You ever sit back and realize how many times you’re watching a random NFL game on a Sunday and some dude flies across the screen, makes a massive play, and you suddenly see that Maroon and Orange helmet in the graphic? It happens constantly. Blacksburg isn't exactly a massive metropolis, but for some reason, it just keeps churning out these "lunch pail" types who end up becoming the absolute backbone of pro rosters. Honestly, Virginia Tech football players in NFL locker rooms have become a bit of a cheat code for coaches looking for guys who won't complain about the grind.
It's not just the legendary names like Michael Vick or Kam Chancellor anymore. We're in a new era. Right now, the pipeline is as weird and impressive as it’s ever been. You have guys like Christian Darrisaw basically becoming the human equivalent of a brick wall in Minnesota, while veterans like Tremaine Edmunds are out here making 100+ tackles every single year like it’s a hobby.
But look, it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses lately. If you follow the league closely, you know the 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for the Hokie alumni. Injuries, contract drama, and some fresh faces trying to survive the cut—it’s a lot.
The Big Dogs: Who's Actually Dominating Right Now?
If we’re talking about the current state of Virginia Tech football players in NFL circles, you have to start with the guys who are getting paid the big bucks. These aren't just roster fillers. They are cornerstones.
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Christian Darrisaw (Minnesota Vikings)
Darrisaw is the truth. He’s arguably one of the top three left tackles in the entire league when he’s healthy. The problem? Staying healthy. He just got shut down in late December 2025 because of lingering knee issues after a reconstructive surgery. It’s a bummer. The Vikings are basically bubble-wrapping him for the 2026 season because his contract is massive—we’re talking a cap hit of over $23 million. When he's on the field, he's a pancake machine. Without him, Minnesota's O-line looks... well, shaky.
Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears)
This guy is a freak of nature. He’s 6’4”, 250 pounds, and runs like a safety. He just wrapped up the 2025 season with 112 tackles. That’s eight straight seasons with over 100 tackles. Think about that. Most guys' knees give out after four years of that kind of impact. He’s under contract with the Bears through 2026, and honestly, he’s become the heartbeat of that defense. He actually became the youngest player in NFL history to hit 100 career games played back in 2024, which tells you how early he started (he was only 19 when he got drafted!).
Wyatt Teller (Cleveland Browns)
Wyatt Teller is the guy who made "pancake blocks" a viral trend. He’s been a Pro Bowl regular in Cleveland, but 2025 was rough. He dealt with a calf injury that eventually landed him on IR right at the end of the year. He’s 31 now, entering free agency in 2026, and there’s a real chance he might have played his last game in a Browns jersey. He’s a Manassas kid who stayed home for college and then went out and proved that a fifth-round pick can become a $14 million-a-year superstar.
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The New Guard: The 2025 Draft Class
The 2025 NFL Draft was actually a huge win for the program. Five Hokies got the call, which is the most since 2018. It feels like Brent Pry is finally getting the talent level back to where it needs to be so these guys can actually make the jump.
- Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars): Tuten was the headliner. He went in the 4th round (104th overall) after lighting up the combine with a 4.32 forty. Jacksonville has been using him as a change-of-pace back and a return specialist. He’s basically David Wilson 2.0 without the neck injuries (knock on wood).
- Jaylin Lane (Washington Commanders): Finally, a Hokie wide receiver drafted! It had been since 2017. Washington took him in the 4th round too. He’s small, but he’s electric in the slot.
- Dorian Strong (Buffalo Bills): A 6th-round steal. Strong was a shutdown corner in Blacksburg for years, and Buffalo is exactly the kind of place where a gritty DB thrives.
- Antwaun Powell-Ryland (Philadelphia Eagles): APR went to the Eagles in the 6th. Philly loves their defensive linemen, and his pass-rush twitch is legit.
- Aeneas Peebles (Baltimore Ravens): Another 6th rounder. He’s a plugger. Baltimore is perfect for him because they value those interior guys who just do the dirty work.
What People Get Wrong About Hokies in the Pros
There's this weird narrative that Virginia Tech only produces "defensive" players or "special teams" gurus. While the "BeamerBall" legacy is real, it’s kinda lazy to stop there.
Look at the offensive line. Virginia Tech has become a quiet factory for NFL protectors. Between Darrisaw, Teller, and guys like Luke Tenuta or Yosh Nijman, the Hokies are actually better at producing blockers than they are at producing "DBU" candidates lately. It’s a shift in the program's DNA that most casual fans haven't caught onto yet.
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Also, can we talk about the longevity? Most NFL careers last about three years. Hokie alumni seem to hang around forever. Duane Brown played until he was nearly 40. Joey Slye is still kicking field goals all over the place. There’s a durability there that pro scouts clearly value. They know a Tech player isn't going to fold the first time they get hit with a cold November game in Buffalo or Chicago.
The "Lunch Pail" Reality Check
The whole "Lunch Pail" thing isn't just a marketing gimmick for the fans in Lane Stadium. It’s a literal evaluation criteria for NFL GMs. When they look at Virginia Tech football players in NFL scouting reports, they see guys who have been coached in a culture of "earn it."
That’s why you see undrafted guys like Divine Deablo (Raiders) or Raheem Blackshear (Panthers) carving out roles. They don't expect things to be handed to them. They'll play gunner on punt team for three years just to get one shot at a starting linebacker or RB spot.
What to Watch for in 2026
If you’re tracking these guys for your fantasy team or just because you bleed maroon, the 2026 season is going to be a massive pivot point.
- Darrisaw's Recovery: If he comes back 100% from that knee surgery, he’s a First-Team All-Pro candidate. If not, the Vikings have a massive problem.
- The Wyatt Teller Sweepstakes: Where does the veteran guard land? A team like the Giants or the Commanders could use a veteran anchor like him.
- The Sophomore Jump: Keep a very close eye on Bhayshul Tuten. With a full NFL offseason under his belt, he could easily become a 1,000-yard total scrimmage player in Jacksonville.
- Dorian Strong’s Breakout: Buffalo’s secondary is always rotating. Don't be surprised if Strong becomes a starter by mid-season.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Track the Transactions: Keep an eye on the waiver wire in March 2026. Wyatt Teller and several other Hokie vets will be hitting the open market.
- Support the Rookies: Follow the 2025 draftees on social media—they’re in the middle of that brutal first-to-second year transition where most NFL players either make it or break it.
- Check the Preseason Rosters: By August 2026, there will likely be 10-15 more Hokies signing UDFA (Undrafted Free Agent) deals. That’s where the next Joey Slye or Divine Deablo usually comes from.
The pipeline is healthy. It's not always flashy, and it's definitely not always easy, but the presence of Virginia Tech in the NFL is only getting stronger. Whether they're pancaking defenders in Cleveland or racking up tackles in Chicago, the Hokies are everywhere.