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Falcons QB coach met with Rutgers quarterback days before draft
TL;DR
The Atlanta Falcons met with Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis just days before the 2026 NFL Draft. Kaliakmanis had a successful season, throwing for 20 touchdowns and completing 62.2% of his passes in 2025.
Key points
- Falcons met with Athan Kaliakmanis before the 2026 NFL Draft
- Kaliakmanis completed 62.2% of his passes in 2025
- He threw for 20 touchdowns last season at Rutgers
- Kaliakmanis transferred from Minnesota to Rutgers
- He has 459 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns
Mentioned in this story
Athan KaliakmanisNFL
Atlanta FalconsRutgers Scarlet KnightsMinnesota Golden Gophers
The Atlanta Falcons squeezed in one more prospect visit before the 2026 NFL Draft, reportedly meeting with Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis earlier this week. According to SI's Justin Melo, Falcons quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt met with Kaliakmanis on Monday.
"Sources: Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis had a meeting with Falcons QB Coach Alex Van Pelt yesterday," reported Melo. "This is following his meeting with Jaguars QB coach Spencer Whipple. The former Minnesota transfer completed a career-best 62.2% of his passes and threw for 20 TDs in 2025."
Last season at Rutdgers, Kaliakmanis finished with 3,124 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 62.2 percent of his pass attempts. In 2024, he posted similar stats (2,696 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions) for the Scarlet Knights.
Kaliakmanis began his college career at Minnesota, spending two seasons with the Golden Gophers before transferring to Rutgers. While he's not exactly a dual-threat, Kaliakmanis has some mobility with 459 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Falcons have three quarterbacks on the roster, but we wouldn't be surprised if they target one on Day 3 or during the undrafted free agent signing period. The team also met with MSU-Moorhead QB Jack Strand and Georgia Tech QB Haynes King.
Check out each Falcons pre-draft visit and meeting ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft below.
Quarterbacks
Q&A
What were Athan Kaliakmanis's stats during his last season at Rutgers?
In his last season at Rutgers, Athan Kaliakmanis recorded 3,124 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Which NFL teams have shown interest in Athan Kaliakmanis before the draft?
Before the draft, Athan Kaliakmanis met with the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars, specifically their quarterbacks coaches.
What is Athan Kaliakmanis's background before transferring to Rutgers?
Athan Kaliakmanis began his college career at Minnesota, where he played for two seasons before transferring to Rutgers.
