Caleb Lohner has played basketball all his life, up until his final year in college. He made the switch to football a year ago, and now he’s in the NFL. He was selected with the No. 241 pick by the Denver Broncos. After a four-year collegiate basketball career, Lohner made the switch to football and saw limited action during 12 games in 2024.
Before joining the Utah football team, Lohner played basketball at BYU from 2020 to 2022 and at Baylor in the 2022-23 season. He made the switch to football and played as a tight end.
Caleb Lohner’s Incredible Switch From Basketball Court to NFL Field
Lohner got an opportunity to play football for the Utes in 2024 while also being on the basketball team in 2024-25, and he said he was excited about the prospect.
Caleb Lohner is 6’8, 250 lbs
4 RECs – 54 YDs – 4 TDs this past season
Former basketball player, NATURAL red-zone target. pic.twitter.com/eKwJdBO9VY https://t.co/KTAI5WVDm3
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) April 26, 2025
“I just had some people at the University of Utah that just believed that I could be a high-level tight end and so I took the time to watch some film and take a visit there after I had graduated from Baylor and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Lohner said.
“I couldn’t have been happier,” Lohner said after being drafted. “I just wanted an opportunity, and I genuinely believe that wherever I am — and now being part of the Broncos organization — I’m going to do everything I can to help win.
“I know I don’t have a ton of football under my belt, but that’s exactly why I’m playing the game, because I’ve developed a passion and love. I was so excited. I think it’s something you dream about in sports. So here we are now.”
In the only year he played football, Lohner caught four passes and all were touchdowns, including a two-point conversion.
“We’re late in this draft and you’re rooting for some guys, and you see upside,” head coach Sean Payton said about Lohner.
Payton did acknowledge that the Broncos selecting was a kind of gamble and “projection” because of the obvious lack of experience playing the position.
“His movement skills and his height, weight, his eye-hand coordination — yeah, there’s a lot of developmental upside, and we’re excited about that,” Payton said.
KEEP READING: Biggest Impact UDFA Signings Include WR Xavier Restrepo, CB Cobee Bryant
Lohner himself also admits there’s still a lot of work to be done if he’s going to succeed as a professional football player.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
