The Michigan Panthers have made a couple of moves. The team re-signed WR Devin Ross, and acquired OT Jarrett Horst ahead of the 2024 USFL season.
The @USFLPanthers are quiet no more…
The Panthers appear to have re-signed WR Devin Ross who signed to the Raiders ps last week.
They also look to have signed the '23 #1 overall pick in the #USFL draft, OT Jarrett Horst from MSU.
Welcome (back) to Michigan, guys!#LetsHunt pic.twitter.com/BvqQDQksnJ
— Panthers Shadow (@USFLShadow) September 6, 2023
OT Jarrett Horst
This is a major signing not just for the Michigan Panthers, but for the USFL as a whole. Jarrett Horst has officially been added to the Panthers roster, after being drafted by both the XFL and USFL this past spring.
Horst was the #1 overall pick for the Michigan Panthers, out of Michigan State. Horst began his college career at Ellsworth Community College, before transferring to Arkansas State.
His first year at Arkansas State was excellent. Horst started in all 13 games, and earned third-team All-Sun Belt honors.
In 2021, Jarrett Horst made the move to Michigan State. He started the first eight games at left tackle, but an injury ended his tenure that year. Horst stayed for his fifth collegiate year at Michigan State, and started in seven out of eight games played for the team in 2022.
This past spring, Jarrett spent time with the Miami Dolphins as an UDFA. After being selected by the Panthers – and then the XFL’s Orlando Guardians – he now lands with Michigan in an effort to bolster their offensive line.
WR Devin Ross
Devin Ross is fresh off of an NFL opportunity, having spent 24 hours with the Las Vegas Raiders just a week ago. Ross was signed to the Raiders Practice Squad, but was released just a day later.
Devin Ross saw a much larger role for the Michigan Panthers in 2022. He finished that season with 309 receiving yards, and a touchdown in their week six matchup against Birmingham.
WE GOT OURSELVES A BALLGAME!@SheaPatterson_1 ➡️ @SavageRoss_2
📺 @NBCSports & @peacockTV 👌 pic.twitter.com/gXdesdZduR
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) May 22, 2022
Ross then was picked up by the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas, but was ultimately released. Devin made his way back to the Panthers, and was active for three games but did not play. Ross was eventually placed on season-ending IR.
With the Panthers’ recent losses at the wide receiver position (i.e. Kaden Davis to the Cardinals), Devin Ross returning is excellent news, as he has two years of experience in this system.
Final Thoughts
General Manager Steve Kazor has a lot of work to do in replacing and re-signing lost pieces from the 2023 season. We saw eleven Michigan Panthers athletes sign NFL contracts, and most have not returned quite yet.
So far, the Michigan Panthers have brought back five players, including:
OL Joshua Dunlop
OL Keith Williams
S Sean Mahone
DT Walter Palmore
They also signed TE Gunnar Oakes, who was a draft pick in the 2023 USFL Collegiate Draft.
What are your thoughts on the Michigan Panthers signing Jarrett Horst and Devin Ross? Which USFL prospects should they sign next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
