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). He played college football for the Culver–Stockton Wildcats of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Rupcich has appeared in 12 NFL games and made 2 starts through the 2024 season.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Rupcich was born on April 1, 1999, in Wonder Lake, Illinois. He attended McHenry High School in McHenry, Illinois, where he was a two-sport athlete, competing in both basketball and football. On the gridiron, Rupcich played as a two-way lineman and was selected all-conference at right tackle as a senior. He qualified for college late in his recruitment process, ultimately choosing to sign with the Culver–Stockton Wildcats of the NAIA rather than pursue junior college football or attempt to walk on at a larger program.
Path to Professional Football
Rupcich arrived at Culver–Stockton in 2017 and immediately earned a starting role at left tackle as a true freshman. He started all 11 games in each of his first two seasons, demonstrating reliability and consistency along the Wildcats offensive line. By his sophomore year in 2018, he was named first-team All-Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) North Division and earned the school athlete of the year honor. His development continued at an impressive pace, setting the foundation for his eventual professional career.
Andrew Rupcich Career
College Career (2017–2021)
Rupcich became a fixture on the Culver–Stockton offensive line, starting all 11 games at left tackle in both 2017 and 2018 while earning first-team All-HAAC North Division honors each year. He was named the school’s athlete of the year in 2018. In 2019, he started all 11 games at left tackle and became the first repeat player to earn first-team All-HAAC North Division honors since 2014, helping the Wildcats achieve their first winning season since 2001. That year, he threw a 44-yard pass in a game, earning him the Banner Society Piesman Award for his playmaking ability.
Rupcich was named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in 2019, becoming the fifth All-American in school history and the first since 2007. During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he started all four games at left tackle and repeated as a first-team AFCA All-American and first-team All-HAAC selection, becoming Culver–Stockton’s first two-time All-American. He returned for a final season in 2021, starting all 11 games and earning first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, NAIA, and AFCA. He concluded his collegiate career having appeared in and started all 48 games across five seasons without missing a single snap.
Rupcich made history as 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.” He was the only NAIA player invited to both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine that year. Rupcich graduated in December 2021 with a degree in physical education and health and also played at the College Gridiron Showcase and the Hula Bowl.
Tennessee Titans (2022–2025)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Rupcich was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. He was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, and was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad without appearing in a game, as the Titans finished that year with a 7–10 record.
Rupcich signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans on January 23, 2023. He was again released at final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. His opportunity arrived when he was elevated to the active roster for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made his NFL debut in the 20–6 loss, playing 45 offensive snaps at right guard and three special teams snaps after replacing the injured Andre Dillard. Rupcich became the third Culver–Stockton player to reach the NFL, following Bob Hendren (1949–1951) and Jason Kaiser (1998–1999). He was signed to the 53-man roster on December 23, 2023, and finished that season having appeared in five games with two starts.
In the 2024 season, Rupcich appeared in the first seven games, playing 16 offensive snaps as a rotational right guard and 22 snaps on special teams. However, he suffered a season-ending tricep tear during a Week 8 game against the Detroit Lions and was placed on injured reserve on November 2, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.
On August 26, 2025, Rupcich was waived by the Titans as part of final roster cuts and was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was released from the practice squad on September 29.
New England Patriots (2025–Present)
On September 30, 2025, Rupcich signed with the New England Patriots practice squad. On February 11, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Patriots, securing his place on the roster for the 2026 season and beyond.
Playing Style and Strengths
Rupcich plays the guard position at 6 feet 6 inches and 325 pounds, giving him unusual size for an interior lineman. His collegiate track record of never missing a snap across 48 games demonstrates exceptional durability and reliability. His experience transitioning from left tackle in college to guard in the NFL shows adaptability, and he has shown the ability to contribute on special teams units. His multi-time All-American honors at Culver–Stockton highlight his consistency and dominance against the competition he faced.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rupcich’s NFL debut in Week 10 of the 2023 season marked a significant milestone in his career after spending his rookie year on a practice squad. His performance in that game earned him a promotion to the 53-man roster later that season. His 2024 season was cut short by a tricep injury, but his continued roster spot with the Patriots indicates the team values his versatility and experience along the offensive line.
Andrew Rupcich Career Wins
Through the 2024 NFL season, Rupcich has appeared in 12 career NFL games with 2 starts, both coming during the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans. His collegiate career was defined by consistent success, earning first-team All-American honors three consecutive years and starting every game across his five seasons at Culver–Stockton.
College Highlights
Rupcich’s collegiate career stands out as one of the most decorated in NAIA history. He was the first player in NAIA history to earn first-team All-American honors at the same position three times. He earned first-team All-HAAC North Division recognition four straight years and was the first repeat selection since 2014. His 2019 season included throwing a 44-yard pass that earned him the Banner Society Piesman Award. He was named Culver–Stockton’s athlete of the year in 2018 and graduated as one of the most accomplished offensive linemen in school history.
Professional Performance
Rupcich appeared in 5 games with 2 starts during the 2023 season with the Titans, debuting in Week 10 against Tampa Bay. In 2024, he appeared in 7 games before suffering his season-ending injury. His career statistics include 12 games played and 2 games started through the 2024 season.
| Competition Level | Games | Starts | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Culver–Stockton) | 48 | 48 | 3x First-team All-American, 4x All-HAAC |
| NFL (Titans/Patriots) | 12 | 2 | — |
Andrew Rupcich Family
Background
Rupcich grew up in Wonder Lake, Illinois, and attended McHenry High School in the same region. His family supported his two-sport athletic pursuits during high school, where he balanced basketball and football. Details about his parents or family members in professional athletics are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Rupcich graduated from Culver–Stockton College in December 2021 with a degree in physical education and health. He continues to maintain a presence on social media, connecting with fans through his professional journey. Information about a spouse or children has not been made publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Rupcich in his NFL career. He began the year with the Tennessee Titans organization, where he spent the first portion of the season on the practice squad following roster cuts in late August. His tenure with the Titans ended when he was released on September 29, 2025, after less than a month on the practice squad.
Rupcich quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the New England Patriots practice squad on September 30, 2025. He demonstrated enough during his time on the practice squad to earn a reserve/futures contract in February 2026, securing his spot on the Patriots roster heading into the 2026 season. This move represents a fresh start for Rupcich with a franchise known for its strong organizational structure and commitment to developing offensive line talent.