Evan Hull Bio
Evan Hull (born October 26, 2000) is an American professional football running back who most recently played for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hull has appeared on rosters for multiple NFL franchises during his young professional career, working to establish himself as a reliable contributor at the running back position. Drafted with the 176th overall pick in 2023, Hull brings collegiate production and versatility to the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Evan Hull was born on October 26, 2000, in Maple Grove, Minnesota. He attended Maple Grove Senior High School, where he emerged as one of the top running backs in the state. During his high school career, Hull rushed for over 2,100 yards in a single season, demonstrating the elite production that would define his collegiate career. He became Maple Grove’s all-time leading rusher, a testament to his consistency and durability over his high school tenure.
Beyond football, Hull excelled in other athletic pursuits, particularly wrestling and track and field. He was a multi-sport athlete who lettered in multiple programs, showcasing the athleticism and competitive drive that translated to his football success. He set numerous team rushing records during his high school career, including an extraordinary single-game performance of 398 rushing yards. This blend of speed, power, and athletic versatility made him a highly regarded prospect entering college.
Path to American Football
As a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Hull attracted attention from multiple college programs seeking to add talented backs to their rosters. His decision came down to several programs, but he ultimately committed to play college football at Northwestern University. This choice placed him in the competitive Big Ten Conference, one of the premier football conferences in the nation. His commitment represented the culmination of years of dedicated work and development from his formative high school years.
Northwestern provided Hull with the opportunity to refine his skills against top-tier collegiate competition while pursuing his academic goals. The transition from Minnesota high school football to Big Ten play represented a significant step up in competition level, but Hull’s foundation prepared him well for the challenges ahead. His development trajectory at Northwestern would ultimately lead him to professional football consideration.
Evan Hull Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Evan Hull began his college career at Northwestern in 2019, appearing in four games as a true freshman while redshirting to preserve his eligibility. Despite limited playing time, he made an immediate impact with 286 rushing yards and four touchdowns, with his scoring output ranking second on the team. His most impressive performance came against Massachusetts, where he posted 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a dominant display of his abilities.
The 2020 season was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered schedules and available games across college football. Hull appeared in seven games during this abbreviated season, recording 209 yards on 25 rush attempts while scoring two touchdowns. The unusual circumstances provided challenges, but Hull continued developing his craft and building toward a larger role in the offense.
Hull became Northwestern’s starting running back in 2021, which marked his emergence as a featured back in the Big Ten. He recorded 1,009 rushing yards during the season, placing sixth in the conference and demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level against elite competition. He added seven rushing touchdowns, ranking eighth in the Big Ten, and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition from both coaches and media at season’s end. Hull also contributed as a receiver out of the backfield, gaining 264 receiving yards on 33 receptions and scoring two additional touchdowns.
In his final collegiate season during 2022, Hull appeared in all 12 games while continuing as the primary ball carrier. He accumulated 913 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, maintaining his status as one of the conference’s most productive backs. His receiving contributions increased significantly, with 55 receptions for 546 yards and two more scores through the air. This dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver enhanced his value as a professional prospect. Following the 2022 season, Hull declared for the NFL Draft, concluding his Northwestern career with impressive totals across four seasons.
Professional Career
Evan Hull entered the 2023 NFL Draft as a mid-tier prospect with proven production at the collegiate level. The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the fifth round with the 176th overall pick, acquiring the selection through a compensatory pick obtained from a previous trade. This selection represented the culmination of his journey from Minnesota high school star to NFL draftee. Immediately after being selected, Hull began preparations for his transition to professional football.
Hull’s rookie season with the Colts was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve in September 2023. Injuries represent a significant challenge for young professional players, and Hull faced this adversity during his first NFL season. The recovery process required patience and dedication as he worked toward returning to the field. This early setback shaped his initial professional experience and provided lessons about the physical demands of NFL football.
