Tucker Gleason was considered one of the biggest sleepers in the upcoming NFL Draft at the quarterback position. The former Toledo signal-caller is choosing not to go pro.
I would imagine his future employment plans stem in large part from a scary injury during the final regular season game of the season.
This is obviously a risk for any college football player— rather, any football player on any level. It is unfortunate to see a professional career cut short before it starts.
Who is Tucker Gleason?
Unless you are a true sicko, this might not be a name for which you are familiar. Gleason was a three-star prospect in the recruiting Class of 2020. He initially committed to Georgia Tech and took a redshirt.
That led him to enter the transfer portal.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound quarterback landed at Toledo. Gleason took over as the starter in 2024.
His last two seasons of college football were about as good as it can get. Although the Rockets never finished with more than eight win, their quarterback threw for more than 2,500 yards in both seasons with an average completion clip of 63%. He threw for 45 total touchdowns with only 17 interceptions.
Not only can Gleason throw, he ran for more than 500 total yards and 11 touchdowns in two years.
It's Tucker TD time along I-75 ⏰#TeamToledo | @TuckGleason pic.twitter.com/zJT0Q3Ddk8
— Toledo Football (@ToledoFB) October 11, 2025
I loved watching Tucker Gleason play. I thought he was going to be one of those late-round draft picks or undrafted free agents who scouts fall in love with before he shows out during training camp, earns a 53-man roster spot and stays in the league for a long time as a backup quarterback who can mess around and win a few games if called upon. He has the perfect frame. His tape speaks for itself.
Toledo’s starting quarterback will not play in the NFL.
Unfortunately, we will never get to see Tucker Gleason as a pro. According to people in the Toledo program with knowledge of the situation, he is not planning to pursue a career in the National Football League. He is going to get a “real job” in the private sector. Bummer.
Gleason suffered multiple fractures to his back during the final football game of his career life. The injury prevented him from playing in a bowl game, which forced him to transition to a sideline role.
Toledo QB Tucker Gleason will NOT play vs. Louisville due to multiple back fractures.
— Yaw Bonsu (@yawbonsu27) December 22, 2025
Kalieb Osborne is set to start, but being hurt has allowed Gleason to reflect on his career: @BCSNsports @ToledoFB pic.twitter.com/xhO4bBZCSb
I do not know whether Gleason is choosing to retire from the sport for personal reasons or because of the medical uncertainty surrounding his back but the Rockets’ win over the Central Michigan Chippewas seems to be the last time we will ever get to see him on the gridiron. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.