POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Connor Hulstein, who played tight end for the Marist University football team as a graduate student in the 2025 season, has accepted a rookie minicamp invitation with the New York Jets.
 
After playing at Princeton – where he was recruited by current Marist head coach Mike Willis – from 2021-24, Hulstein came to Marist as a graduate student for the 2025 season. He was among the nation's best at the tight end position as he enjoyed a record-setting season.
 
In the 2025 season, Hulstein caught 42 passes for 599 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named a Second Team All-American by The Associated Press, and a Third Team All-American by Pro Football Network. He was then selected to compete in the Gridiron Showcase in January.
 
Hulstein led FCS tight ends in receiving yards this past season while ranking second in touchdown receptions and fourth in total receptions. He set Marist's single-season records for receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and yards per reception (14.3) by a tight end this past season.
 
"I am so excited for Connor and fired up for him!" Willis said. "He has earned an opportunity with the Jets and now gets to realize his childhood dream. This is further proof that Marist Football gives our players a platform to reach the NFL. Connor continues to make our entire Marist Football family proud!"
 
Hulstein is continuing a tradition of Marist Football making its way in the NFL:
 

• Jason Myers became Marist's first Super Bowl champion this past year with the Seattle Seahawks. Myers set the NFL record for most points scored in a season, and he set a Super Bowl record for most field goals in a single game. Myers has played 11 NFL seasons, and he is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
• Terrence Fede was Marist's first NFL draft selection in 2014, when he was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round. Fede played from 2014-17 in Miami, and he later signed contracts with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants.
• Michael Rios was the first Red Fox to sign an NFL contract in 2013 with the Arizona Cardinals. He also signed with the Dolphins in 2014.
• Clayborne Fields III signed with the Indianapolis Colts in the summer of 2024.
• Kevin Fitzpatrick (Buffalo Bills), Jaquan Bryant (Oakland Raiders), and Grant Dixon (Indianapolis Colts) all participated in minicamps.

 
Marist concluded its spring season with its annual Spring Game on Saturday. The Red Foxes are headed into the third season under Willis' leadership in 2026.