’s football dream is just getting started.
