A five-year Wisconsin edge rusher who saved his best season for last before signing with the Rams as an undrafted free agent.
Darryl Peterson III spent five seasons in the Wisconsin defense, developing from a three-star recruit into a productive pass rusher who closed his college career with a career-best senior campaign. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Path to the league
Peterson, a three-star recruit out of Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio, played for Wisconsin from 2021 through 2025, appearing in 53 games as a two-year starter. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before signing with the Rams, where he wears number 59 at linebacker.
Career highlights
Across his Wisconsin career, Peterson piled up 139 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and seven pass deflections. He is the brother of basketball prospect Darryn Peterson, who is projected as a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, giving the family a notable presence across multiple sports.
2025 season recap
Peterson closed his college career with his best statistical season, recording a career-high 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss for Wisconsin in 2025. That production helped him earn a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams after going unselected in the draft.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Darryl Peterson III
- Yahoo Sports: Darryl Peterson III signs free agent contract with Los Angeles Rams
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Wisconsin
- Hometown
- Akron, OH, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
