Seydou Traore, a 23‑year‑old tight end from South London, will step onto the stage of the 2026 NFL Draft representing the inaugural cohort of the NFL Academy. Born in France and schooled in the UK, he spent his college career at Arkansas State, Arkansas, Colorado and finally Mississippi State, where he posted 126 catches for 1,402 yards and ten touchdowns and a growing fanbase.

Traore’s path was anything but linear. He first tried soccer and even played goalkeeper before discovering American football with the London Warriors as a teenager. After a year at the NFL Academy in Barnet, a stint at Clearwater Academy in Florida produced 26 receptions for 433 yards and three scores, earning him a three‑star recruit rating that caught scouts' attention.

In his final college season, Traore led the Sun Belt with 62 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns, earning First‑Team honors before transferring to Mississippi State. Sitting out 2023 due to transfer rules hardened his resolve, and he now approaches draft day with a calm focus, hoping his story inspires other British athletes to chase NFL dreams as the sport expands abroad.