April 5, 2026, 4:01 a.m. ET
It’s Final Four time again, and no doubt some Washington Commanders have a keen interest.
The four teams in this year’s men’s college basketball Final Four are Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan, and Arizona. Number one seeds Florida and Duke did not make it out of their regions, so Illinois and UCONN advanced from those regions. On the other hand, Arizona and Michigan were both favored to advance and often were dominant in their victories, advancing to Indianapolis.
Several Commanders actually played their college football at these schools. Here is the breakdown of Washington players who played for the 2026 Final Four schools.
Nick Allegretti (G) will turn 30 later in April. He finished his college career with Illinois during the 2018 season. He was then drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 7th round (216 overall). After playing five seasons for the Chiefs, Allegretti has played the last two with the Commanders. Allegretti is transitioning from guard to center this season.Quan Martin (S) played his college years at Illinois, finishing in the 2022 season. The Commanders drafted Martin 47th overall in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Martin had an interception return for a touchdown against the Lions in the 2024 playoffs. He struggled in 2025, so 2026 is a big year for his career.Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton (DT) enters his third NFL season after being drafted by the Commanders 36th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After being injured most of his first offseason, Newton was expected to have a much more impactful second season. But it hasn’t really happened yet for Newton. He seems to have been pushed around inside. If Washington moves to a 3-4, Newton may be more effective playing end rather than tackle.Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Jake Moody (K) played his college ball at The Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, having last played there in 2022. Drafted by the 49ers 99 overall in 2023, Moody has also kicked for the Bears and then the Commanders in 2025.Mike Sainristil (CB) was an effective starter on the Michigan National Championship team of of 2023. Nick Saban said Sainristil might potentially “be the best football player pound-for-pound” in the 2024 draft. However, Saintistil has really struggled in coverage in the slot in his first two seasons. Hopefully he can turn things around in new DC Daronte Jones’ defensive scheme.Arizona WildcatsJacory Croskey-Merritt actually played for three colleges (Alabama St, New Mexico, and Arizona). JCM was drafted by the Commanders in the 7th round (245 overall) in the 2025 draft. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his rookie season and had a long of a 72-yard touchdown run against Dallas.
According to ESPN, there are currently no players in the NFL who played their college ball at UConn.
Unfortunately for those Commanders representing Illinois and Arizona, it was a tough night. UConn eliminated Illinois in the first game, while Michigan shockingly blew out Arizona, meaning the Huskies and Wolverines will play for the national championship on Monday night.