CA #82

Calvin Austin III

Wide Receiver · Memphis

A former Memphis walk-on turned dangerous deep threat and punt-return weapon, Calvin Austin III has carved out a niche as one of the league's most explosive small receivers.

Calvin Austin III built his name at Memphis as a walk-on who turned into an All-AAC star, then spent his first four NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers proving his speed translates at every level. At 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, he is undersized but has become a legitimate vertical and return threat, capable of taking the top off a defense or a punt return to the house on any given snap.

★ First-team All-AAC (2020, 2021) at Memphis

★ AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for a 73-yard punt-return touchdown (2024)

★ Delivered multiple game-winning touchdown catches in 2025

Path to the league

Austin started as a walk-on at Memphis before earning a scholarship and developing into one of the program's all-time great receivers, finishing his career second in school history with 22 receiving touchdowns and fifth in receptions. He earned first-team All-AAC honors in both 2020 and 2021. The Steelers drafted him in the fourth round (138th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

A foot injury cost Austin his entire rookie season on injured reserve, but he steadily built a role as a field-stretching slot and outside option. In 2024 he broke out with 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns, and he scored his first career punt-return touchdown on a 73-yard house call, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Across his career he has racked up 84 catches for 1,100 yards and eight receiving touchdowns to go with a rushing score and 57 rushing yards.

2025 season recap

Austin continued his ascent in 2025, catching 31 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns, including multiple game-winning scores that helped his team secure playoff positioning. His combination of deep speed and return ability made him a consistent explosive-play threat throughout the year.