You can always tell when a Hokie is on the field. It's usually the guy doing the "dirty work" or the defensive back who seems to be playing a completely different speed than everyone else. Honestly, Blacksburg has always been a bit of an anomaly in the college football landscape. It isn't Hollywood, and it isn't the SEC, but the sheer volume of Virginia Tech NFL players currently holding down starting roster spots is kind of wild when you actually look at the numbers.
People think the "Lunch Pail" era died with Frank Beamer. They're wrong.
While the program has had its ups and downs in the ACC lately, the professional pipeline hasn't skipped a beat. If you’re a Vikings fan, a Bears fan, or just someone who follows the league on Sundays, you've definitely seen the impact. From massive offensive linemen to rangy linebackers, the Hokie fingerprint is all over the 2025-2026 season.
The Anchors: Christian Darrisaw and the O-Line Standard
Let's talk about Christian Darrisaw. If you want to understand what Virginia Tech does best, look at the left tackle position in Minnesota. Darrisaw is basically a human fortress. He recently dealt with some complex knee issues that sidelined him late in 2025, but the Vikings’ front office treats him like the franchise cornerstone he is. When he's healthy, he's arguably a top-three tackle in the entire league.
He isn't alone on the line, either. Wyatt Teller has been a multi-time Pro Bowler for the Cleveland Browns, basically becoming the poster child for late-round draft steals. He was a fifth-round pick who turned into one of the most feared pulling guards in football.
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Current Hokies in the Trenches (January 2026)
- Christian Darrisaw (Minnesota Vikings): The franchise LT. Even with the 2025 injury bug, his 2026 outlook is massive.
- Wyatt Teller (Cleveland Browns): The definition of "Hokie Stone." Just a dominant, physical run blocker.
- Yosh Nijman (Active Roster): A massive swing tackle who has carved out a real career after being an undrafted free agent.
- Brock Hoffman (Active Roster): A center/guard hybrid who is proving that Tech’s "lunch pail" mentality travels well.
- Luke Tenuta: Still grinding and providing depth on the active roster.
The Defensive Disrupters: Tremaine Edmunds and Company
It’s impossible to discuss Virginia Tech NFL players without mentioning the Edmunds family. Tremaine Edmunds is currently a beast for the Chicago Bears. He recently became one of the youngest players in NFL history to hit 100 career games played, which is a testament to how early he made the jump.
Coming into early 2026, Tremaine has been a tackle machine. He’s got that rare 6'4" frame that lets him erase passing lanes in the middle of the field. His brother, Terrell Edmunds, is also still active, showing that those Blacksburg genetics are just different.
And then there’s Divine Deablo. Seriously, what a name. He’s been a staple for the Las Vegas Raiders at linebacker. He’s one of those "positionless" players Tech used to love—a former safety who put on weight and now plays linebacker with defensive back speed.
Why the Defense Still Dominates
The Hokie defense was built on speed. You see it in guys like Chamarri Conner with the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s out there winning Super Bowls and playing a vital role in Steve Spagnuolo’s complex schemes. Or Chuck Clark, who has been a veteran leader in secondaries for years. These guys aren't always the "flashy" first-round picks (though some are), but they are the guys coaches trust to be in the right spot at 3rd and 7.
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The Playmakers: From Tyrod to the New Guard
We have to mention the quarterbacks. Tyrod Taylor is still in the league in 2026. Let that sink in. He’s a bridge starter and a high-end backup who has outlasted dozens of younger "stars." He’s the ultimate professional.
Then you have the Hendon Hooker saga. While he finished his college career at Tennessee, Hokie fans still claim him—and for good reason, he started his journey in Blacksburg. As of early 2026, he's been moved around a bit, recently landing on the New York Jets' active roster. He’s still a polarizing prospect, but the talent is undeniable.
- Khalil Herbert: Still a productive back who provides a burst in the run game.
- James Mitchell: The Detroit Lions tight end who is a sneaky-good red zone target.
- Joey Slye: One of the strongest legs in the league. When you need a 55-yarder in the wind, he’s the guy.
What Most People Get Wrong About Tech Pros
There’s this misconception that Virginia Tech only produces "system" players. People think that if you aren't playing in a Beamer-ball special teams unit, you won't succeed.
That's nonsense.
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Look at Wyatt Teller. He was barely a blip on the national radar at Tech, but he developed into an elite pro because the fundamental coaching in Blacksburg is world-class. The school focuses on technique over hype. That’s why you see so many undrafted Hokies like Josh Fuga or Da'Quan Felton making noise on practice squads and active rosters. They know how to work.
The 2026 Outlook: Who’s Next?
The transfer portal has changed everything, but the core of the Hokie pipeline is still strong. Bhayshul Tuten is a name you need to watch. He has that breakaway speed that translates perfectly to the modern NFL. And don't sleep on Dorian Strong at cornerback. He’s got the "Shutdown Corner" DNA that the Hokies have been known for since the days of DeAngelo Hall and Kyle Fuller.
If you’re tracking Virginia Tech NFL players for your fantasy league or just because you bleed maroon and orange, keep an eye on the defensive line. There is a new wave of interior defenders coming out of Tech who are built for the heavy-set schemes NFL teams are moving back toward.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts
If you are following the Hokies into the next draft cycle or tracking active players, here is the reality:
- Watch the O-Line: Any tackle coming out of Tech is worth a second look. The coaching consistency there is the best in the ACC.
- Health is Key: Keep a close eye on Christian Darrisaw’s 2026 comeback. If he returns to 100%, he’s an All-Pro lock.
- Special Teams Value: Tech players almost always play "Teams." This is why they stay on NFL rosters longer than guys from bigger "star" schools.
Virginia Tech isn't just a college program; it's a developmental factory. Whether it's Tremaine Edmunds racking up 100 tackles in Chicago or Chamarri Conner locking down receivers in KC, the Hokie presence in the NFL is only getting stronger.
The next step is simple. Check the weekly injury reports for the 2026 season and see how many Hokies are listed as "Active." You might be surprised at just how much of the league's Tuesday film sessions are dominated by guys who spent their Saturdays in Lane Stadium.