Former Auburn All-American begs his way back into the Carolina Panthers lineup

Former Auburn All-American and Carolina Panthers hopeful Noah Igbinoghene isn’t ready to let the NFL walk away from him just yet. In fact, if you ask anyone who’s seen him lately, they’ll tell you he’s doing everything short of getting down on his knees and begging for another shot. A former first-round pick who came into the league with sky-high expectations, Igbinoghene has found himself on the outside looking in as roster spots tighten and opportunities shrink. But instead of sulking, he’s fighting—hard. This isn’t about entitlement. This is about desperation, hunger, and a player trying to claw his way back into relevance.

Igbinoghene, who starred at Auburn as a dynamic, shutdown corner with elite athletic traits, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. From day one, the league could see his raw ability—blazing speed, strength, and the kind of explosive footwork you can’t coach. But the transition from college to the NFL hasn’t been easy. Whether it was inconsistent technique, struggles in coverage, or simply getting buried behind more experienced veterans, Igbinoghene never quite lived up to the expectations that came with being a Day 1 pick.

Now with the Carolina Panthers, Igbinoghene has hit a different point in his journey. No longer guaranteed anything and with no safety net under him, he’s gone full tilt into redemption mode. Teammates and coaches have noticed. The guy’s been working like a man possessed, staying after practice, diving into film sessions, and treating every snap like it could be his last. He’s not just going through the motions—he’s throwing himself into the fire and daring it to burn him. And if there’s one thing coaches love, it’s a player who’s willing to bleed for a second chance.

It’s not just about hustle, though. Igbinoghene has been more vocal, more involved, and more intense. In team meetings, he’s asked the uncomfortable questions. On the field, he’s shadowing receivers like it’s already Week 1. He’s not just practicing—he’s competing like he’s got everything on the line because, well, he does. The Panthers’ cornerback room is already tight, with young stars and savvy vets battling for spots. But Igbinoghene is trying to force his way back into the conversation. He’s not asking to be handed anything; he’s asking to be seen.

There’s something about the way he’s carrying himself that’s different. It’s humility wrapped in intensity. He’s aware that he’s viewed as a bust by many fans and analysts, and instead of pushing back, he’s owning it. Not in a defeated way, but in a way that says, “Yeah, I’ve heard it all—and now I’m going to shut it down.” The Panthers coaching staff has taken note of that mindset. For head coach Dave Canales and his staff, this is exactly the kind of story they’re looking for: a player who was once at the top, got humbled, and now is doing everything to climb back up.

Igbinoghene’s effort hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, either. Veteran players have mentioned how locked in he’s been throughout training camp and how he’s often one of the last guys off the field. He’s become a presence in the weight room, in film sessions, and in the locker room. That stuff matters. On a team that’s looking to forge a new identity, guys who bring that kind of energy can earn themselves a spot not just for what they do on Sundays, but for what they bring every other day of the week.

What’s particularly interesting is how Igbinoghene has embraced special teams. Once considered a cornerback-only project, he’s now making a name for himself as a willing and capable contributor in multiple phases. That’s where many players save their careers—being flexible, being useful, being dependable. Whether it’s on kickoff, punt coverage, or as a return man, Igbinoghene is putting his ego aside and saying, “Wherever you need me, I’ll go.” That shift in attitude is often the difference between guys who stick and guys who fade away.

He’s also playing smarter football. The mental side of his game, which was sometimes his undoing early in his career, seems to have caught up to his physical gifts. Coaches say his film study has improved dramatically. He’s recognizing formations quicker, reacting more instinctively, and isn’t getting caught out of position as often. That’s the kind of growth that matters, especially when you’re on the fringe. It’s one thing to be fast and athletic—it’s another to actually be in the right place at the right time.

But make no mistake: Igbinoghene still has a mountain to climb. The Panthers have some promising young defensive backs, and the numbers game is brutal. Every preseason snap is basically an audition, and even one bad rep can be the difference between sticking on the roster or being sent packing. Still, there’s a certain energy around Igbinoghene that suggests he’s not going out quietly. He’s battling with a level of urgency that’s contagious.

This is the NFL, where nothing is promised and everything must be earned. And in the case of Igbinoghene, nothing is being handed to him. Not a single rep, not a single nod from the coaching staff. But maybe that’s exactly what he needed. Some players don’t find themselves until their backs are against the wall. For Igbinoghene, the fall from first-round hopeful to fighting-for-a-job journeyman might be exactly what wakes up the best version of himself.

In the end, this isn’t just a story about football. It’s a story about growth, humility, and the fight to prove you still belong when the world is ready to move on. Igbinoghene isn’t just fighting to make a team—he’s fighting to rewrite the narrative around his name. He’s trying to shift from “bust” to “comeback,” from forgotten to essential. It’s a hard road, and the odds aren’t in his favor, but if heart, work ethic, and sheer determination count for anything, then he’s got more than just a chance—he’s got a shot.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s all he ever needed.