Chicago Bears select Luke Newman in the 2025 NFL Draft, class of '24
Luke Newman, a versatile offensive lineman, has recently been drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the culmination of a five-year collegiate career that saw him rise from Holy Cross to Michigan State.
Newman's sophomore season at Holy Cross was a turning point, as he took on the unfamiliar role of left tackle, demonstrating his adaptability and technical prowess. His performance during this time earned him multiple accolades, including All-Patriot League selections and Sophomore All-America honours.
Newman's first major challenge came in his freshman year when his season was moved to the spring and shortened due to COVID-19, limiting him to just three games as a reserve offensive lineman. However, he remained resilient, using these setbacks as motivation to improve.
Transferring to Michigan State for his fifth year of eligibility, Newman made a position change to the interior of the offensive line, showcasing his versatility across the offensive line. This move proved beneficial, as he started in each of the Spartans' 12 games at left guard and took the field for every single offensive snap in eight of those games. His exceptional performance earned him an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.
Newman's time at Michigan State also exposed him to a higher level of competition, preparing him for the physical and technical demands of professional football. This combination of strong FCS-level dominance and Big Ten experience, along with his ability to play multiple line positions effectively, made Newman a desirable draft prospect.
In the lead-up to the draft, Newman worked diligently on refining his skills, focusing on making his snaps more consistent and cleaner, and getting more depth at center. He also sought advice from former teammate C.J. Hanson, who just finished his rookie season with the Chiefs, reminding himself to take it one day at a time and to expect to make mistakes, but not to make the same mistake twice.
Newman's hard work and dedication paid off, as he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the 195th overall pick. Newman plans to rise to the occasion no matter what's thrown at him, drawing on his experiences from his entire football career to gain confidence.
Throughout his career, Newman was surrounded by an elite group of offensive linemen at Holy Cross, including Mike Pizziketti, Grady Smith, Pat McMurtrie, and C.J. Hanson. Even in practice, he faced tough competition, going head-to-head with teammate Benton Whitley, who now plays for the Arizona Cardinals.
As Newman prepares for the Bears' rookie minicamp, he reflects on his journey from Holy Cross to Michigan State and the lessons he has learned along the way. His experiences and challenges have provided him with a strong foundation of high-level competitive play, positional versatility, and proven performance against quality opposition, setting him up for success in the NFL.
- Luke Newman's versatility was evident as he excelled in athletics, particularly football, and also delved into the arts, being part of theater events at both Holy Cross and Michigan State.
- As a Michigan State Spartan, Newman's diverse skill set extended beyond sports, as he showcased his artistic talents in the university's annual spring arts festival, where he received recognition for his creative contributions.
- Post-draft, Newman intends to use his experiences to broaden opportunities for student athletes at Michigan State, combining athletic scholarships with arts programs to encourage the holistic development of student athletes.
