Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The NFL season has officially eclipsed the halfway mark of the 2025 campaign, giving fans much to talk about as the playoff picture slowly begins to come into focus. On the gridiron, several of Blacksburg’s most revered athletes are showcasing their talents in game-changing in all three phases. In this week’s edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we take a closer look at the most impressive performances from the last two weeks of the 2025 NFL season.
Bhayshul Tuten – Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
Rookie tailback Bhayshul Tuten has been a consistent factor in the Jacksonville run game throughout the 2025 campaign. Selected in the fourth round of last year’s NFL Draft, the Portsmouth, N.J. native contributes mightily in short-yardage situations that highlight his forceful running technique.
Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, Tuten exploded for a career-high 74 yards on 15 carries (4.9 yards per carry) and found the end zone on a 4-yard rush in the first quarter. The score was the former All-ACC Third Team running back’s third rushing touchdown of the year and fourth of his early career.
Tuten and the Jaguars would go on to dominate the Chargers in the contest, winning handily by a score of 35-6. Jacksonville will look to achieve their third win in four games when they play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
Chamarri Conner – Safety, Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City safety Chamarri Conner has earned a reputation for high tackle counts over three years in the NFL. The former fourth round pick and Super Bowl LVII winner continues to churn out impressive performances on a weekly basis, now leading the team with an impressive 43 solo tackles.
The Chiefs enjoyed their bye week in Week 10, but Kansas City was back in action against divisional foe Denver in Week 11. Over 62 total snaps at safety, the former ACC Defensive Back of the Week delivered eight total tackles (5 solo) alongside a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry.
While a game-winning field goal by Denver kicker Wil Lutz gave the Chiefs their second loss in as many games, Conner’s 83.9 tackling grade per PFF is the second-best through 11 appearances this season. Kansas City will face the Indianapolis Colts to break past their .500 record in Week 12.
Tremaine Edmunds – Linebacker, Chicago Bears
In eight years at the NFL level, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has become one of the league’s premier defensive forces. The former Butkus Award finalist has a knack for making his presence known in various spots across the field, terrorizing opposing offenses with his elite strength and high football intelligence.
In consecutive wins against the New York Giants in Week 10 and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11, Edmunds delivered 16 total tackles (9 solo), three pass deflections, two quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss. The linebacker is a major reason as to why the Chicago Bears sit at 7-3 for the first time since 2018 and atop the NFC North.
Notable Week 12 Matchups
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears: Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS
The Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the road this weekend as they travel to Soldier Field for a contest against the Chicago Bears. The Steelers, who have dropped three of their last five contests, will aim to find consecutive wins against a Bears team that has won three straight. Defensive Hokies are on both squads for the matchup, as it’s expected that Pittsburgh safety Chuck Clark and Chicago linebacker Tremaine Edmunds will both see the field.
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens: Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. on CBS
For the second time this season, former Virginia Tech standout Tyrod Taylor will get the starting nod as the New York Jets face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon. Taylor, who last saw his name called asthe starting quarterback in Week 3, will look to provide a spark to a Jets team that most recently lost to division rival New England. While it’s guaranteed that Taylor will start at quarterback, keen-eyed fans will have to wait until kickoff to see if first-year Ravens defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles will dress.