Andrew Rupcich Bio
Andrew Rupcich (born April 1, 1999) is an American professional football guard for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and listed at 325 pounds, he plays the offensive line and is recognized as one of the most decorated small-school players of his draft class. Rupcich played college football for the Culver–Stockton Wildcats and entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
After spending the bulk of his first three professional seasons with the Tennessee Titans, where he developed on practice squads and as a rotational lineman, Rupcich joined the New England Patriots in the fall of 2025. He is regarded as a technically sound, assignment-disciplined guard whose roots trace back to NAIA football in Missouri.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Rupcich was born on April 1, 1999, in Wonder Lake, Illinois, a small village in McHenry County northwest of Chicago. He grew up in the area and attended McHenry High School, where he played both basketball and football. On the gridiron, Rupcich was a two-way lineman, splitting time between the offensive and defensive lines during his high school years.
As a senior at McHenry, Rupcich was selected all-conference at right tackle, the position that would set the foundation for his future career at the next level. Because he qualified for college later than many of his peers, Rupcich had to choose between junior college football, walking on at a higher level, or taking a different path entirely. He ultimately chose a smaller program that gave him an opportunity to develop.
That opportunity came from Culver–Stockton College, an NAIA school in Canton, Missouri. Rupcich signed with the Culver–Stockton Wildcats and moved on from his Wonder Lake roots to begin his collegiate career in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).
Path to American Football
Rupcich gained a starting role at left tackle as a freshman in 2017 and went on to play every snap for the rest of his collegiate career. He started all 11 games that season and was recognized for his steady play. By his sophomore year, Rupcich had become a cornerstone of the Wildcats offensive line, starting every game in 2018 and earning first-team All-HAAC North Division honors, as well as being named Culver–Stockton’s athlete of the year.
In 2019, Rupcich started all 11 games at left tackle and was chosen first-team All-HAAC North Division for the second consecutive year. He became the first repeat player to earn the honors at Culver–Stockton since 2014, and he helped the Wildcats post their first winning season since 2001. That same year, Rupcich was named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), becoming the fifth All-American in school history and the first since 2007. He also gained national attention for completing a 44-yard pass and receiving the Banner Society Piesman Award.
Rupcich continued to dominate at the NAIA level through the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and his final year in 2021. By the time he finished at Culver–Stockton, he had appeared in and started all 48 games across five seasons without missing a single snap. He was the first player in NAIA history to be named first-team All-American at the same position three times. NFL analyst Dane Brugler described him as one of the best offensive linemen to ever come from the NAIA level. Rupcich graduated in December 2021 with a degree in physical education and health.
Andrew Rupcich Career
Early Career (2022)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL draft, Rupcich signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. He was released at final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Rupcich did not appear in any games during his first NFL season, spending the entire year on the practice squad as the Titans finished with a 7–10 record.
Despite not dressing for game action, Rupcich used the 2022 season to learn the Titans’ offensive system and adjust to the speed of the professional game. His development behind the scenes earned him a reserve/future contract on January 23, 2023, securing his place with the organization heading into the next season.
Tennessee Titans Breakthrough (2023–2025)
Rupcich was released at final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad the following day. He was elevated to the active roster for the team’s Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he made his NFL debut. In that 20–6 loss, Rupcich appeared on 45 offensive snaps and three special teams snaps, stepping in at right guard for the injured Andre Dillard. He became the third Culver–Stockton NFL player in history, following Bob Hendren and Jason Kaiser. Rupcich was signed to the 53-man roster on December 23 and finished the season having appeared in five games, two as a starter.
In 2024, Rupcich appeared in the first seven games of the season, playing 16 offensive snaps as a rotational right guard and 22 snaps on special teams. He suffered a season-ending tricep tear during a Week 8 game against the Detroit Lions, was placed on injured reserve on November 2, and was ruled out for the remainder of the year. His progress with the Titans reflected steady development, even as injuries disrupted his momentum.
On August 26, 2025, Rupcich was waived by the Tennessee Titans as part of final roster cuts and was re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was released on September 29, 2025, closing a four-year stretch in Tennessee that included practice-squad stints, a brief NFL debut, and a starting opportunity before injury.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
On September 30, 2025, Rupcich signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He was brought in to add experienced depth along the offensive line as the Patriots reshaped their roster midseason.
On February 11, 2026, Rupcich signed a reserve/futures contract with New England, securing his spot on the offseason roster. The move signaled the Patriots’ intent to evaluate Rupcich as a potential contributor on the offensive line heading into the new league year.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rupcich is noted for his durability, having never missed a snap across five collegiate seasons. His strengths include disciplined footwork, leverage at the point of attack, and the ability to play across multiple line positions, including left tackle and right guard. Coaches have valued his assignment-sound blocking and his readiness to step in as a rotational starter when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Rupcich’s signature moments came in 2019 when he completed a 44-yard pass, earning the Banner Society Piesman Award. He also became the first NAIA player ever to be invited to both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, underscoring his standing as a rare small-school prospect.
Andrew Rupcich Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, Rupcich’s career milestones are measured in appearances, starts, and team success rather than individual wins. Through the 2024 season, he had played in 12 NFL games with two starts, splitting time between the Tennessee Titans and, briefly, the New England Patriots practice squad. His collegiate resume includes three first-team All-American selections at the same position, a feat unmatched in NAIA history.
Culver–Stockton Wildcats Highlights
Rupcich started all 48 games across five seasons at Culver–Stockton, earning first-team All-American honors three times and first-team All-HAAC North Division in four seasons. He helped the Wildcats record their first winning season since 2001 and was named the school’s athlete of the year in 2018. His Banner Society Piesman Award in 2019 added a unique footnote to a historic small-school career.
Other Wins and Performances
Rupcich was the only NAIA player invited to both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, marking him as one of the most celebrated small-school linemen of his draft cycle. He also participated in the College Gridiron Showcase and the Hula Bowl before signing with the Tennessee Titans.
Andrew Rupcich Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Rupcich’s immediate family is limited. He grew up in Wonder Lake, Illinois, and attended McHenry High School, where he developed into a two-way lineman.
Personal Life
Rupcich graduated from Culver–Stockton College in December 2021 with a degree in physical education and health. Details about his spouse, children, and current residence are not publicly confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Rupcich entered the 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans but was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day before being released on September 29, closing out his Tennessee tenure in the early weeks of the regular season.
On September 30, 2025, Rupcich signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, providing depth along the offensive line. While he did not appear in regular-season games for New England during the 2025 campaign, his signing gave the Patriots another experienced lineman to develop through the remainder of the schedule.
On February 11, 2026, Rupcich signed a reserve/futures contract with the Patriots, putting him in position to compete for a roster spot heading into the 2026 NFL season. His outlook remains tied to his versatility and his track record of steady play at multiple offensive line positions.