Colts work out an Indiana native at an unexpected position ahead of their Week 5 vs. the Raiders

Colts get a close look at a free agent rookie WR who grew up in the state of Indiana

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Colts helmet
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; An Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on an equipment case during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts are trying to shake off a loss in Week 4 that they probably feel like they beat themselves more than the Los Angeles Rams beat them. They have to get over it quickly, as their Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is approaching.

The team has kept busy since its loss to the Rams. It made an unexpected roster move on Tuesday by signing LB Buddy Johnson, and it appears it also worked out a couple of rookies at a surprising position, WR. Interestingly, though, one of the WRs just so happens to be an Indiana native.

Colts brought in Indiana native Eli Pancol for a workout

Former Jaguars WR Eli Pancol
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Eli Pancol (10) is forced out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Steelers defeated the Jaguars 31-25. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union

Eli Pancol’s college stats at Duke

  • 2019: 6 catches, 91 yards, 3 touchdowns (12 games)
  • 2020: 24 receptions, 241 yards, 1 touchdown (11 games)
  • 2021: 17 receptions, 233 yards, 1 touchdown (12 games)
  • 2022: 23 receptions, 347 yards (9 games)
  • 2024: 60 receptions, 798 yards, 9 touchdowns (13 games)

The Colts worked out two rookie WRs on Tuesday, Kisean Johnson and Eli Pancol. Pancol knows the Indiana area well, having grown up there. Before playing his college ball at Duke, Pancol graduated from Pendleton Heights High School.

Pancol was a three-sport athlete at Pendleton and only played football for one season during his junior year. That season was pretty special, though, with Pancol recording 41 receptions for 834 yards and 15 touchdowns. He went on to get solid buzz and earn a four-star recruiting ranking from 247Sports. He also tried his hand at playing CB and recorded four interceptions and seven pass deflections.

After his time at Duke, Pancol went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. He then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a UDFA and spent training camp with the team. They ultimately waived Pancol with an injury designation as part of their efforts to reduce their roster to 53 players.

With Pancol working out for the Colts now, it’s safe to assume he is healthy and trying to find a spot on an NFL practice squad. He turned heads at times during training camp, and many Jaguars fans were upset to see him not make the team.

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