In the blink of an eye, former Tar Heel Alijah Huzzie went from the practice squad of the last-place team in the AFC South to the active roster of the division's top squad.
On Tuesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced a few roster moves, including one involving Huzzie. The Jaguars have signed the former Tar Heel to their active roster, stealing him off the Houston Texans' practice squad.
Alijah Huzzie earns another shot on an active NFL roster
We have signed CB Alijah Huzzie to the active roster.@Shift4 | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/9guZo5IBpg
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 6, 2026
Huzzie was originally signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2025. Due to injury, the former Tar Heel played in just two games last season, totaling three tackles and an interception. While he didn't make the active roster out of training camp, the Texans saw enough to keep him around on their practice squad.
However, being on the practice squad doesn't mean that another team won't come in and swoop a player up.
Tar Heel fans remember the impact Huzzie had on the UNC football program during his two seasons on campus. A transfer from East Tennessee State, Huzzie became the Tar Heels' top corner, often being tasked with guarding the opposing team's top receiving target. As a Tar Heel, Huzzie recorded 82 tackles (6.5 for loss), 18 passes defensed, four interceptions, and two sacks across 24 games.
The Jaguars' secondary is currently a bit banged up, so they'll need to find capable bodies to help the team continue upon its impressive 3-1 start. Huzzie can certainly do that, and his versatility likely enticed Jacksonville to pursue him in the first place.
Huzzie can line up outside, but he's especially talented at nickel. He can help on defense, but he's also a strong special teams player, making his roster spot one that can impact the team in several ways.
When you're fighting for a permanent spot on an NFL roster, being a capable special teams player certainly helps your case.
This is an outstanding opportunity for Huzzie to showcase his talents to the rest of the NFL. While he would love to latch on with the Jaguars for the forseeable future, having the chance to compete is a tryout for every team in the league, as he could earn himself a roster spot if he can perform at the high level he's capable of.
Huzzie and the Jaguars are heading to London for an international clash with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday morning. Could this be the game where Huzzie delivers a breakout performance in his Jaguars debut?
Tar Heel fans know that he certainly has it in him to do just that.
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