Skyler Thomas has seen it all.
The defensive back spent five years in the Oregon State football program, starting in 2021 – the first full season following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, he contributed 29 total tackles in the Beavers’ first 10-win season since 2006.
After suffering a season-ending injury in 2023, Thomas became one of OSU’s top defenders in 2024 and 2025, leading the team in tackles both years, despite OSU going 7-17 over that span.
Now, he’s off to the National Football League.
Thomas is one of two Beavers to sign an undrafted free agent contract with an NFL team following the 2026 Draft, which concluded April 25. Thomas agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bears, while his former teammate, running back Anthony Hankerson, signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Hankerson rushed for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2024 and 2025 with Oregon State.
Neither player heard their name called in one of the draft’s seven rounds, but both still experienced the excitement of getting an NFL call.
“The moment was great, I got the deal lined up and my agent gave me the great news,” Thomas told The Daily Barometer via direct message. “My family there watching me with excitement was also a great feeling, so it’s something I can’t replicate!”
Thomas said he spent the draft weekend with his family and was “receiving a little bit of buzz” during the process.
Thomas will be leaving Oregon State just as his brother, Cynai, joins the team as a freshman wide receiver.
“They have meant the world,” Thomas said of his family. “Being able to chase my dream and make it come true, and now for my brother to do the same, is surreal, so it’s a blessing.”
Thomas played a total of 49 games over his OSU career, logging three interceptions and 191 total tackles. However, he said his favorite moment as a Beaver was one of his first: taking the field for his first home game against Hawaii in Reser Stadium in 2021.
Soon, he’ll be fighting for a chance to run out onto Soldier Field in Chicago.
Thomas received a Round 7 grade from NFL.com before the draft. He’ll be joining a Bears safety room made of; first-round draft pick out of Oregon, Dillon Thieneman, former starter on the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Coby Bryant and veterans Elijah Hicks and Gervarrius Owens. He’ll be able to compete for a spot on Chicago’s final roster over the summer.
“(The Bears) are getting a smart, savvy, balls-to-the-wall player out of me,” Thomas told the Barometer. “I’m most excited to get to be back on the grass; it’s an opportunity anytime you get to touch it!”
Hankerson will be joining a Phins running back room consisting of Pro-Bowler Da’Von Achane. As well as a very young group outside of that, with third-year player Jaylen Wright, and two second-year players in Ollie Gordon II and Donovan Edwards.
Both the Bears and Dolphins’ rookie minicamps kicked off on May 8.
