Former Alcorn State linebacker Claudin Cherelus has officially made the Carolina Panthers’ 53-man active roster, giving the SWAC another representative on an NFL roster heading into the 2026 season.
Cherelus’ journey to this point is a testament to perseverance.
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Cherelus signed with the New York Jets before being released during final roster cuts. Carolina claimed him off waivers shortly afterward, giving the Alcorn State product an opportunity to continue his NFL career.
Now, three years later, Cherelus has established himself in Carolina.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker enters the 2026 season with 33 career regular-season games, including 60 total tackles over his first three NFL seasons. He also appeared in Carolina’s playoff game last season and recorded nine tackles.
His college career at Alcorn State helped put him on the NFL radar.
Cherelus recorded 149 total tackles and 25.5 tackles for loss during his two seasons with the Braves, including 14.5 tackles for loss and six sacks during his final season. He was also an All-SWAC selection and participated in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Cherelus re-signed with Carolina in March 2026 and entered training camp competing for another opportunity to prove himself.
He did exactly that.
With NFL teams reducing their rosters to 53 players, Cherelus survived the final cuts and will begin the 2026 campaign as a member of the Panthers’ active roster. The official Panthers roster lists him as linebacker No. 53.
His accomplishment is another reminder that the HBCU-to-NFL pipeline remains alive and well.
Cherelus is among 17 HBCU football alumni who made NFL Week 1 active rosters following the 2026 roster cuts.
For Alcorn State, it’s another Braves success story reaching the highest level of football.
Undrafted. Released. Claimed off waivers. Battled through injuries. Earned another contract.
Now Claudin Cherelus is officially a Carolina Panther.
