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Eli Pancol’s path to the NFL didn’t follow the typical script, but his production and perseverance have earned him a chance at the next level. The former Duke wide receiver has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft, joining a roster that includes quarterback Trevor Lawrence and newly drafted standout Travis Hunter.
Pancol, who spent six years at Duke, saw his college career defined by both promise and persistence. After suffering season-ending injuries in 2022 and missing all of 2023, he returned for a standout 2024 campaign that reestablished his value as a playmaker. He caught 60 passes for 798 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking third in the ACC in scoring receptions and finishing top-15 in multiple receiving categories.
Over 57 games with 27 starts, Pancol totaled 130 receptions for 1,710 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 40 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. His consistency earned him a spot in Duke’s record books, ranking 12th in touchdown receptions, 15th in career receiving yards, and 17th in total receptions.
Beyond stats, Pancol's career showed a steady ability to produce when healthy. He recorded at least one catch in 45 games fifth-most in school history and multiple receptions in 35 contests, tying him for eighth in that category. His value as a vertical threat was especially notable, with 10 touchdown catches of 20 yards or more.
Pancol’s sixth and final season was the turning point. Recognized with the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award for comeback player of the year, he also earned Third Team All-ACC honors and was named Duke’s Offensive MVP. His standout performance against Virginia Tech 188 yards and three touchdowns, including plays of 86 and 77 yards highlighted his explosiveness and big-play potential.
While not selected in the draft, Pancol’s productive senior year helped him emerge as a priority free agent target. His signing marks the second Duke receiver to land an NFL deal post-draft, joining teammate Jordan Moore, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pancol steps into a Jaguars offense looking to bolster depth at receiver and add playmaking options around its young core. His size, experience, and proven ability to stretch defenses vertically could earn him a role as a situational deep threat or special teams contributor.
Whether Pancol can make the 53-man roster remains to be seen, but his signing represents a continuation of a career shaped by resilience. As the Jaguars assess their offseason additions, Pancol presents a low-risk, high-upside prospect with both the tools and the temperament to compete at the professional level.
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Pancol, who spent six years at Duke, saw his college career defined by both promise and persistence. After suffering season-ending injuries in 2022 and missing all of 2023, he returned for a standout 2024 campaign that reestablished his value as a playmaker. He caught 60 passes for 798 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking third in the ACC in scoring receptions and finishing top-15 in multiple receiving categories.
Measurable Production Across a Long-Term Career
Over 57 games with 27 starts, Pancol totaled 130 receptions for 1,710 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 40 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. His consistency earned him a spot in Duke’s record books, ranking 12th in touchdown receptions, 15th in career receiving yards, and 17th in total receptions.
Beyond stats, Pancol's career showed a steady ability to produce when healthy. He recorded at least one catch in 45 games fifth-most in school history and multiple receptions in 35 contests, tying him for eighth in that category. His value as a vertical threat was especially notable, with 10 touchdown catches of 20 yards or more.
Senior Season Cemented NFL Attention
Pancol’s sixth and final season was the turning point. Recognized with the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award for comeback player of the year, he also earned Third Team All-ACC honors and was named Duke’s Offensive MVP. His standout performance against Virginia Tech 188 yards and three touchdowns, including plays of 86 and 77 yards highlighted his explosiveness and big-play potential.
While not selected in the draft, Pancol’s productive senior year helped him emerge as a priority free agent target. His signing marks the second Duke receiver to land an NFL deal post-draft, joining teammate Jordan Moore, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Fit and Future in Jacksonville
Pancol steps into a Jaguars offense looking to bolster depth at receiver and add playmaking options around its young core. His size, experience, and proven ability to stretch defenses vertically could earn him a role as a situational deep threat or special teams contributor.
Whether Pancol can make the 53-man roster remains to be seen, but his signing represents a continuation of a career shaped by resilience. As the Jaguars assess their offseason additions, Pancol presents a low-risk, high-upside prospect with both the tools and the temperament to compete at the professional level.
Continue reading...
