Seattle Seahawks Add Another Illinois Product to Roster
The Illinois football program has sent another player to the NFL, with Seth Coleman signing as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Illinois has developed a reputation for producing undrafted players who earn NFL opportunities. Earlier, TeRah Edwards joined the Los Angeles Chargers, and now Coleman, a defensive end, has found his shot with Seattle. Coleman’s signing was shared by the Illini’s official football social media account.
Coleman entered college football as a three-star recruit out of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Florida, ranked No. 879 overall and No. 57 among weakside defensive ends in the 2019 class. He committed to Illinois after a competitive recruiting process and spent five seasons in Champaign, steadily improving each year. In 2024, he posted a career-high 53 tackles, finishing with 15.5 career sacks.
Seattle’s defensive line continues to strengthen, with the addition of Coleman following their 2025 draft selection of Rylie Mills and the presence of veterans Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, and Jarran Reed. Coleman also reunites with former Illinois teammate Devon Witherspoon, a top-five draft pick by the Seahawks in 2023.
Coleman’s college career was marked by perseverance. He faced multiple coaching changes, including the departure of defensive line coach Austin Clark and head coach Lovie Smith, all while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, Coleman stayed committed to Illinois, helping the program reach multiple bowl games, win one, and secure their first 10-win season in nearly 25 years.
At the very least, Seattle gains a determined and resilient player who has proven he can handle adversity and contribute to a strong team culture.
