KENNESAW, Ga. – Former Kennesaw State football standouts
Coleman Bennett,
Caleb Offord and
Gabriel Benyard all agreed to terms as free agents following the conclusion of this weekend's NFL Draft. Bennett signed with the Chicago Bears, Offord joined the Las Vegas Raiders, and Benyard signed with the Buffalo Bills.
The three become the seventh, eighth and ninth Owls to sign deals in the National Football League, putting the total of Pro Owls overall at 13. Bennett becomes the third Owl to sign with the Bears organization, joining Travis Bell (2023, 2024) and Auzoyah Alufohai (2021-22), while Offord and Benyard become the first Owls in the Raiders and Bills organization, respectively.
Bennett played in all 14 games for KSU, finishing as the Owls' leading rusher. He rolled up 764 rushing yards on 157 carries to rank ninth in Conference USA, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, with four scores. He also hauled in 314 receiving yards on 27 catches with three touchdowns through the air.
In total, the all-CUSA honorable mention amassed 1,078 all-purpose yards. Bennett finished his NCAA career with a whopping 4,265 all-purpose yards. A CSC Academic All-District selection, the Florida native also shined in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA in his master's program in business administration.
Offord was another stellar newcomer for the Owls in the backend of the defense. In just 12 games played (missed two due to injury), he recorded 47 tackles (30 solo), 7.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a scoop and score, as well as a whopping 11 pass breakups.
Despite missing two games, the all-CUSA second-teamer finished second in the league with 13 passes defended on the season and ninth in fumbles recovered.
A first-team all-CUSA receiver, Benyard was one of the top receivers in the league all season. He hauled in 60 passes for 949 yards and nine touchdowns on the season, all while also being one of the top punt returners at 25 returns for 234 yards (9.4/return) and a touchdown. He also led the team in all-purpose yards with 1,300 on the season (92.9/game).
The Ocilla, Ga. native is one of just four Conference USA receivers to record multiple 100-yard receiving games this season and the only receiver to accomplish the feat four times. His four 100-yard receiving games ranks tied for eighth in Group of Five.
One of the nation's top deep threats, he's tied for the top deep receiving grade (99.9) in the country, according to Pro Football Focus.
All three Owls had busy offseasons as they prepped for the next level. Bennett participated in the 2026 Hula Bowl College All-Star Game on Jan. 10, while Benyard competed in the inaugural American Bowl College Football All-Star Game on Jan. 22. All three Owls participated at Kennesaw State's Pro Day.
Season ticket purchases are fully underway for reigning Conference USA Champions Kennesaw State's 2026 home schedule. Tickets can be purchased through KSUOwls.com/tickets, by phone at 470-578-6957, or by emailing tickets@kennesaw.edu.
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
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