Jake Hummel is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 4, 1999, in Des Moines, Iowa, Hummel has built a reputation as a dependable and hard-working defender throughout his football career. He played college football at Iowa State University before launching his professional career as an undrafted free agent. Hummel has contributed for multiple NFL franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans, showcasing his versatility and durability at the linebacker position.
Early Life and Background
Jake Hummel was born on January 4, 1999, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in the Des Moines metropolitan area, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. His athletic abilities and dedication to the sport became evident during his formative years in the Midwest.
Hummel attended Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, where he established himself as a standout football player. At Dowling Catholic, he played the linebacker position and demonstrated the instincts, work ethic, and physical tools that would define his future career. His performance in high school laid the foundation for his transition to collegiate football at the Division I level.
Path to Professional Football
After completing his high school career at Dowling Catholic, Hummel continued his football journey at the collegiate level. He accepted a scholarship to play for the Iowa State Cyclones, the football program at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. His commitment to Iowa State represented a significant step in his development as a football player.
Hummel joined the Iowa State program in 2017 and spent five seasons wearing the Cyclones uniform from 2017 through 2021. During his collegiate career, he established himself as a reliable and consistent linebacker within the Big 12 Conference. His performance week in and week out reflected his dedication to the craft and his ability to make plays on the field.
Over the course of his five seasons with the Cyclones, Hummel accumulated impressive statistics that highlighted his impact on the defense. He finished his collegiate career with 228 total tackles, including 18 tackles for loss. He also contributed 2 sacks and recorded 3 interceptions, demonstrating his ability to affect the game in multiple ways beyond just stopping the run.
Despite his solid collegiate production, Hummel went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his college tape and performance attracted attention from NFL teams, and he earned an opportunity to continue his football career at the professional level.
Professional Career
Los Angeles Rams (2022–2024)
Jake Hummel signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2022. The signing represented a new beginning for Hummel as he transitioned from college football to the professional ranks. He joined a Rams team that had recently won Super Bowl LVI and was looking to build on that success.
During the 2022 preseason with the Rams, Hummel made an immediate and lasting impression. He set the franchise record for the most tackles during a single preseason, showcasing his ability to diagnose plays quickly and arrive at the ball carrier with authority. His standout preseason performance caught the attention of the coaching staff and solidified his case for a roster spot.
The hard work paid off when Hummel made the Rams’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp, beating the odds as an undrafted rookie. His ability to contribute on special teams and his readiness to step in on defense earned him a place on the roster. Unfortunately, his rookie season was derailed when he was placed on injured reserve on November 5, 2022, ending his first year prematurely.
Hummel remained with the Los Angeles Rams through the 2023 and 2024 seasons, continuing to develop as a professional linebacker. He appeared in regular-season games and contributed on special teams while working to improve his technique and football intelligence. Over his three seasons with the Rams, he accumulated 49 total tackles at the NFL level, demonstrating his ability to make an impact when given opportunities.
Baltimore Ravens (2025)
On March 13, 2025, Hummel signed with the Baltimore Ravens, joining another established NFL franchise with a strong defensive tradition. The move to Baltimore represented a new chapter in his career and an opportunity to compete for a larger role within a new defensive system.
Houston Texans (2026–present)
On March 10, 2026, Hummel signed a two-year contract worth $4.75 million with the Houston Texans. The contract reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities and his value as a professional linebacker in the league. With the Texans, Hummel continues his NFL career as he enters his fifth professional season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hummel is known for his disciplined approach and high motor as a linebacker. His collegiate statistics demonstrate consistent tackling ability and the versatility to make plays against both the run and the pass. He reads plays well and shows good instincts for locating the football, allowing him to be around the action on every down.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Hummel’s early career remains his record-setting preseason with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. Setting the franchise record for most tackles during a single preseason as an undrafted rookie established him as a player worth watching and earned him his first NFL roster spot.
Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Hummel has demonstrated his ability to contribute on defense and special teams. His 49 total tackles across his professional seasons reflect his role as a reliable option at the linebacker position.
| Team | Years | Total Tackles |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 2022–2024 | 49 |
Personal Life
Jake Hummel was born on January 4, 1999, in Des Moines, Iowa. Information regarding his family background, including his parents and siblings, remains private and has not been made public. He continues to maintain connections to his Iowa roots while pursuing his professional football career.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season marked a transition for Hummel as he joined the Baltimore Ravens following three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Moving to a new organization presented both challenges and opportunities as he worked to establish himself within the Ravens’ defensive scheme and culture. His special teams experience and tackling ability positioned him as valuable depth at the linebacker position.
Hummel’s approach to the game emphasizes consistency and preparation, qualities that serve him well as he competes for playing time on a new team. The Ravens’ defensive system, known for its complexity and discipline, offered Hummel a chance to continue developing his skills while contributing to a winning environment. His ability to adapt quickly and perform reliably made him a dependable option for the coaching staff.
As the 2025 season progressed, Hummel looked to build on his experience and earn increased responsibilities within the Ravens’ defense. His track record of durability and production at both the collegiate and professional levels underscored his value as a professional football player capable of making an impact when called upon.