Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The 2025 NFL Playoffs officially kicked off this past Saturday, giving fans the first exciting entry into a postseason that will conclude with Super Bowl LX early next month. Wild Card Weekend lived up to its name over three days of competition, as four of the six contests – including all three NFC contests – saw the winning team secure victory by four points or fewer.
Between a mix of dramatic fourth quarter finishes and standout defensive performances from several squads, former Hokies greatly contributed to their teams on gameday. In this postseason edition of NFL Hokies, we look at the Tech alumni who made the greatest impact for their teams over Wild Card Weekend – and look ahead to key matchups awaiting fans in the Divisional Round.
Bhayshul Tuten – Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
A fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, rookie tailback Bhayshul Tuten has given the Jaguars’ offense plenty to be happy about in his first year with the team. Entering Sunday’s contest against the Buffalo Bills, the former All-ACC Second Team running back tallied 386 total yards of offense alongside seven total touchdowns, five of which were rushing efforts, over 15 appearances.
In his first career postseason contest, Tuten stepped into the spotlight behind 51 rushing yards on four attempts, averaging 12.8 yards a carry. The New Jersey native was integral in getting Jacksonville on the board, as Tuten’s 20-yard, 14-yard, and 13-yard carries – all of which were consecutive efforts – allowed for quarterback Trevor Lawrence to find wideout Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone early in the second quarter.
Even though the Jacksonville offense continued to produce throughout the contest, Buffalo came away with the victory, 27-24. Tuten’s first year with the Jaguars ends with 437 total yards of offense and seven touchdowns.
Tremaine Edmunds – Linebacker, Chicago Bears
Tremaine Edmunds has been one of Chicago’s most impressive defensive standouts throughout the 2025 campaign. The former 2018 first-round pick continually finds himself at the top of the tackling leaderboards for the Bears, often using his 6-foot-4, 251-pound frame to loom over opposing offenses on gameday.
Edmunds’ production in the Wild Card game against division foe Green Bay was no different. The 2017 Butkus Award Finalist posted six tackles against the Packers this past Saturday, five of which were solo efforts, and a pass deflection against quarterback Jordan Love. Edmunds was a massive part of a Bears defense that, after allowing 21 unanswered points in the first half, rallied and allowed just six points in the second.
In response to the Bears’ defensive effort on gameday, Chicago’s offense capitalized by roaring back with a 25-point fourth quarter to emerge victorious, 31-27. For his performance, Pro Football Focus granted Edmunds an 80.2 tackling grade, marking his seventh game with an 80+ grade in the category. The former Hokie also added to his season-average 82.5 run defense grade per PFF, a career high for the eight-year veteran.
Chuck Clark – Safety, Pittsburgh Steelers
Safety Chuck Clark has found a home in his first season in Pittsburgh behind elite athleticism, quickness and tackling ability in the secondary. Now on his second team in as many years since spending six seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Clark’s consistent ability to make significant contributions on the defensive end has been integral in the Virginia native’s career.
Against the Houston Texans on Monday night, Clark posted six tackles, half of which were solo endeavors, alongside a pass deflection and a tackle for loss over 33 snaps. Per PFF, Clark earned an impressive 89.1 overall defense grade and an 80.1 coverage grade for his efforts, both of which sit as season-high marks.
While the Pittsburgh defense was able to hang tough against the Texans, it was Houston’s top-rated defensive front that overwhelmed the Steelers offense. Behind a 23-point fourth quarter that saw two defensive touchdowns, Houston claimed victory, 30-6. Clark’s season ends with 57 tackles (34 solo) and four pass deflections.
Notable Matchups in the Divisional Round
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Sunday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC
MVP favorite Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams will look to extend their season when they travel to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Both teams in the contest emerged victorious behind impressive fourth quarter efforts over Wild Card Weekend, including game-winning throws by both Stafford and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Former Hokie Tremaine Edmunds is slated to suit up once again for a Chicago defense that will aim to slow down a Los Angeles offense that ranks first in points per game (30.7).