Austin Reed

Austin Reed Bio

Austin Reed (born February 22, 2000) is an American professional football quarterback for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). A native of St. Augustine, Florida, Reed has built his career through a winding college journey across three programs before reaching the professional ranks. He currently wears jersey number 16 and serves as the starting quarterback for the Renegades.

Reed first entered the National Football League as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2024. After time on the Bears’ practice squad and a reserve contract, he transitioned to spring football and signed with Dallas in January 2026. His strong arm and poise in the pocket have made him a notable young passer to watch in the professional game.

Early Life and Background

Austin Reed grew up in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, where he developed an early love for football. He attended St. Augustine High School, the same program that helped shape many of northeast Florida’s gridiron talents. It was during these formative years that Reed began refining the skills that would later carry him through college and into the professional ranks.

Reed’s path to college football was not immediate, as he entered the college ranks as a relatively unheralded recruit. He measured 6 feet 1 inch tall and around 221 pounds during his professional career, giving him a sturdy, compact build suited to playing quarterback. His journey from a small Florida coastal town to multiple college programs reflected both patience and persistence.

Path to American Football

Reed’s introduction to college football began at Southern Illinois, where he played for the Salukis in 2018. After that initial season, he transferred to the University of West Florida, joining a program that competed at the NCAA Division II level. The move to West Florida set the stage for his first major breakthrough on the national stage.

At West Florida, Reed blossomed into one of the most productive passers in the program’s history. In 2019, he led the West Florida Argonauts to the NCAA Division II national championship, capping a remarkable debut season at the school. He followed that championship campaign with continued development, and in July 2021 he signed the first Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) sponsorship in West Florida history through a partnership with the Running Wild chain of running stores.

Following the 2021 season, Reed entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to Western Kentucky in March 2022. He won the Hilltoppers’ starting quarterback job during summer camp in August 2022 and wasted no time proving his value, throwing four touchdown passes in a 38–28 opening victory over Austin Peay. He went on to lead the nation in passing yards that season with 4,744 yards.

Austin Reed Career

Early Career (2018–2021)

Reed’s early college career started with a single season at Southern Illinois in 2018, providing an introduction to the speed and complexity of college football. The experience, though brief, prepared him for a larger role at the University of West Florida, where he transferred in the summer of 2019.

At West Florida, Reed quickly became the centerpiece of the Argonauts’ offense. He totaled 4,084 passing yards with 40 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during the 2019 national championship run. His ability to push the ball down the field and manage the offense under pressure earned him recognition as one of the top Division II quarterbacks in the country.

Western Kentucky Breakthrough (2022–2023)

Reed’s move to Western Kentucky marked a major step up in competition. He was named the Hilltoppers’ starting quarterback during the August 2022 camp and delivered immediately, throwing four touchdown passes in a Week 1 win over Austin Peay. The performance set the tone for a record-breaking campaign.

During the 2022 season, Reed passed for 4,744 yards, more than any other college football quarterback in the country. His dominant year earned him Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors and a spot on the Second-team All-Conference USA squad. He continued as Western Kentucky’s starter into 2023, and on January 6, 2024, he announced that he would enter the 2024 NFL draft.

Dallas Renegades Era (2026–Present)

After spending time in the Chicago Bears organization, Reed signed with the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League on January 12, 2026. The move to spring professional football gave him a fresh opportunity to showcase his arm talent. On March 25, 2026, the Renegades named him the starter for Week 1 over Luis Perez, who had started the previous 25 games dating back to the 2023 season.

Reed responded with a record-setting debut, completing 26 of 40 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns in a 36–17 win over the Houston Gamblers. His 376 passing yards set a new UFL single-game record, surpassing the previous mark of 368 yards set by Adrian Martinez during the 2024 season. He went on to start all ten games for Dallas, finishing 4–6 and missing the playoffs, but set a new league record with 21 touchdown passes and finished second to Jack Plummer in passing yards.

Chicago Bears Era (2024–2025)

Reed signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL draft. He appeared in the preseason, completing 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown while posting a 117.4 passer rating. On August 27, 2024, the Bears waived him, and he signed to their practice squad the following day.

Reed signed a reserve/future contract with Chicago on January 6, 2025, hoping to compete for a roster spot the following summer. He was ultimately waived by the Bears on August 25, opening the door for his eventual move to the UFL.

Driving Style and Strengths

Reed is known for a strong arm and the ability to push the ball vertically down the field. His poise in the pocket and his comfort attacking intermediate and deep zones have allowed him to thrive in up-tempo passing offenses. Coaches have valued his preparation and his willingness to absorb coaching at every level he has played.

Notable Events and Milestones

Reed’s signature moments include leading West Florida to the 2019 NCAA Division II national championship, leading all college quarterbacks in passing yards during the 2022 season, and setting a new UFL single-game passing record with 376 yards in his first start for the Dallas Renegades. He also set a UFL season record with 21 touchdown passes in 2026.

Austin Reed Career Wins

Reed’s competitive résumé features wins at every level he has played. He won the 2019 NCAA Division II national championship at West Florida and has continued to produce victories as a professional, including a 36–17 debut win for the Dallas Renegades over the Houston Gamblers in 2026. His mix of college championships and professional passing records reflects a steady pattern of performance.

UFL Highlights

Reed joined the Dallas Renegades in 2026 and quickly made an impact. He was named the team’s starting quarterback for Week 1 and recorded a 376-yard, three-touchdown performance in his first start, a new UFL single-game record. He started all ten games for the Renegades and set a new UFL season record with 21 touchdown passes.

College Highlights

At West Florida, Reed led the Argonauts to the 2019 NCAA Division II national championship and threw for 4,084 yards with 40 touchdowns. At Western Kentucky, he became the nation’s leading passer in 2022 with 4,744 yards and earned Conference USA Newcomer of the Year and Second-team All-Conference USA honors.

Austin Reed Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Reed grew up in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, and attended St. Augustine High School. Public information about his immediate family remains limited, and he has not publicly discussed a broader family athletic lineage in detail.

Personal Life

Reed keeps much of his personal life private. He has not publicly confirmed a spouse or children, and he is focused on his professional football career with the Dallas Renegades.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season was a transitional year for Austin Reed. He spent the early months of the year on a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears after signing the deal on January 6, 2025. That agreement gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during Bears training camp later in the year.

Reed was ultimately waived by the Bears on August 25, 2025, ending his time in the organization. The move cleared the way for his subsequent signing with the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League in January 2026. The 2025 campaign therefore served as a bridge between his initial NFL opportunity and his next professional chapter.

Looking ahead, Reed’s focus shifted toward establishing himself as a starter in the UFL, an opportunity he converted with a record-setting debut in 2026. His 2025 experience, while not producing on-field statistics in Chicago, helped him refine his approach and prepare for a larger offensive role.