During the 2024 season, Hull remained with the Colts organization but faced roster instability. He was waived by the team in late August 2024 before joining the practice squad. The Colts promoted him to the active roster in mid-October, providing an opportunity to contribute. However, he was waived again later that month and returned to the practice squad, illustrating the competitive nature of NFL roster decisions. This period demonstrated both the challenges of maintaining an NFL roster spot and Hull’s persistence in continuing his professional career.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Hull signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in January 2025, joining a franchise with a storied history and tradition of strong running games. He aimed to earn a roster spot and contribute to the team’s offensive plans. This opportunity represented a fresh start with a new organization and the chance to prove himself in a different system. The Steelers’ coaching staff evaluated his abilities throughout the offseason and training camp as he competed for a role in the backfield rotation.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025)
After his time with the Steelers concluded, Hull joined the New Orleans Saints organization. He signed with the Saints’ practice squad in late October 2025, continuing his journey through the NFL landscape. The Saints have featured competitive running back rooms in recent seasons, and Hull brought his collegiate versatility and developmental progress to the team. His addition provided depth at the running back position as the team evaluated its roster options.
The Saints promoted Hull to the active roster in late November 2025, rewarding his work during practice squad activities. This promotion represented a significant milestone in his career, providing him with an opportunity to contribute during the regular season. He worked to absorb the team’s offensive schemes and demonstrate his abilities in practice sessions. The remainder of the 2025 season offered opportunities for him to showcase his skills as he competed for ongoing roles within the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Hull has demonstrated a balanced skill set that includes both rushing and receiving abilities. His collegiate production as a receiver out of the backfield provides versatility that NFL teams value in modern running backs. He displays good vision and patience when approaching the line of scrimmage, allowing holes to develop before committing to his path. His competitive nature and work ethic have been evident throughout his progression from high school through professional football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hull’s most significant collegiate performance came against Massachusetts, where he rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns in a single game. This breakthrough performance announced his arrival as a dynamic offensive threat and established expectations for his future contributions. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition during his 2021 season, representing the only conference-level honor he achieved during his collegiate career. His selection in the 2023 NFL Draft marked his official entry into professional football.
Evan Hull Career Wins
Across his collegiate and professional career, Evan Hull has accumulated notable statistical achievements that reflect his productivity and consistency. His collegiate career at Northwestern spanned 35 games, during which he established himself as one of the program’s most productive running backs in recent history.
College Football Highlights
Hull finished his Northwestern career with impressive totals, including 2,417 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 488 rush attempts. He added 94 receptions for 851 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air, demonstrating the dual-threat capability that defines his playing style. His single-season best came in 2021 when he rushed for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns while earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. His 220-yard, four-touchdown performance against Massachusetts stands as one of his most memorable college games, showcasing his breakaway speed and scoring ability.
Professional Career Statistics
Through his first seasons in the NFL, Hull has appeared in limited regular-season games while working through roster transitions and injuries. His professional statistics reflect the small sample size of his early career, with most of his production coming during the recovery and development phases of his professional journey. The New Orleans Saints represented his most recent professional home as he continued working to establish himself at the NFL level.
Evan Hull Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Evan Hull’s family background, parents, or extended family is limited in available sources. He grew up in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where his athletic abilities developed during his formative years. His parents supported his multi-sport athletic pursuits throughout high school, encouraging his participation in football, wrestling, and track and field. Further details about his family lineage or any multigenerational athletic connections are not extensively documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Evan Hull graduated from Northwestern University, completing his collegiate education while pursuing his football career. His social media presence shows an active connection with fans through his Instagram account. Beyond his athletic career, Hull has maintained focus on continuous improvement and professional development as he navigates his early NFL career. Public details regarding his marital status, spouse, or children are not available in current public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Evan Hull as he moved to a third NFL franchise. His signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in January provided an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a historic franchise known for its strong running game tradition. The Steelers evaluated Hull throughout the offseason program and training camp, assessing his skills and fit within their offensive system. Following his release from the Steelers, Hull joined the Saints’ practice squad in October before earning a promotion to the active roster in late November. This progression through multiple organizations during the season demonstrated the competitive landscape of NFL roster construction and Hull’s persistence in pursuing his professional football career.