2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matthew Rueve, QB, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Name: Matthew Rueve
• Position: Quarterback
• College: Boston College / Findlay / Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 217 lbs
• Twitter: @matthewrueve
• Instagram: matthew_rueve

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

I produce every time I get the opportunity. I am accurate, smart, and competitive. My football knowledge is unmatched because of the coaches I’ve been developed by, including Bill O’Brien, Frank Cignetti, and my cousin, Matthew Hasselbeck.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I’m a football junkie. I left Boston College to chase the dream of the NFL—it was never about NIL money, but a pure love for the game. After my time at BC, I chose to attend two Division II schools to get reps and film to pursue my dream of playing at the next level. At both stops, I broke records. People say the NFL is a production business—and I produce.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Charity: water. I would donate to help provide clean drinking water to people in need.

Who was your role model?

Matthew Hasselbeck (cousin)

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Cincinnati Bengals

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Parker Greg

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People cutting in line.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Tim McDonald, St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati

Overcoming adversity defines character. What was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I’ve always been overlooked. At St. Xavier High School—a powerhouse program in Cincinnati—I entered my senior year as the backup quarterback. The QB ahead of me entered the MLB Draft and decided to stop playing football, which became my opportunity. I stepped in and broke every single-season passing record.

My college career followed a similar path. I spent years grinding without getting meaningful opportunities to play. After graduating from Boston College, I decided to enter the transfer portal. Moving from a Power 4 program to Division II wasn’t easy to accept, but I did it to get reps and film—not to chase NIL money or sit as a backup at another Division I school. At both Division II programs, I broke records and proved myself again.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

Chick-fil-A

What is your favorite snack food?

Doritos

What is your degree in?

Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Boston College; MBA from IUP

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Pope Leo, Tom Brady, and Elon Musk. I’ve always believed in surrounding yourself with people who are better than you. Pope Leo would bring wisdom and perspective on faith, Tom Brady would bring insight into football and life as a quarterback, and Elon Musk would bring knowledge about technology and the future.

What is your biggest weakness?

I make myself too available and sometimes overload my schedule because I want to help everyone. I’ve been learning to manage my time better and prioritize so I can perform at my highest level.