49ers draft Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger in fifth round

LAFAYETTE, La. – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns linebacker Jaden Dugger was selected in the fifth round with the No. 154 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday during the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dugger’s selection – the 14th pick in the fifth round – marks the 20th Ragin’ Cajun chosen in the NFL Draft since Louisiana joined the Sun Belt Conference, the most in the league. Since 2017, Louisiana has produced a conference-best 12 draft selections.

A first-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection, Dugger recorded 125 tackles during the season, the sixth-highest total by a Louisiana defender in program history. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound linebacker finished second on the team in tackles for loss (13.0) and sacks (4.0) while adding an interception, quarterback hurry and forced fumble.

Dugger stepped into the MIKE linebacker role following the departure of 2024 first-team All-Sun Belt selection K.C. Ossai and excelled in his first season as a full-time starter. His 125 tackles were the most by a Ragin’ Cajun since Justin Anderson recorded 131 stops in 2013.

He posted two games with 16 tackles (vs. Southern Miss and ULM) and recorded 10 or more tackles in six games during the season.

Louisiana Football 2026 season tickets are now available for renewal. Fans can visit their Account Manager to begin the process.

**Press Release